CUHK Lecturer Apologizes for Sexist Remarks Advising Women to Marry Wealth
A senior economics lecturer at the Chinese University of Hong Kong faces severe backlash and student demands for suspension after advising female students against pursuing PhDs and suggesting they marry wealth instead.
A major gender and political controversy has engulfed the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), one of East Asia’s most prestigious public academic institutions, following controversial remarks made by a senior faculty member. Dr. Terence Chong Tai-leung, a senior economics lecturer and vice-head of New Asia College, issued a public apology on Facebook after facing severe backlash over comments perceived as chauvinistic and misogynistic, as reported by the South China Morning Post.
The Controversial Lecture
The storm erupted after a lecture titled "How to Invest in Your Life?", part of the college's bi-weekly lecture series. During the session, Chong offered students advice on relationships and choosing partners, suggesting that men should avoid partners of the same age or those living too far away. Furthermore, he hinted that academic achievements benefit women far less than "marrying wealth," and advised female students to reconsider pursuing doctoral degrees due to the perceived value of youth in the marriage market, according to the Central News Agency.
These statements sparked immediate outrage among attendees, who argued that they undermined equal opportunities and reduced women's ambitions to economic and superficial considerations. Formal complaints were subsequently filed with the university’s Equal Opportunities Commission.
Student Demands and Apology
Following the incident, the New Asia College Assembly Watch Group, comprising students and alumni, was formed. The group argued that the lecturer’s remarks severely damaged the college's academic reputation and launched a petition demanding Chong’s immediate suspension pending a comprehensive investigation, as reported by Ming Pao.
"I sincerely apologize for the public dissatisfaction and distress caused to some individuals by my remarks," Chong wrote in his social media post.
In a second apology, Chong attempted to soften the impact, emphasizing that he respects women and believes both genders possess equal capabilities and important societal roles. The administration of the Chinese University of Hong Kong has not yet issued an official response to media inquiries regarding the incident.
