Is NTHU President Looking for a New Horse While Riding One? Gao Wei-yuan Reportedly Simultaneously Vying for U.S. University Presidency; Ministry of Education and NTHU Respond

In the latest 2027 QS World University Rankings, National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) rose to the 142nd position globally, ranking second among Taiwanese universities and setting a new record. However, NTHU President Gao Wei-yuan, who began his second term in May 2026, was reportedly simultaneously participating in the selection process for the presidency of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, sparking debate in the higher education sector. NTHU issued a statement on the 31st, emphasizing that Gao Wei-yuan's participation in the selection process for a foreign university was a personal decision. The Ministry of Education also explained that the current University Act does not prohibit such behavior.

When does the NTHU presidency term end? Why is Gao Wei-yuan controversial?

NTHU President Gao Wei-yuan began his second four-year term as president (until April 30, 2030) just a few days after May 1, 2026, and immediately flew to the United States to participate in the final selection of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa presidency. Although he was not ultimately selected, it is quite rare for the president of a top national university in Taiwan to compete for a foreign university presidency shortly after reappointment, raising concerns about potential impacts on his commitment to NTHU's affairs. Some media revealed that the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa presidency selection had three finalists, one of whom was Gao Wei-yuan.

Is Gao Wei-yuan's simultaneous participation in foreign university selection illegal? What do NTHU and the Ministry of Education say?

In response, NTHU issued a statement emphasizing that the progress of all major projects has not been affected, and that Gao Wei-yuan has continued to invest in campus affairs during his tenure, including the Tsing Hua Science Park project and the Outstanding Talent Development Fund. This year's anniversary fundraising amount also set a new high. Regarding external doubts about Gao Wei-yuan's frequent overseas trips, the school stated that Gao Wei-yuan travels abroad about 5-6 times a year, most of which are campus-related trips, including international talent recruitment, innovation and entrepreneurship exchanges, etc., totaling about 20 days abroad per year. He personally presides over almost all university-level and campus affairs meetings. The Ministry of Education responded that, according to the current University Act, there is no legal prohibition on national university presidents participating in the selection of other school presidents, as long as it does not affect the execution of their original duties, it does not violate relevant regulations.

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