Why did President Kao apply for a university president role in the US?

He cited curiosity about cross-cultural leadership differences, though it raised concerns about commitment to his current role.

Why are Taiwanese university presidents sought after globally?

They often combine strong research credentials with bilingual and bicultural leadership experience.

Will this incident damage NTHU's reputation?

Short-term criticism exists, but it may also highlight the global competitiveness of its leadership.

Reappointed for Just 3 Days, NTHU President Flies to U.S. for University Presidency Interview! Kao Wei-Yuan Responds to 'Job-Hopping' Criticism: 'This Role Truly Sparked My Curiosity'

Published Aug 9, 2026 9:32 PM ・ Updated Aug 9, 2026 10:10 PM ・ 4 min read ・ Source: PR Times

National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) President Kao Wei-Yuan began his second term on May 1, but just three days later, he traveled to the U.S. to interview for the presidency of the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Accused of 'job-hopping,' Kao has now issued his first public response, apologizing and admitting the opportunity 'sparked my curiosity' due to insufficient understanding of East-West workplace culture differences.

National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) President Kao Wei-Yuan began his second term on May 1. However, it was revealed that just three days after his reappointment, he traveled to the United States to interview for the final selection of the presidency at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. This move has drawn criticism for 'job-hopping'—seeking a new position while still holding a current one—and has sparked public debate.

In response, Kao Wei-Yuan sent an email to the university community today (9th), issuing his first official response and apology. "Dear members of the NTHU community, I sincerely apologize for the distress and anxiety caused by the news on July 31 and the subsequent public discourse," he stated.

Kao admitted, "Poaching is common in higher education and industry, but it is extremely rare for a foreign university to recruit a sitting university president from Taiwan. When this opportunity arose, it genuinely sparked my curiosity. This reflects my insufficient understanding of the differences between Eastern and Western workplace cultures."

He emphasized that he deeply values his connection with every member of the NTHU community and hopes for continued support as they work together to reach new heights for the university.

More exclusive reports from Wind Media: · Is NTHU President Kao Job-Hopping? Kao Allegedly Competed for U.S. University Presidency—Responses from the Ministry of Education and NTHU · Was Kao Wei-Yuan’s 'Job-Hopping' Wrong? A U.S.-based Professor Reconstructs the Timeline: He Had the Best Credentials but Lost Over This Issue · Kao Reappointed at NTHU, Then Criticized for U.S. Selection Process—Supporters Push Back: Taiwan Can’t Retain Talent with Emotional Appeals Alone

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Source: PR Times
Category: 人事

Reappointed for Just 3 Days, NTHU President Flies to U.S. for University Presidency Interview! Kao Wei-Yuan Responds to 'Job-Hopping' Criticism: 'This Role Truly Sparked My Curiosity'

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