Hong Kong professor apologises for comments on marriage and women in academia, but maintains he ‘did not discriminate’

A university professor from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Terence Chong, has apologized for his controversial comments on marriage and women in academia during a college-wide presentation. The remarks, which were delivered during a biweekly assembly, have sparked backlash on social media, with students accusing him of promoting misogynistic and outdated gender norms.

According to posts on Threads, Chong stated that academic achievements are "useless" for women and compared finding a suitable husband to "fishing for a golden tortoise," a phrase often used as a euphemism for securing a wealthy spouse. He also reportedly urged female students against pursuing PhD programs, asserting that a woman's youth is "very precious."

Chong has denied making those statements and apologized for the comments, stating that he did not discriminate. He maintained that he believed both men and women could find rich partners but did not elaborate on the rationale behind his remarks targeting women. The controversy has led students to demand an official investigation into Chong's talk and an apology from him, with some even calling for his resignation as associate college head.