His remarks came following Zhang’s decision to step down in 2028 after serving the role for 10 years.
Speaking to the media after the opening ceremony of the Asian Science Camp, Siegel described Zhang as a close friend, saying he had finished his first “fantastic term” by boosting the university’s standing in the world.
It is “perfectly natural” for Zhang to step down after serving a second five-year term, he said.
Siegel added the HKU council would decide the next president, who would guide the university’s future development.
“I’m a scientist, not a reader of tea leaves or crystal balls. I think we have to wait and see who the new candidate will be. And she or he will then have the power to guide HKU in the way that she or he sees fit,” he said.
“But there are obviously general trends in the world, and that is that Hong Kong will remain an important bridge between East and West, as well as between North and South.”
The Asian Science Camp from August 2 to 8 gathers more than 300 students from nearly 30 countries and regions on the HKU campus to learn from top-tier scientists.
It is the first time the event is being held in Hong Kong.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Zhang encouraged students to challenge themselves during the camp.
