The 15th president and vice- chancellor of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) Peter Mathieson assumed office Tuesday.

"I am delighted to become the 15th president of HKU. I will endeavor to make the university achieve the next level of excellence together with college students, teachers and colleagues, " Mathieson started his speech in Cantonese as the new president.

Mathieson was appointed as the new president by the Council of HKU in October of 2013, succeeding Professor Lap-Chee Tsui.

Mathieson is a teacher, clinician, medical researcher and academic leader, and used to be the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Bristol.

He is a distinguished nephrologist with a clinical interest in autoimmune renal diseases, and has rich experience in developing research and innovation strategies for the University of Bristol and the higher education sector in Britain.

Due to his lack of work experiences in China's Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland, Mathieson's appointment was triggered controversy Mathieson expressed his willingness to learn of everything about HKU and Hong Kong, and win trust through his efforts.

According to Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2013, HKU ranked the 3rd in Asia and 43rd in the world.