[1] Previously he served as the vice-president of Southern University of Science and Technology.

He did post-doctoral research at the University of Edinburgh under the supervision of John Michael Rotter.

He was dean of the School of Construction and Environment in September 2007, and held that office until June 2013.

In April 2018 he became vice-president of Southern University of Science and Technology and dean of its Graduate School.

On 26 March 2019, he was hired as President of Hong Kong Polytechnic University.