11 November 2022
The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) and Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Hong Kong Athletes Education Programme on 11 November 2022 (Fri) to support athletes in dual academic and sports development. This partnership will provide all-round learning opportunities to athletes by offering flexible admission and study arrangements. The MOU was signed by Professor Simon S M HO, President of HSUHK and Mr. Timothy T. T. FOK, GBS, JP, President of SF&OC.
In his address, Professor HO expressed his gratitude to SF&OC for making HSUHK the third local partner institution. He said, “HSUHK is a young and dynamic university which puts quality teaching and students’ all-round development as its highest priorities. To go in line with the mission of Hong Kong Athletes Career & Education Programme (HKACEP), HSUHK will help raise the education level of the athletes, as well as training them to become talents with critical thinking, innovative minds, caring attitude, moral values and social responsibility.”
Mr. Timothy FOK said, “While athletes have sacrificed much of their time in studies to represent Hong Kong, China in pursuing excellence in the international competitions, they also proactively seek ways to pursue self-enhancement. SF&OC has been committed to formulating a diversified education and employment support scheme, enabling athletes to get a full range of training and development opportunities after retirement.” He thanked the HSUHK for signing MOU with SF&OC after The Education University of Hong Kong and the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong. He was grateful for its continuous support to local athletes for their own transformation and contribution to society, adding that SF&OC is looking forward to further cooperation with HSUHK.
TUNG Ka-wai, a member of the Hong Kong Archery Team and a Year 2 student of the BBA (Hons) in Professional Accountancy programme at HSUHK, said, “Athletes may lack confidence when they start their studies at university. Yet, the qualities that athletes acquire, including self-discipline, perseverance, mental toughness, pursuit of perfection and clear goal, are all beneficial to their studies. HSUHK encourages student-athletes to balance their studies and frequent training and competitions, as well as providing me with support and resources to promote archery on campus.”
Mr. FOK and SF&OC members were invited to visit Lee Shau Kee Complex after the Signing Ceremony. HSUHK sports team members welcomed and introduced the sports facilities and the development of HSUHK sports teams. Mr. Hoffman Tse, Year-4 student of BBA-MKT programme, the captain of HSUHK swimming team and the member of HSUHK men’s soccer team, shared that HSUHK provided venues for student athletes for the regular training and various types of supports, such as arranging sports-related volunteer services to student athletes. Athletes were also encouraged to organise various sports activities and competitions so as to gain relevant experience. Their self-discipline and leadership were also nurtured for the whole-person development.
