(Hong Kong, 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 today 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.”

As part of the partnership, HSUHK will provide flexible study arrangements for athletes recommended by SF&OC. For each academic year, SF&OC can nominate a maximum of five athletes for admission to HSUHK’s undergraduate or postgraduate programmes. To better accommodate athletes’ training, competitions and study schedule, HSUHK will extend the study period for student-athletes as needed and provide them with designated support in academic and career planning. HKACEP will also offer various support to student-athletes, including scholarships, consultation and life skills training programmes, to enhance athletes’ competitiveness in the job market.

Press release jointly issued by:

The Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China – Hong Kong Athletes Career & Education Programme and The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong