Saint Francis University (SFU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) to broaden further study pathways for elite athletes. Under the partnership, Scholarship Athletes nominated by the HKSI will be eligible to apply for designated full-time bachelor's degree, sub-degree and diploma programmes offered by SFU, supporting their dual career development and long-term planning for diverse future pathways.
The MoU was signed by President of SFU Professor Stephen Cheung Yan-leung, and Chief Executive of the HKSI Mr Tony Choi Yuk-kwan, marking the commencement of a three-year partnership.
Professor Cheung said, "As a pioneering applied sciences university, SFU places equal emphasis on knowledge and practice, and we are committed to nurturing diverse talent for society. Through this partnership with the HKSI, athletes can pursue their studies while balancing training and competition, laying a strong foundation for future career development."
Mr Choi expressed his gratitude to SFU for its support in enhancing dual career pathways for elite athletes. He stated, "The HKSI attaches great importance to the whole-person development of elite athletes and has long been providing educational support services. This MOU reflects the shared vision of the HKSI and SFU in promoting dual career development in sports and education. With a broad range of academic disciplines available at SFU, the partnership is expected to benefit more athletes through the joint efforts of both parties."
Under the MoU, the HKSI may nominate eligible Scholarship Athletes to enrol in designated bachelor's degree, sub-degree and diploma programmes at SFU. With programmes spanning humanities and languages, business, social sciences, health sciences and technology, SFU will also provide flexible study arrangements to accommodate athletes' training and competition needs, enabling them to continue their studies in preparation for future development beyond sport.
In addition to academic progression, both parties also aim to build on this partnership to explore further collaborations that better address the developmental needs of elite athletes while deepening exchange and cooperation between the education and sports sectors to jointly promote the holistic development of sporting talent in Hong Kong.