EdUHK Hosts International Conference on Sport, Health and Education Advancing Research, Practice and Whole-Person Development
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) hosted the international conference Shaping the Future: Sport, Health and Education from 2 to 4 November on its Tai Po Campus. The event brought together more than 400 scholars, educators, researchers and practitioners from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and overseas to examine how sport, physical activity and education can jointly promote health, well-being and whole-person development.
Organised by EdUHK’s Department of Health and Physical Education (HPE), the conference centred on three themes: Health, Physical Activity and Societal Impact; Excellence in Sport, Physical Education and Performance; and Professional Practice. Against the backdrop of growing emphasis on inclusive participation and the links between physical and mental well-being, the event provided an international platform for exchanging insights and translating research into practice.
The opening ceremony featured a lion dance and rope-skipping performance by primary school students, showcasing the vitality and diversity of physical activities. In his video address, EdUHK President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin stated the University’s commitment to nurturing professional educators, while continuously expanding educational and research endeavours into health, sport, science, technology and the social sciences. He pointed out that, the future of sport, health, and education relies on the collaborative efforts of different professions and disciplines to promote knowledge exchange and experience sharing.
Dr Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education, also addressed participants via video message. She underscored the importance of daily physical activity in fostering a healthy sports culture, noting that the Education Bureau is working to ensure physical literacy becomes an integral part of every child’s routine through initiatives such as “MVPA60”. She further called on all sectors to help create environments where every student—regardless of background or ability—can benefit from physical education and sport. Dr Choi emphasised that teachers and coaches are central to this endeavour and that continuing professional development is therefore essential to support inclusive learning.
Keynote presentations were delivered by three distinguished speakers: Ms Anita Hobson-Powell, Chief Executive Officer of Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand, shared Australia’s experience in establishing sport and exercise science as a recognised profession and reflected on the implications for Asia. Professor Hong Ping, Standing Member of the CPC Committee and Vice President of Beijing Sport University, examined how an integrated systems approach can inform the development and performance of elite athletes. Professor Lauren Sherar, Professor of Physical Activity and Public Health and Dean of the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University, discussed how physical activity interventions for young people can be both effective in research settings and sustainable in real-world practice.
The programme also included eight invited presentations by internationally renowned scholars and practitioners from Australia, China, France, Italy and the United Kingdom, alongside more than 140 oral and poster presentations. These sessions offered valuable opportunities for researchers, educators and practitioners to share findings, exchange insights and discuss emerging issues and trends.
The conference also featured a gala dinner, providing an opportunity for participants to network and exchange ideas. The evening included a commendation and cheque presentation ceremony honouring EdUHK student-athlete medallists at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi–Nagoya, recognising their sporting achievements and echoing the conference’s themes of sporting excellence and whole-person development.
Reflecting on the discussions, Professor Amy Ha, the Conference Chair and Head of HPE, noted that the integration of coaching, sports science, physical education and institutional support is vital to nurturing sporting excellence. She highlighted the achievements of EdUHK student-athletes and alumni at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi–Nagoya as examples of how such support contributes to both athletic success and whole-person development.
The conference underscored EdUHK’s commitment to advancing research, education and professional practice in sport, health and education. By convening international expertise and diverse professional perspectives, the event strengthened collaboration and laid the foundation for future developments in physical activity, sporting performance and holistic growth.
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EdUHK Hosts International Conference on Sport, Health and Education Advancing Research, Practice and Whole-Person Development
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