PSCST: Hong Kong Baptist University Opens Centre for Exercise Science and Medicine to Boost Sports Development

Speech by PSCST at opening ceremony of Centre for Exercise Science and Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University

Following is the speech by the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum, at the opening ceremony of the Centre for Exercise Science and Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), today (April 17):

The Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum (left), Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Dr Wong (Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU, Dr Kennedy Wong), Professor Wai (President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU, Professor Alex Wai), Professor Pigozzi (President of the International Federation of Sports Medicine, Professor Fabio Pigozzi), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:

Good morning.

I am very happy to join you all today at the opening ceremony of the Centre for Exercise Science and Medicine at the Hong Kong Baptist University.

Sports development in Hong Kong has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, which is evident in athletes' outstanding achievements. Our elite athletes brought home a record of two golds and two bronzes at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024, and set another record by capturing 19 medals at the 15th National Games last year. Such triumphs not only speak for the talent and strength of our athletes, but also demonstrates the contributions of our sports medicine and sports science professionals.

The Government has shown continuous support in the development of sports medicine and sports science, which is essential to elite sports development in Hong Kong.

The Government and the Hong Kong Jockey Club jointly committed $300 million to launch the Sports Science and Research Funding Scheme in 2022, which aims to enhance athletes' competitiveness in major international games. As of today, a total of 31 research projects have been approved with the funding amount reaching $198 million. The Hong Kong Baptist University has taken part in one of these projects on monitoring athletes' health, the results of which have been applied to support athletes' training. The Hong Kong Sports Institute will continue to explore more research projects with research institutes to further enhance the training effectiveness of our elite athletes.

The opening of the Centre for Exercise Science and Medicine today represents an important milestone in the development of sports medicine and sports science in Hong Kong. As the first collaborating centre of the International Federation of Sports Medicine in Hong Kong, it is expected to foster exchanges between the sports medicine and sports science community in Hong Kong and that around the world.

I would like to express my gratitude to the Hong Kong Baptist University for your long-standing commitment to and support in nurturing sports talents over the years. With the establishment of this new Centre, I am confident that the University will continue to contribute to the excellence of our athletes, advance research in sports medicine and sports science, and further enhance professionalism in the wider sports community.

Congratulations again to the Hong Kong Baptist University. May this Centre serve as a platform where academic excellence and commitment to sports continue to flourish.

Thank you.

The Hong Kong Baptist University, Photo source: official website of HKBU

Unconscious person in custody dies in hospital

A 39-year-old male person in custody, who had been found unconscious in Siu Lam Psychiatric Centre, died in a public hospital today (April 17).

The person in custody suffered from mental illness. He required continuous medical care and follow-up treatment at a institution hospital and a public hospital. At 2.57am today, the person in custody was found unconscious in a cell by a correctional officer. The officer immediately called for reinforcement to provide first-aid treatment to him, and an ambulance was called at once to send him to a public hospital for further rescue. He remained unconscious after being sent to the public hospital. His condition deteriorated and he was certified dead at 8.23am today.

The case has been reported to the Police. A death inquest will be held by the Coroner's Court.

The person in custody was sentenced to imprisonment for the offence of wounding in January 2026.

Source: AI-found images