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
New York ETO strengthens economic, academic and cultural ties and promotes talent admission schemes in Atlanta
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) strengthened economic, academic and cultural ties and promoted talent admission schemes in Atlanta through hosting high-level meetings, sharing sessions in universities and participating in a dragon boat festival.
The Director of New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho, conducted a visit to Atlanta from September 10 to 12 (Atlanta time). During the visit, Ms Ho met with Managing Director of the Georgia Department of Economic Development Ms Stella Xu on September 10. Ms Ho provided an update on the latest developments in Hong Kong and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, including opportunities to strengthen co-operation in trade, investment and innovation. On September 11, Ms Ho met with the Executive Director of Atlanta's Mayor Office of International and Immigrant Affairs, Ms Paulina Guzman. Later in the afternoon, she also met with Gainesville Mayor, Mr Zack Thompson, and Tourism Director, Ms Robyn Lynch. Ms Ho expressed her appreciation for the two cities' continued support and valued partnership.
During her visit, Ms Ho met separately with senior representatives of Georgia's leading academic institutions, namely Emory University, Georgia State University and the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). The meetings explored opportunities to deepen academic and research collaboration, and expand student exchanges. Ms Ho also met with students at sharing sessions at Emory and Georgia Tech to introduce Hong Kong as a dynamic global business and financial hub. She highlighted the city's international career opportunities and extensive professional networks. She also outlined Hong Kong's various talent admission schemes and career pathways available to graduates, researchers and young professionals. Recent graduates from both institutions also took part in the sessions to share first-hand experiences and practical insights on establishing their professional careers in Hong Kong.
Ms Ho concluded her visit on September 12. She officiated at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Lanier Olympic Park. This year's festival attracted 60 teams and a total of 1 500 paddlers to participate in the races. It also introduced a new All-Cancer Paddler Division, welcoming survivors of all cancer types to compete together in a supportive and empowering environment. In addition, the festival also expanded its cultural and educational programming, celebrating Hong Kong's rich cultural heritage while fostering unity, understanding and community.
New York ETO strengthens economic, academic and cultural ties and promotes talent admission schemes in Atlanta Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
New York ETO strengthens economic, academic and cultural ties and promotes talent admission schemes in Atlanta Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
New York ETO strengthens economic, academic and cultural ties and promotes talent admission schemes in Atlanta Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
New York ETO strengthens economic, academic and cultural ties and promotes talent admission schemes in Atlanta Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
New York ETO strengthens economic, academic and cultural ties and promotes talent admission schemes in Atlanta Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
New York ETO strengthens economic, academic and cultural ties and promotes talent admission schemes in Atlanta Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
New York ETO strengthens economic, academic and cultural ties and promotes talent admission schemes in Atlanta Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
New York ETO strengthens economic, academic and cultural ties and promotes talent admission schemes in Atlanta Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
New York ETO strengthens economic, academic and cultural ties and promotes talent admission schemes in Atlanta Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
New York ETO strengthens economic, academic and cultural ties and promotes talent admission schemes in Atlanta Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
New York ETO strengthens economic, academic and cultural ties and promotes talent admission schemes in Atlanta Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
