Athlete, Chef and Play Therapist: Reflections of Four HPE graduates
Top, from left: Ms Tsang Hoi-lan, Ms Doo Hoi-kem; bottom, from left: Mr Tommy Wong Ka-chun, Ms Li Xinghe.
Community Voices is a space where readers can share their thoughts with other members of the FLASS community. We welcome submissions on education-related topics, inspirational life experiences, heartwarming stories that took place at EdUHK, and anything else you believe would be a meaningful contribution.
This issue of FLASS FORWARD features contributions from a graduate of the Bachelor of Health Education (Honours) programme, a graduate of the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) (Home Economics / Technology & Living), a graduate of the Master of Social Sciences in Therapeutic Play and Well-Being programme, and a graduate of the Master of Social Sciences in Sports Coaching and Management programme. They are grateful to their programmes for the knowledge they gained and for the guidance their teachers gave in how to apply it to develop their careers and address real-life problems.
Ms Doo Hoi-kem, Mr Tommy Wong Ka-chun, Ms Li Xinghe, Ms Tsang Hoi-lan
Class of 2025
Doo Hoi Kem pictured at the fan activity organised during the 2025 World Table Tennis (WTT) Championship Chongqing Event.
Doo Hoi Kem pictured with her long-time table tennis partner for mixed doubles, Wong Chun-ting, during a match at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Studying for the BHE programme at EdUHK has been a life-changing experience for me. It was challenging to pursue academic knowledge while continuing to be an elite athlete. It demanded careful balancing. I am grateful to the University for the flexible class scheduling, understanding professors, and tailored support, such as online learning resources, class and examination arrangements. This has made my dual career pathway feasible.
The programme equipped me with scientific knowledge in sports nutrition, injury prevention, and mental wellness, which directly improved my table tennis training and performance. Courses like “Exercise Physiology” deepened my understanding of body mechanics. My final-year honours project gave me ample opportunity to share my insights and explore how the knowledge I learnt from classes about physical fitness and health education could be applied in table tennis, Wushu (Chinese martial arts), and other kinds of sports.
EdUHK’s emphasis on well-rounded development was evident throughout this experience. It broadened my academic perspective within my major and enabled me to apply this knowledge in practical cases. These experiences have shaped my future career path.
I’m grateful for EdUHK’s commitment to nurturing student-athletes, helping us excel in sports and beyond.
Tommy Wong Ka-chun pictured in gown and cap during the graduation ceremony at the Tai Po campus.
Tommy Wong Ka-chun pictured teaching a class on Korean BBQ, where he shows students how to prepare various types of BBQ beef and explains the scientific principles behind food and its practical applications in cooking, nutrition, and food safety.
Tommy Wong Ka-chun pictured attending a course on traditional Chinese flaky pastries during a study tour to the Chinese Mainland.
I graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) in Technology and Living (TL), and today I am deeply proud to teach this subject at my alma mater—a local secondary school—where my educational journey first began.
The PGDE programme’s pedagogical training has integrated smoothly into my daily teaching. I often draw on the theories I learnt from the PGDE programme to design lessons that are engaging, practical, and student-centred. For example, when I guide students in making kimchi, they develop hands-on skills and gain meaningful insights into global food cultures. Through activities like this, learning becomes more relevant, memorable, and motivating, helping students connect classroom concepts to real life.
My passion for the teaching profession was greatly shaped by the teaching staff at EdUHK. All the professors and lecturers who taught me during the PGDE programme truly embodied the spirit of lifelong learning. Their guidance inspired me to view teaching as a continuous process of growth, one that requires curiosity and ongoing refinement to meet the evolving needs of our globalised society.
That connection with EdUHK continues today. Whenever I face challenges in my teaching career, I rely on the knowledge, perspective, and encouragement developed during my PGDE studies, which still inspires me to remain adaptable, passionate, and committed to helping my students succeed.
Xinghe learnt from the MSocSc(TPWB) programme the essence of therapeutic play sessions is to put children at the centre and listen to their responses.
Throughout the MSocSc(TPWB) programme, I have gained valuable knowledge and practical experience. The programme curriculum strikes a good balance between theoretical foundations and practical application. Each lesson provides opportunities for us to practise therapeutic skills collaboratively, which has greatly supported our professional growth and development. One of the most important skills I have learnt is to allow children to take the lead during sessions. We are encouraged to respect, accept, and actively listen to children—an approach that may seem simple, yet is often overlooked in everyday interactions with them.
The professors in this programme are highly supportive and dedicated. They consistently strive to support their students, just as they would support the children we aspire to serve. Although this is still a relatively new programme, I am deeply impressed by the collective efforts of both faculty and students to further develop and strengthen the curriculum.
Long-course swimming is Hoi-lan’s favourite sport. She is pictured during a competition in the Hong Kong Age Group Long Course Swimming Championship.
The MSocSc(SCM) programme has given me the opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of the sports industry in Hong Kong, as well as a wide range of resources, including invitation to well-known sports personalities to share their experience in the sports field, and experiential learning opportunities with well-known sports organisations. This has strengthened my practical experience and my understanding of the sports industry, which has been of great benefit to me.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my professors and lecturers for their professional guidance and support, which enabled me to receive the Outstanding Academic Performance Award in 2025/26. In the future, I hope to contribute my knowledge and experience to the development of the sports industry in Hong Kong.
