FLASS represents EdUHK to sign a MOU with East China Normal University

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by Professor Li Wai-keung, Dean of FLASS and Professor Ji Liu, Dean of the College of Physical Education and Health of East China Normal University (ECNU) at a virtual signing ceremony held on 5 August. The signing ceremony was presided over by EdUHK Deputy Council Chairman and Chairman of Shanghai Hong Kong Association Dr Terence Chan Ho-wah. The MOU marks a three-year partnership between the two universities that will strengthen the physical education (PE) discipline.

At the ceremony, EdUHK announced that it has joined the Chinese Association of Physical Education – a network dedicated to fostering collaboration among member institutions for the development and reform of physical education. As the first local university to join the Association, EdUHK entered into the above MOU with ECNU.

With the approval of the Department of Physical, Health and Arts Education of the Ministry of Education, the Chinese Association of Physical Education was established in 2013 by 10 higher education institutions in mainland China, including Peking University, Beijing Normal University, Tianjin University of Sport, and ECNU to promote reforms and enhance learning and teaching in the field of PE at a national level. As a member of the Association, EdUHK will join hands with ECNU and other member institutions to foster innovation and nurture sports talent for the benefit of the country.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Terence Chan said, “The new partnership with ECNU represents our commitment to fostering PE curriculum reforms in primary, secondary and tertiary education for the country. Leveraging our well-established networks, outstanding talent and quality research output, I have every confidence that our collaboration will benefit students and the development of physical and health education.”

EdUHK Vice President (Academic) and Provost Professor John Lee Chi-kin added, “As a university adopting an Education-plus approach, EdUHK not only offers professional training for PE teachers, but also champions the spirit of “Sports for All”. The new agreement will strengthen our collaboration in academic, research and related areas, and facilitate student exchange activities. This will enable us to make an even greater contribution through our respective expertise.”

ECNU Vice President Professor Dai Liyi said, “The College of Physical Education and Health of ECNU has been an acclaimed institution in the sector. With our traditional strengths and competitive edge, we will work together to bring national sport education to a higher level, forge exchanges between faculty members, and nurture talent for the long-term development of the sector.”

Professor Ji Liu echoed, “As an initiator of the Association, ECNU attaches great importance to the MOU which, we believe, will help support the comprehensive development of PE and broaden the scope of academic exchange.”

Professor Li Wai-keung said, “The Department of Health and Physical Education under FLASS has a strong team of sports scientists and health experts. Our scholars not only dedicate themselves to teaching and research, but often go outside the campus to work together with sports professionals and school coaches to advance their training methods and PE knowledge. I am sure that with our expertise in the field, the MOU will enable us to make meaningful contributions to the Chinese Association of Physical Education.”

The ceremony was followed by a webinar, which examined the impact of the pandemic on PE and the way forward during the post-pandemic era. Addressing the webinar were Professor Wang Xiaozan of ECNU and Dr Lobo Louie Hung-tak, Associate Head of Department of Health and Physical Education (HPE) of EdUHK. Mr Kevin Kam Wai-keung, Director of School Partnership and Field Experience, and Dr Andy Tse Choi-yeung, Acting Head of HPE at EdUHK, also shared their perspectives on the same occasion.