Community Voices

Community Voices is a corner 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.

In this issue of FLASS FORWARD, five graduates from the Department of Health and Physical Education share with us what they have learnt from their studies at FLASS, and how education at EdUHK has shaped their personal and professional development. Readers can gain insights from their stories not only about how they see themselves as PE teachers, district councilor, and event organiser, but also about their greatest ambition of promoting health and wellness for Hong Kong people.

Mr Justin Wong, Ms Cheung Fong-lin, Mr Ronald Yeung Yin-hon, Miss Kitty Ho Wing-man, Mr Philip Liu Hongjin

I graduated from the Bachelor of Science in Sports Science and Coaching (BSc(SPSC)) programme at EdUHK in 2024. I am excited to share my transformative journey, filled with invaluable lessons and unforgettable experiences. My time at EdUHK has not only equipped me with essential knowledge in sports science and coaching but has also fostered deep and meaningful relationships with my classmates.

Participating in the university basketball squad stands out as one of the most enriching experiences of my sporting life. The camaraderie we built, both on and off the court, was exceptional and created a supportive environment that was conducive to growth. Our diligent training sessions were not merely about improving skills; they were about pushing each other to excel, enhancing our strategies, and embracing the spirit of teamwork. Competing in inter-university tournaments taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, discipline, and cooperation. I still vividly recall the exhilaration of our first victory and the crucial insights gained from our defeats. Each game was not just a contest; it was an opportunity for personal development, shaping my character and instilling in me a profound sense of determination.

The learning activity and experience during the 2-day 1-night GBA trip in Foshan further broadened my horizons. Immersing myself in a distinct culture while exploring traditional Chinese sports was enlightening. Learning about Chinese Kung Fu (Wing Chun) from Master Dong Chonghua, who is the second-generation successor of Wing Chun was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that deepened my understanding of martial arts. This experience not only provided novel insights into the promotion of intangible cultural heritage but also highlighted the determination of the local government regarding cultural preservation. The hospitality of the local community and the passion of the government inspired me to appreciate the rich tapestry of sports culture and its role in fostering connections among people.

I am immensely grateful for the friendships I developed during my time at EdUHK and the opportunities I was afforded. These relationships have enriched my life. I am eager to inspire others to embrace an active lifestyle and advocate for the principles of respect and cooperation that I have learned. EdUHK has played a pivotal role in shaping my journey, and I have continued my sporting voyage with gratitude and purpose while studying for a Master of Social Sciences in Sports Coaching at EdUHK.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Education in Physical Education (BEd(PE)) in 2024 and subsequently began my career as a teacher in a secondary school. Throughout my training, I completed two placements in both secondary and primary educational settings, which significantly contributed to my understanding of my future career development.

During my time as a student, I acquired not only professional knowledge in Physical Education but also participated in specialised skills programmes that equipped me with strategies for teaching and supporting students with special educational needs (SEN). This training has proven invaluable in my current role, as I frequently encounter a substantial number of SEN students. While many of my colleagues are required to undertake additional coursework in this area, I had already completed my training, enabling me to effectively engage with and instruct these students.

In addition to my major, I elected to pursue English Language as my minor subject. My longstanding interest in English studies allowed me to thoroughly enjoy the related coursework, and I have witnessed significant improvements in my language proficiency as a result. This enhancement has also greatly increased my competitiveness in the job market, as it is uncommon for a Physical Education teacher to hold a minor in English and to be qualified to teach that subject as well. I am therefore exceedingly grateful for the opportunity to undertake these courses.

My advice to those studying this course is to embrace a spirit of exploration. In addition to striving for excellence in your academic pursuits, it is equally important to engage in extracurricular activities and explore unfamiliar fields of interest. Taking advantage of diverse opportunities allows you to broaden your horizons, which can significantly alter your perspective on challenges.

By actively participating in various experiences, you cultivate a more adaptable mindset. This approach enables you to view obstacles from different angles and enhances your problem-solving skills. Gaining multiple perspectives can lead to innovative solutions and enrich your overall educational experience. Therefore, I encourage you to seek out new opportunities and experiences that will contribute to both your personal and professional development.

Since retiring as an athlete, EdUHK has provided me with a valuable opportunity to pursue my first undergraduate programme—Bachelor of Health Education (Honours) (BHE). Over the four years on campus, I not only gained extensive knowledge but also experienced significant personal growth.

The BHE programme has a diverse curriculum, covering topics such as undesirable habits affecting health and other essential health education knowledge. Through lectures, group discussions, and health practice, I acquired a wealth of practical knowledge and skills. The curriculum equipped me with a solid foundation in health education theory and practice while fostering essential communication skills, such as proposal writing, education programme planning, and presentation abilities—preparing me for my future career.

After graduation, I was honoured to be elected as a District Council Member in Sha Tin, driven by my aspiration to give back to society after retiring from sports and to contribute positively to Hong Kong's development. On 3 November 2024, my newly established organisation, the China Hong Kong Sports Popularization and Development Association (SPADA), hosted the inaugural Sha Tin Cycling Festival. The event featured a wide array of activities and received an enthusiastic response.

The festival included cycling races, experiential activities, as well as sports-themed booth games. Among them, the most meaningful highlight was the health education promotion booth, supported by the Department of Health and Physical Education. Final year students focused on the theme of dementia prevention, sharing health information and playing engaging games with the public. Additionally, we organised a sharing session with current and retired cycling athletes, creating opportunities for EdUHK students to engage with them. This event successfully integrated sports and health education, extending their impact into the community.

As an EdUHK graduate, I am truly delighted to have had the opportunity to contribute to both society and my alma mater in such a meaningful way!

I graduated in 2024 with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), earning a place on the Dean’s Honour List and distinction in my major, Technology and Living. Currently, I am a secondary school teacher specialising in this subject, where I inspire students to explore practical skills.

My learning experiences at EdUHK have profoundly shaped my professional journey. The institution emphasises a holistic approach to education, blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Engaging in diverse courses, I have explored innovative teaching methodologies and developed a strong foundation in educational psychology. Block practice in schools has given me hands-on experience that enables me to apply classroom theories in real-world situations.

The skills and insights I acquired at EdUHK have significantly aided my transition into a professional teacher. The subject knowledge and a deep understanding of the student-centred learning approach learnt at EdUHK helped me greatly when I began my teaching career. This student-focused approach, which prioritises the unique needs, interests, and learning styles of each student, allows them to learn at their own pace and use materials suitable for their learning needs. PGDE curriculum’s emphasis on self-reflection has guided me in continuously assessing and improving my teaching strategies.

The block practice offered by EdUHK has not only honed my instructional skills but also deepened my understanding of the role of a teacher in shaping students’ lives. It provided me with invaluable opportunities to engage directly with students and inspire them. During my block practice, I was placed in a local school where I could apply the pedagogical strategies and knowledge acquired in my courses. This hands-on teaching experience has enabled me to design lesson plans, implement various teaching methods, and cater for the diverse learning needs of my students. Motivated by experienced mentors, I received constructive feedback that enhanced my teaching skills and boosted my confidence.

As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with immense gratitude for the supportive environment provided by my school. I am truly thankful to all the lecturers in the PGDE programme for their commitment to developing students’ problem-solving skills. I encourage you to seize every opportunity during your educational journey. As Albert Einstein once said “Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” I hope you embrace challenges and maintain a lifelong passion for learning!

I have long been a sports enthusiast alongside my corporate and philanthropic career. I was among the early athletes in Hong Kong to run international marathons, participate in 50- and 100-kilometre mountain trail races, and compete in cross-fitness games.

With an educational background in engineering and an EMBA, my personal skills and growth in sports have primarily come from self-exploration and community peer group coaching. Learning structured knowledge and scientific methods in coaching have always been on my wish list.

At the same time, I observed the development of retired elite athletes, graduates of institutional sports disciplines, as well as the growing awareness of health and sports in the community. Exploring the potential and building synergies among these elements has been a constant focus for me.

My decision to study for the Master of Social Sciences in Sports Coaching and Management (MSocSc(SCM)) programme, thus becoming a member of the FLASS family, has proven to be excellent way to address these aspirations. The syllabus design of the programme, its pedagogy, elective choices and practical applications taught me both foundational knowledge of the subject and inspirational insights. The passion of the professors is evident both in class and at conferences, making the learning experience highly engaging, diverse, and enjoyable. The network and friendships formed with classmates are invaluable and will last a lifetime.

I have been applying the knowledge acquired from the programme as planned. However, putting it into practice in sports is just one of my goals. A more visionary move is the founding of the Kai Tak Sports Club. The goal of establishing the club is to provide a platform for supporting the further development of athletes and promoting community sports in a systematic manner as taught by the MSocSc(SCM) programme. This initiative was also devised with the intent to support the community alongside the opening of the Kai Tak Sports Park, which aims to make Hong Kong a future world destination for sports and entertainment.

Last but not least (with names appearing in the order of the courses they taught me), I must express my appreciation to Dr Carman Leung, Dr Claudia Wong, Dr Bob Sun, Dr Henry Wong, Mr Edmund Yiu, Dr Amy Lip, Mr Tom Siu, Ms Samantha Liu, and the always helpful Ms Carman Lai for their teaching and advice, and the support in arranging extracurricular opportunities. I also thank UGC and EdUHK for granting me the Targeted Taught Postgraduate Programmes Fellowship to support my studies.