Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration of The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) and the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today (4 November) in offering continuing education opportunities to Hong Kong elite athletes.

Dean of the School Prof. Alan Au Kai-ming and Chief Executive of the HKSI Dr Trisha Leahy signed the MOU at a ceremony held at the OUHK campus. Under the collaboration, the HKSI can nominate eligible full-time elite athletes for enrolling in the OUHK's undergraduate business programmes. In consideration of their intensive training and competition schedules, each athlete student will be assigned a mentor to support their university life and academic development.

Prof. Alan Au said, “It is a valuable opportunity as this is the first time for the OUHK to partner with the HKSI. By strengthening the academic ties between the two parties, it is hoped that more elite athletes will be better equipped with professional knowledge and competencies to cope with future challenges, and become knowledgeable athletes to contribute to the society.”

Dr Trisha Leahy was pleased to join hands with Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration of the OUHK to provide holistic support to elite athletes. She said, “The HKSI has attached great importance to the whole-person development of elite athletes, encouraging them to strike a balance between study and elite training, and better prepare for their future career. The MOU provides a flexible academic option to elite athletes, which formalizes the cooperation in the development of elite athletes' dual career pathways. I look forward to an even more integrated collaboration with the OUHK in the future.”

Besides, the President of Kitchee cum Kitchee (Sports Management) Limited Mr Ken Ng-kin was invited to the signing ceremony for sharing. This is the third year for the OUHK’s Bachelor of Sports and Recreation Management with Honours programme to partner with Kitchee. Through the subject of ‘Work-based Learning Project’, Kitchee provides students with different placement opportunities and experience in participating in large-scale competitions, while students propose suitable marketing plans for different teams of Kitchee. Up to now, over 90 students have been benefited from this project.

About the OUHK:
Established by the Government in 1989, The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) has developed into a full-fledged university providing high quality and flexible university education at various levels to secondary school graduates and working adults. As a dynamic and innovative university, the OUHK currently offers programmes of different academic levels to about 10,000 full-time students and 9,000 part-time students. Our mission is to advance learning, knowledge and research that meet students’ learning aspirations and society's talent needs, focusing on practical and professional programmes.

OUHK comprises six Schools, i.e. School of Arts and Social Sciences, Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration, School of Education and Languages, School of Nursing and Health Studies, School of Science and Technology, and Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing Education (LiPACE). LiPACE provides lifelong learning opportunities by offering full-time sub-degree programmes, community learning and professional programmes.   OUHK website: www.hkmu.edu.hk