Press Release
HKBU enrols nine elite athletes through Talented Athletes Direct Admission Scheme
Thursday, 28 August 2025
Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has enrolled nine elite athletes to its undergraduate programmes for the 2025/26 academic year through the Talented Athletes Direct Admission Scheme (TADAS). These athletes have excelled in athletics, basketball, fencing, gymnastics, karatedo, taekwondo, para dance sports and wheelchair basketball, volleyball, as well as wushu. HKBU will provide them with comprehensive “3S” support, encompassing study support, sports training and support for personal growth, to help them adapt to their new learning journey and strive for excellence in both their academic and sporting endeavours.
Wushu athlete Tsang Cho-kiu, a three-time gold medalist at the World Junior Wushu Championships, has been admitted to the Bachelor of Science programme at HKBU. Karatedo athlete Chiu Chun-yin, bronze medalist at this year’s Asian Karate Championships; volleyball player Cheung Chi-wai; athletics athlete Law Ngai-him; rhythmic gymnastics athlete Ma Wai-yin; and fencer Tang Cheuk-yin will pursue the Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education and Recreation Management programme at HKBU. Para dance sport and wheelchair basketball athlete Matthew Yu Chun-yin, who earned one gold and one silver medal at the Hong Kong 2025 Para Dance Sport International Competition, and taekwondo athlete Tung Yui-hang will study in the newly launched Bachelor of Arts in Sports Industry Management programme at HKBU. Basketball player Ip Wing-yan will pursue the Bachelor of Social Work programme at HKBU. Please refer to the Appendix for a brief introduction to the sporting achievements of the nine athletes.
Professor Patrick Lau, Associate Director of the Academy of Wellness and Human Development and Professor of the Department of Sport and Health Sciences at HKBU, said: “HKBU is committed to supporting Hong Kong athletes and the city’s sports development through conducting cutting-edge sports science research and offering a diverse range of professional programmes, and has nurtured high-calibre sports talents for Hong Kong over the years. TADAS exemplifies HKBU’s dedication to cultivating talent who excel in both sports and academic studies. We have a comprehensive support system in place to provide student-athletes with professional academic guidance and training support, empowering them to strive for excellence in both their sports and academic pursuits.”
To help freshmen adapt to campus life and learn about the support provided under the Scheme, the Department of Sports and Health Sciences hosted the 2025/26 Orientation Day for Student-Athletes on 9 July. During the event, TADAS team members Dr Hon Sze-sze and Ms Assunta Ng of the Department introduced HKBU’s unique “3S Comprehensive Support System”.
“3S” refers to academic support (Study), sports training (Sport), and support for personal growth (Support). For academic support, HKBU provides flexible and personalised study plans tailored to students’ international competition schedules, complemented by academic advising from faculty members of the Department of Sport and Health Sciences. Regarding sports training, the University utilises advanced sports science facilities to analyse and enhance students’ training effectiveness through scientific methods. Personal growth guidance includes psychological counseling and career development advice, with regular sports psychology workshops organised to enhance students’ mental well-being.
Tsang Cho-kiu said: “I am truly honoured to embark on my university studies under the guidance of HKBU mentors. TADAS provides professional support, giving me the confidence to balance both my academic pursuits and sports training. I look forward to starting this new chapter at HKBU.”
Since 2016, HKBU has established the Elite Athletes Admission Scheme. In 2022, the University introduced TADAS in response to the Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme launched by the University Grants Committee. TADAS targets local athletes who represent Hong Kong in regional and international sports competitions, and those who have achieved recognised sports rankings and achievements, as well as retired Hong Kong athletes who have achieved outstanding results in regional and international sport competitions. Elite athletes admitted through this Scheme will receive scholarships, along with comprehensive and personalised support and resources to facilitate their dual career development in both sports and academic.
HKBU will hold the Student-Athletes Scholarship Presentation Ceremony in October, during which scholarships will be presented to the nine elite athletes in recognition of their outstanding achievements.
