Faculty and students from the School of Sports Science and Engineering at East China University of Science and Technology undertook a seven-day research exchange programme in Hong Kong from 26th August to 1st September 2025. Led by two faculty members, the delegation comprised 14 undergraduate and postgraduate student representatives from multiple year groups. They visited four prestigious institutions: The University of Hong Kong(UHK), The Chinese University of Hong Kong(CUHK), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology(HKUST), and The Education University of Hong Kong(EdUHK). The programme facilitated in-depth dialogue and learning across cutting-edge fields including sports science, artificial intelligence, and sports engineering. This initiative aimed to broaden students' international perspectives, strengthen interdisciplinary innovation capabilities, and advance the university's core educational principles of fostering virtue, serving societal needs, enhancing quality, and pursuing excellence.
At UHK, the team engaged in multiple rounds of discussions with UHK students on topics including sports science research and artificial intelligence applications. They conducted field visits to biological laboratories and the Biodiversity Museum, gaining in-depth insights into cutting-edge explorations at the intersection of sports science and life sciences from multiple dimensions, including exercise physiology and biomechanics.
At CUHK, the delegation toured the campus sports centre and engaged in discussions with students on topics including interdisciplinary research and international project collaborations. The institution's rich academic environment and global outlook provided valuable insights for cultivating sports science professionals.
Leveraging its coastal location and formidable engineering expertise, HKUST has developed a distinctive sports facility system. The delegation toured the S.H. Ho Sports Hall, the Olympic-standard swimming pool and the Water Sports Centre, gaining in-depth insights into courses such as sailing and canoeing. They also engaged with HKUST students to discuss the campus culture that deeply integrates technology and sport.
As Hong Kong's sole institution dedicated exclusively to teacher education, EdUHK possesses distinctive strengths in physical education and teacher training. The delegation toured its modern sports facilities, examined the curriculum structure and training model for physical education programmes, and discussed the professional competencies and social responsibilities expected of physical education teachers.
During the study tour, the team systematically studied two courses: <The Context of Artificial Intelligence Analysis in Sports> and <Methods for Implementing Sports AI>. Through case studies, they gained an in-depth understanding of AI technology applications in areas such as athlete performance analysis and tactical strategy optimisation. They also engaged in substantive discussions with HKU faculty and students regarding postgraduate studies and curriculum design.
Beyond academic exchanges, team members also attended the 2025 Asian Women's Volleyball Championship East Zone tournament, experiencing firsthand the allure of high-level competitive sport and the electric atmosphere of live matches. This further enriched the cultural and professional dimensions of their research trip.
The delegation represents a significant initiative by the school to advance high-level international exchanges and implement the university's ‘Four Modernisations’ strategy. Through visits to four Hong Kong universities, students broadened their horizons in interdisciplinary fields such as sports engineering, exercise science and artificial intelligence, gaining profound insights into the academic ethos and educational philosophies of world-class institutions. The School will continue to provide students with more opportunities to step beyond the classroom and engage with cutting-edge research, thereby fostering the development of versatile sports science professionals equipped with international perspectives, innovative thinking and practical capabilities.