Lingnan University successfully hosts seminar on "The Importance of Sports and Exercise Psychology in Modern Tertiary Education"

The seminar began with welcoming remarks from Prof Siu Oi-ling, Head of the Department of Psychology and Lam Woo & Co Ltd Chair Professor of Applied Psychology, and Prof Jonathan Fong, Associate Dean (Administration and Education) of the Wu Jieh Yee School of Interdisciplinary Studies. Prof Siu emphasised the critical academic and practical significance of sport psychology in higher education, while Prof Fong highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in promoting applied psychology, particularly in supporting student mental health.

Dr Henry Li, President of the HKSSEP, delivered the keynote presentation, offering valuable insights into career opportunities and professional roles in sport and exercise psychology in Hong Kong. He highlighted the growing recognition of psychological well-being and participation in exercise across various sectors, including competitive sports, public health, and education. Professionals in this field can explore diverse career paths, such as sports performance consultants, mental health coaches, and researchers focused on sport and exercise psychology.

Following the keynote presentation, a panel discussion featured Dr Li and distinguished guests, including Ms Karen Lo, Vice President (Programs & Courses) of the HKSSEP, and Prof Cheung Yu-hin, Prof Ng Tin-yan, and Prof Mok Kam-ming from Lingnan University. The experts engaged in a productive discussion on promoting the development of sport and exercise psychology through higher education, resulting in several concrete recommendations:

1. Enhancing academic training: Develop specialised programmes that provide up-to-date, evidence-based knowledge at the intersection of sport, exercise, and psychology. 

2.  Promoting practical application: Collaborate with sports organisations to establish internship opportunities and create short-term certification courses that enhance accessibility within the local community.

3. Supporting student applications: Incorporate techniques from applied sport psychology intervention, such as stress management and team dynamics, into student counselling services.

The experts underscored that knowledge of psychological strategies in sports and exercise not only enhances the performance of professional athletes but also empowers students with improved stress management skills, providing substantial value in higher education. This successful seminar marked a significant step in fostering healthy and professional collaboration between academia and the field of sport and exercise psychology.