World champion athlete wins EMBA Elite Scholarship

Former world champion wushu athlete and EMBA student, Mr Ka-ho Cheng, has been awarded the first EMBA Elite Scholarship in 2013-2014. In collaboration with the Office of Hong Kong Athletes Career & Education Programme (HKACEP), CityU EMBA conferred the scholarship award on Mr Cheng in the Retired Athletes Continuing Education Award cum First EMBA Scholarship Presentation Ceremony at the Olympic House of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) on 27th February.

Dr Gang Hao, Associate Vice President (Development) of CityU, Prof Wenyu Dou, Associate Dean of the College of Business, and Dr John Leung, Director of CityU’s EMBA Programme joined other officiating guests including Mr Victor Hui, GBS, JP, Vice President of the SF&OC cum Chairman of HKACEP Committee, Mr Brian Stevenson, SBS, JP, Vice President of the SF&OC, and Mr Chung Pang, SBS, BBS, Hon. Secretary General of the SF&OC cum Vice Chairman of HKACEP Committee to congratulate Hong Kong athletes on their outstanding achievements in their continuing education studies.

Dr John Leung expressed his gratitude to EMBA scholarship recipient Mr Cheng for his perseverance during his study. “Ka-ho is a very hardworking student. He demonstrates the quality of an athlete, who is willing to learn and persist through challenges one may encounter on the way. We are proud to have him as our learning partner in the programme and are happy to see his transformation from athlete to scholar.”

Dr Leung commented that it was also an honour to have the opportunity to provide support to athletes changing career track. “They have spent valuable time in bringing glory to Hong Kong. Their contributions in the local sports development are well recognised.” Dr Leung added.

Mr Cheng was world champion in 1999, 2003, and 2005 in wushu, Chinese martial arts. He has gained numerous recognitions and awards for outstanding performances and his devotion to the practice of wushu. He has received the Hong Kong Sports Stars Award, Hong Kong Junior Sports Stars Award, Hong Kong Ten Outstanding Young Persons Award, and the Medal of Honour conferred by the HKSAR government.

“I can say that the transformation from being a full time athlete to an employee was not easy. I feel thankful and lucky to have the support and care from the government and the College of Business of CityU. They have walked through these challenges with me. I have proven to the public that after retirement, athletes are capable of contributing to the society and that we can certainly have other career achievements and developments,” Mr Cheng said.

About the HKACEP

The Office of Hong Kong Athletes Career & Education Programme (HKACEP) is under the auspices of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) and has been financially supported by the Home Affairs Bureau since September 2008. HKACEP is providing career, education, and life skills supports to retired and retiring athletes. As of mid-February 2014, HKACEP has provided support to over 300 athletes under 44 National Sports Associations.