A highly committed member of the University and a devoted professional in the Hong Kong sports industry, Professor Chung Pak Kwong is best known to the public for being an engaging commentator and columnist in the media. He has brought tremendous value to the community along his dedicated career life. With a total of 23 years of service in various roles in the University, he has made profound contributions not just on teaching and research, but also on raising the University’s profile with active engagements in the government boards and non-government organisations (NGO’s).

In 1988, Professor Chung played a crucial role in founding Hong Kong’s first sport and physical education related degree programme, namely the Physical Education and Recreation Studies. Upon its approval by the University Grants Council (UGC) in 1992, he became the course leader and Acting Head of the new Department of Physical Education. The University was known as the Hong Kong Baptist College at that time, and the programme has since been revamped to become Physical Education and Recreation Management (PERM).

Having fulfilled his senior management duties at the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI), Professor Chung returned to the University in 2007 as Head of the Department of Physical Education, known as the School of Physical Education and Health at present. In this role, he has made radical developments to Healthy Lifestyle general education course for undergraduates, and added competitiveness to JUPAS admission scores of the PERM programme. He also established the Elite Athletes Admission Scheme, as well as various scholarships and funds to support students in need.

With a proven track record on community and professional services, Professor Chung has been appointed the Justices of Peace by the HKSAR Government in 2019. This is a major recognition on his extensive work over 25 committees of both government and NGO’s, such as the Education Bureau, the Food and Health Bureau, Hong Kong Tennis Foundation, Hong Kong Wushu Union, Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, China, the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, and InspiringHK Sports Foundation, to name a few.

Professor Chung remains a keen researcher with high-impact outputs, especially on improving wellbeing of citizens. Some of his recent work includes healthy aging with physical activities, physical activity-embedded curriculum in kindergartens, and the development of Esports in Hong Kong.

He appears regularly in the media, he writes influential columns for local newspapers, and appears on television programmes. Recently, he played an active role as a commentator for the Tokyo Olympic games.

Through his experiences and broad network, Professor Chung provides the Department and the University with postitive exposure in the community, which could potentially promote student recruitment and create access to important stakeholders and governmental personnel.

The commendable services and achievements of Professor Chung’s permeate through the Department, the University, and the local community. Just as impressed by Professor Chung’s enthusiasm as every member of the public, the Selection Committee recognises him as a worthy recipient of the President’s Award for Outstanding Performance in Service.