Double Triumph: Where Sports and Academics Shine Together at HKUST

Mastering one discipline is admirable; excelling in two is extraordinary. At The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), student-athletes are proving that elite sports and rigorous academics can thrive side by side.

Through the Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme (SALSA) under the University Grants Committee, HKUST welcomed a group of outstanding athletes this year. The scheme offers flexible study arrangements and financial support, empowering athletes to pursue higher education without sidelining their sporting dreams.

Among this inspiring cohort are four exceptional athletes whose journeys reflect the spirit of perseverance, innovation, and ambition—values that HKUST proudly champions.

Peter Lam: Rowing Champion with a Thirst for Knowledge

After dedicating 11 years to full-time rowing—a journey that began at just 15—Peter LAM is now charting a new academic course. Having earned a bachelor’s degree in health education, he now joins HKUST’s BBA program, driven by a desire to expand his intellectual horizons beyond the water.

A gold medalist in the Rowing Men’s Pair event at the Asian Games Hangzhou 2023 and a recipient of Hong Kong’s Medal of Honour in 2024, Peter’s story is a testament to discipline and dedication. His daily routine last year was grueling, spanning from dawn to dusk in training, followed by three hours of evening study. That same tenacity now fuels his academic ambitions as he looks to blend his athletic experience with business acumen, inspired by new developments like the Kai Tak Sports Park.

During a visit to HKUST’s campus with an alumnus friend, Peter was captivated by the breathtaking view from the Lee Shau Kee Business Building’s rooftop. “It would be so invigorating to study here,” he says, inspired by the vibrant campus energy. Feeling fully supported by the University, he shares his goal: “To stay curious and open-minded, and absorb as much knowledge as possible.”

Elvis Mok: Baseball Player Throwing a Curveball of Innovation

Elvis MOK, a 22-year-old baseball athlete, has been swinging bats since he was five and is now swinging for the fences in tech innovation. After completing a higher diploma in Computer and Electronic Engineering, he joined HKUST’s Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering. This year, he will represent Hong Kong in the Asian Baseball Championship and the National Games.

Beyond the field, Elvis is an innovator at heart. He and his team won the Gold Award and the Smartest Design Award at the Innovative Design Competition for creating an accessible smart mailbox. This showcases his passion for tech-driven social impact. At HKUST, he aims to fuse his academic and inventive ambitions to develop more groundbreaking products that benefit society.

“HKUST is a place that fosters entrepreneurship and teamwork for the future,” Elvis shares excitedly. He looks forward to collaborating with like-minded peers and expanding his network in one of Asia’s most dynamic academic environments.

Tony Fu: Billiard Prodigy with a Knack for Calculation

Ranked 37th in the World Pool Association (WPA), 18-year-old Tony FU is a rising star in billiards. Bright and ambitious, he finds joy in both billiards and mathematics, which led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Finance at HKUST. The University’s science-based curriculum aligns perfectly with his analytical mindset.

Tony’s enthusiasm for billiards began at eight under his father’s guidance. The sound of balls clacking and sinking into pockets hooked him, and by 15, he turned professional. The pandemic, however, posed challenges—training halted and facilities closed. Tony questioned his future but decided to persevere. “I decided to give myself one more year, and in 2023, I won the championship at the FSR Junior Open in Spain,” he recalls. That victory reignited his passion and reaffirmed his path.

Eager to embrace campus life, Tony aims to sharpen his mathematical prowess for a future in investment banking. Following his sister’s footsteps, he looks forward to joining student clubs and societies at HKUST, engaging fully in the university experience he missed in high school.

Josie Chan: Lifesaving Swimmer’s Split Second of Precision

Josie CHAN’s aquatic journey began at the age of two, but it was lifesaving sports that unlocked her true potential. She won the National Lifesaving Championships Women Manikin Relay in 2024 and has represented Hong Kong at the Lifesaving World Championships. From wielding specialized rescue equipment to making split-second judgements, Josie credits the sport for shaping her decisiveness and composure under pressure - qualities she channels into her academic pursuits in programming.  

Much like lifesaving races, programming rewards the quick problem-solving she enjoys. Joining HKUST’s Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering, Josie is passionate about information and communications technology, especially the thrill of coding and debugging. Believing that technology can transform lives, she aims to contribute to advancements in artificial intelligence at HKUST, drawn by its leading reputation in engineering.

Josie’s connection to HKUST began in childhood when her parents often brought her to campus for dim sum, sparking an early affection for the University. Now, she is ready to experience its vibrant community firsthand, inspired by stories from her seniors and peers.

HKUST: A Launchpad for Dual Excellence

Through SALSA, these athletes represent the promising future of Hong Kong’s sports and academic talent. Nurtured by a supportive environment and an innovative culture, HKUST enables student-athletes to truly flourish.

As they charge forward on their dual journeys, they carry the promise of bringing pride to Hong Kong, to HKUST, and to themselves. Their stories remind all HKUSTers: with grit and the right support, excellence knows no finish line.