However, an EdUHK study reveals that parents acting as fitness ‘coaches’ can significantly boost their children's exercise.

Led by Dr Gary Chow Chi-ching, the two-year study tracked 119 primary pupils (aged 6–9). Using home-based videos, parents supported their children's psychological needs by offering choices, providing positive feedback, and interacting together.

Children using the videos increased their daily physical activity by six to seven minutes, whilst the control group's activity plummeted by 14 minutes. Dr Chow explained that whilst pressure only yields shortterm compliance, autonomy-supportive parenting sustains intrinsic motivation.

Published in the Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness, the project now plans to develop digital platforms to support long-term physical activity.

Led by Olympic bronze medallist Ms Lee Ho-ching, the scheme has provided table tennis courses to nearly 1,000 local primary pupils, including non-Chinese speaking students and those with special educational needs (SEN). The charity event featured 12 community and corporate teams, with Bank of China (Hong Kong) claiming the Gold Cup. Under Secretary for Education Dr Jeff Sze Chun-fai and EdUHK President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin officiated the event, joined by Olympic medallist Ms Doo Hoi-kem and artist Mr Ruco Chan Chin-pang. The day concluded with an exhibition match featuring guests and SEN youth, highlighting EdUHK’s ‘Education Futures’ vision and commitment to fostering social inclusion and grassroots sports.

EdUHK maintained its top spot in Education research for the tenth consecutive year, securing HK$14.4 million for 16 GRF and 2 ECS projects - representing 40% of the RGC’s total awards in this field. The University also tied with HKU for the most Early Career Scheme (ECS) projects in Education, and ranked first in Psychology and Linguistics ECS awards.

Additionally, two EdUHK scholars, Professor Gu Mingyue and Professor Kevin Chan Ka-shing, were awarded under the Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship Scheme (HSSPFS). The milestone coincides with the 10th anniversary of EdUHK’s retitling and its climb to 406th in the QS World University Rankings.

The event reunited generations of educators and alumni from the 1950s to the 1990s. Guest of Honour Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, President of EdUHK, praised Northcote’s enduring legacy. He noted that EdUHK’s success is built upon the dedication passed down by founding institutions like Northcote, which amalgamated into EdUHK’s predecessor in 1994.

Following the ceremony, NCEPSA President Dr Dennis Koo Hok-chun and distinguished alumni, including former Secretary for Home Affairs Dr David Lan Hong-tsung, took a guided tour of the campus, celebrating both their personal memories and Hong Kong’s rich educational heritage.

Supported by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, the event gathered distinguished female leaders from politics, education, and business to discuss leadership, inclusion, and sustainable development.

EdUHK President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin emphasised the University’s commitment to gender equality and global women’s empowerment. Keynote speakers, including President of the Legislative Council Professor Starry Lee Wai-king and MTR Corporation CEO Ms Margaret Yang, shared insights on policy formulation and corporate management.

The University also announced plans to launch two new Master of Arts programmes focusing on women’s studies and beauty and lifestyle (subject to university approval). Organised alongside EdUHK’s Global Centre for Women, Development and Education, the forum highlighted the University's dedication to fostering social inclusion.

During the trip, the delegation met with Professor Atip Latipulhayat, Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, to discuss future partnerships in English language education and teacher professional development.

EdUHK also signed MoU with two premier local institutions: Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia and Universitas Negeri Jakarta. These agreements will foster joint research, student exchanges, and teacher training.

Professor Lee emphasised EdUHK’s dedication to Southeast Asian educational development, aligned with the Belt and Road initiative. The delegation also included EdUHK experts specialising in educational innovation and language education, paving the way for deeper cross-border academic exchange.