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In collaboration with the Association of Sport Performance Centre (ASPC), the HKSI host organised the ASPC XII International Forum on Elite Sport: Enhancing Elite Sports – Asian Perspectives and Development from 4 to 6 December 2024 at HKSI premises. The forum aims to facilitate the sharing of best practices, promote the professional development of leaders from high-performance training centres across the globe, and explore opportunities for enhanced global collaboration. The forum attracted over 170 international and local participants, including leaders, professionals, practitioners, coaches, athletes and representatives from 87 sports related organisations across 33 countries and regions.

The Opening Ceremony of the forum kicked off with an impressive performance by the Hong Kong, China wushu team, showcasing Chinese culture and athletic prowess. Mr Tang King-shing GBS PDSM, Chairman of the HKSI, delivered opening remarks highlighting the forum provided a vital opportunity to exchange ideas among international audience. He emphasised the insights and innovations will foster global impact through the discussion on unique lens of Asia perspectives and development. Mr Tapio Korjus, President of ASPC, expressed his delight in gathering all ASPC members in Hong Kong and looks forward to HKSI organising the forum, which serves as a platform for facilitating collaboration among sports organisation experts.

Over the course of the three-day forum, ten key topics were discussed, including: Leadership, Overcoming Challenges in the Development of High-performance Training Centres in Asia, Collaboration and Teamwork, Gaming and E-sports / Emerging Sports Campuses at High-performance Centres, Mental Wellness, Athlete Development, Learnings from Olympic and Paralympic Games, Athlete Health Care, Sports Technology, Sports Integrity and Safe Sport.

The forum gathered a total of 35 speakers from 24 countries and regions, including 12 local and 23 overseas speakers, and featured three keynote speakers: Dr Chang Yu-kai, Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences of National Taiwan Normal University, Mr Mike Miller, Chief Executive Officer of the World Olympians Association, and Dr Robert Schinke, President of the International Society of Sport Psychology. These experts shared valuable insights on mental wellness and athlete development, offering a global perspective on these critical topics.

The Closing Ceremony concluded with an energetic lion dance performance sponsored by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, showcasing the cultural heritage and spirit of unity. The Hon Cheng Wing-shun Vincent MH JP, Vice Chairman of the HKSI concluded the forum by expressing gratitude to ASPC for the support and partnership. He thanked all speakers and participants for their contributions to this memorable forum, believing the connections forged will pave the way for collaborative efforts that cross borders and foster growth in the sporting community. Mr Tapio Korjus, President of ASPC, also expressed gratitude to all participants for their valuable contributions and insights. He introduced the next forum host, Mr Simo Tarvonen, Director of the National Olympic Training Centre in Helsinki, Finland where the XIV International Forum on Elite Sport is set to take place in 2025.

This forum marks a significant step in advancing the dialogue on elite sports and strengthening international collaboration. The HKSI and ASPC look forward to continuing this important work, ensuring that the insights gained will have a lasting impact on the future of sport.