The Asian University Sports Federation (AUSF) gathered representatives from 16 countries in Macau from 29 to 30 November for its 13th Ordinary General Assembly and the FISU–AUSF Strategic Dialogue.
The event, hosted at the Lisboeta Hotel and City University of Macau, was organised by AUSF in partnership with the Macau Universitarian Sports Association (ADUM), with participants warmly welcomed by its representative, Mr. Ryo Lou who, together with the commitment of ADUM ensured that every detail was in place and that all delegates were fully supported throughout this important occasion. Lou Ryu received a commemorative appreciation plaque from AUSF Vice President, Prof. Dr. Khalid S. Almuzaini
General Assembly: strategic vision and continental engagement
The General Assembly opened on 29 November with an online Presidential Address of Dr. Liu Lixin, followed by welcome remarks from the Organising Committee and speeches from distinguished international guests, including: Leonz Eder, FISU President, Haris Pavletic, EUSA President, David Schmude, FISU Oceania President, Luciano Atayde Cabral, representing FISU America as Honorary President, Dr. Mohd Rusllim Mohamed, AUSC President, Dr. Salim Al Araimi, ArabUSF Vice-President, and Chen Dongsheng, Chief of CSSF.
In his address, FISU President Leonz Eder congratulated AUSF for a clear and ambitious roadmap, noting its strong alignment with the FISU Strategy 2031: “This plan reflects AUSF’s forward-looking ambition and commitment to a sustainable future for university sport. Its direction resonate closely with FISU’s own strategic direction, reinforcing our shared mission to empower students and strengthen university sport worldwide.”.
A highlight of the assembly was the presentation of the AUSF Strategic Plan for Future Development, built around seven strategic pillars, regarding the increasing participation of AUSF members, optimising competitions and event delivery, holistic development of student-athletes, education, research and knowledge-sharing, strengthening partnerships, promoting sustainable development, modernisation and good governance.
Appointment of new leaders
Several newly appointed leaders of National University Sports Federations and new members attended the AUSF General Assembly for the first time. Among them were representatives from China (Mr. Chen Dongsheng), Oman (Dr. Ali Al-Yaaribi), Singapore (Mr. Joshua Tay), Qatar (Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Saleh Alnaimi) and the United Arab Emirates (H.E. Shaikh Suhail Butti Al Maktoum).
Strategic Dialogue: innovation, technology and the future of university sport
On 30 November, the annual FISU–AUSF Strategic Dialogue brought together experts, academics and sport leaders for a day of high-level thematic discussions.
Session 1 – Sports Industry: Trends and Future Directions
The morning session explored current developments shaping the global sports industry:
- Prof. Zhou Liangjun (China) presented the scale and economic impact of China’s fast-growing sports industry, highlighting investment across elite sport, recreation, health and manufacturing.
- Prof. Jiwun Yoon (Korea) showcased practical applications of AI innovation, including AI-assisted judging, performance analytics, doping-detection technologies and smart coaching models.
- Prof. Khalid Almuzaini (Saudi Arabia) emphasised the strategic potential of university sport as a global industry, reinforcing the importance of international collaboration and the alignment of AUSF’s new strategy with FISU’s global direction.
During the closing panel, FISU Secretary General/CEO Matthias Remund underlined the unique identity and potential of university sport:
“A world of opportunities lies ahead of us all. Our movement is unique because it has the “U” of university at its core. By working together at all levels, we can effectively drive the future development of the sports sector worldwide. Excellence and innovation must be our drivers.”
Session 2 – Sports Education: Technology, Integration and Holistic Growth
The afternoon focused on the evolution of sports education:
- Prof. Ji-Yong Lee (Korea) presented a practical case AI-based smart coaching tools that enhance university athlete performance and build data literacy in coaching education.
- Prof. Mohamad Rusllim (Malaysia) introduced the concept of the Integrated Sport Campus, where education, technology and sport innovation converge to support student development.
- Dr. Gulbaram Kulakmetova (Kazakhstan) proposed a unified multi-discipline model for Asia, including the introduction of AUSF Combat Sports Championships and the long-term creation of the AUSF Games by 2030.
In the session’s final remarks, FISU President Leonz Eder highlighted FISU’s commitment to educational excellence and the implementation of the FISU Strategy 2031, reinforcing the importance of empowering stakeholders and strengthening the global role of university sport.
A further highlight of the event was the signing of the 2026 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FISU and AUSF, formalised during the Strategic Dialogue on 30 November. The MoU sets a one-year cooperation framework in which FISU and AUSF commit to exchanging expertise, supporting joint events and educational programmes, strengthening NUSF development, promoting Healthy Campus and good governance, and coordinating activities that align AUSF’s growth with FISU’s global strategic priorities.
Written by Fernando Parente, pictures courtesy of AUSF
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