HK names new sports commissioner as Sam Wong steps down

The Hong Kong government has appointed George Tsoi (pictured left), the former principal assistant secretary for the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, as the latest sports commissioner.

According to the government’s telephone directory, Tsoi’s official title is commissioner for sports, succeeding Sam Wong (黃德森) (pictured right), who resigned for personal reasons. Wong, a former windsurfer, held the role for just over a year after being appointed on 22 August 2023, for a three-year term.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to the CSTB for a statement. 

Lawmaker Kenneth Fok told local media that Tsoi is an experienced administrative officer, and many sports affairs involve cross-departmental collaboration, and cross-departmental coordination matters are becoming increasingly onerous. He believes that with Tsoi's experience and familiarity with government operations, he can promote the development of sports in Hong Kong.

Speaking to local media last Friday (September 27), secretary for culture, sports and tourism Kevin Yeung said the government would appoint a civil servant to take the role of the city’s next sports commissioner as soon as possible to address the pressing vacancy in sports management as this role was crucial for promoting and implementing sports development in Hong Kong.

“After consideration, our initial thought is that there will be many sports-related tasks in the future. With elite athletes returning from the Olympics and Paralympics, there is a strong call from the community for support. We will continue our regular reviews, such as regarding their funding and assistance, “ Yeung said.

Additionally, significant efforts are required for the reform of sports associations, as well as the arrangements and opening of the Kai Tak Sports Park, along with addressing the facilities and other related aspects, Yeung added.

In response to New World Development Company's potential sale of its entire stake in Kai Tak Sports Park to Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, Yeung said the government has received the relevant applications and will review them in line with the current contract terms.

Don't miss: The makings of an unforgettable experience: How HK keeps up to the beat of Coldplay

Recently, British pop-rock band Coldplay announced its return to the city after 16 years. It will perform at Kai Tak Sports Park as part of their Music of the Spheres World Asia Tour in April 2025.

The band revealed its 2025 concert tour dates in Asia, with the three Hong Kong gigs set to take place on 9, 11, 12 April at the soon-to-open, 50,000-seat mega stadium in Kai Tak Sports Park.

Photo courtesy: Hong Kong government's website

Explore the latest digital marketing trends to empower your brand for sustainable growth. Join 200+ industry players and marketers at Digital Marketing Asia 2024 Hong Kong on 22-23 October and discover the key to sustainable growth in the new digital era, network with industry leaders and find out more about real-life marketing wins and thought-provoking ideas.

Related articles:

TOKYO JOYPOLIS to open first overseas flagship at Kai Tak Mall
Global sports brands to set up experiential concept stores at Kai Tak Mall
Combining sports and leisure: Can Kai Tak Sports Park make HK a centre for international events?