On January 11, 2025, the Asian Council of Exercise and Sports Science (ACESS) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM), marking a pivotal moment for the organization. Hosted virtually from 3 PM to 5 PM (HK Time), the AGM reflected on past achievements, addressed challenges, and set the course for future initiatives. Here are the key highlights from this momentous event:
A Farewell Speech by Dr. Lim
Dr. Lim, completing his two-term presidency, addressed the AGM for the final time. He reflected on ACESS’s journey since its establishment in 2019. The organization’s mission to represent sports and exercise science professionals across Asia was born out of the need to fill a gap in the region. Dr. Lim highlighted the organization’s achievements, including:
- Expanding ACESS membership to over 10 countries in Asia.
- Building a robust Management Committee and governance system.
- Hosting monthly webinars to engage and educate members.
- Establishing strategic partnerships with institutions like Liaoning Normal University and the International Association of Physical Education and Sports.
He emphasized the importance of succession planning and constitutional amendments to ensure seamless leadership transitions and urged members to embrace the vision of embedding sport and exercise into Asia’s culture. Dr. Lim concluded by thanking key sponsors, partners, and committee members for their unwavering support.
Addressing Leadership Gaps: An Interim Caretaker Committee
The AGM highlighted challenges in leadership continuity due to constitutional term limits. Despite a call for nominations in September 2024, no candidates came forward. To prevent a leadership vacuum, members unanimously voted to establish an interim caretaker committee until June 2025. This proactive step reflects ACESS’s commitment to stability and strategic planning.
Looking Ahead
Constitutional Amendments
Dr. Edwin Chong presented proposals to amend the ACESS constitution, addressing:
- AGM and EGM procedural updates (Articles 9.2 & 9.5).
- Management and committee operations (Articles 10.4 & 10.5).
- Audit and financial governance (Article 12.1).
- Trustee roles (Article 13).
Voting results showed unanimous approval from 28 full members, signifying strong support for these changes.
Advancing Research and Education
Research Report: Professor Nagatomi showcased a detailed analysis of sports science development across Asia, touching on elite sports, technology integration, and public health. Members were encouraged to verify the report’s findings to enhance its accuracy.
Education Initiatives: Dr. Fabian Lim summarized ACESS’s educational activities, including monthly seminars featuring diverse speakers. With 166 registrations across seven seminars in 2024, the organization aims to double participation in 2025 through expanded programming, such as face-to-face workshops and mentorship for PhD students.
Membership Growth and Diversity
Dr. Raymond So presented an encouraging membership update. While overall growth was modest, the composition shifted significantly:
- Student membership declined (from ~90 in 2023 to 29 in 2024).
- Full membership increased substantially (from 43 in 2023 to 114 in 2024).
- Membership from China and Indonesia showed notable growth.
Dr. So emphasized the importance of engaging student members and fostering their involvement in ACESS activities.
Financial Stability and Strategic Planning
Dr. Daniel Lee provided a comprehensive financial report, highlighting key insights:
- Membership payments are facilitated through PayPal.
- A temporary dip in the HK$ account resulted from a withdrawal for fixed-term deposits.
The financial health of ACESS remains strong, ensuring continued support for its programs and initiatives.
Engaging Discussions and Sponsor Presentations
During the open discussion, Dr. Ryoichi proposed exploring alternative income streams to support ACESS’s growth. Additionally, sponsor presentations by J&M Medical Limited and Guangxi College for Preschool Education emphasized their commitment to advancing sports science and fostering academic collaboration.
A Vision for the Future
The AGM concluded with closing remarks from Professor Ryoichi Nagatomi, the newly appointed ACESS president. He encouraged members to remain active participants in ACESS activities and expressed gratitude to Dr. Fabian Lim for his impactful leadership.
ACESS’s 2024 AGM showcased the organization’s resilience and vision. With a renewed focus on leadership, education, and member engagement, ACESS is poised to continue its mission of advancing sports and exercise science across Asia. The commitment of its members, partners, and sponsors ensures a promising future for the organization and the broader field it represents.
