The Singapore Olympic Academy (“SOA”) marked both its three-decade milestone and Singapore’s 60th Anniversary in style by bringing together academics, educators, sports administrators and representatives from several National Sports Associations to reflect on “The Future of Sport” in an era of rapid transformation. This was done over 3 days from 20th to 22nd September at Aqueen Hotel, Paya Lebar. This year’s hybrid format allowed for meaningful two-way exchanges with inputs from overseas NOAs on the future of Olympism and Olympic Education.

This year’s session was officially opened by the IOC member in Singapore and Chairman of the Singapore Olympic Academy, Mr Ser Miang Ng whilst delegates from 11 countries were welcomed by the Principal of the SOA, Dr Koh Koon Teck and his team of facilitators.

In an historical first, SOA and the session’s attendees had the honour of hearing from several international speakers. This year’s session had representatives from the Hellenic Olympic Committee (“HOC”), the International Olympic Academy (“IOA”) and even the CEO of the Saudi Olympic Academy who shared many interesting perspectives.

The international representatives were: Mr. Isidoros Kouvelos, President, HOC; Dr. Charilaos Tsolakis, President, IOA; Dr Makis Asimakopoulos, Director, IOA, Ms. Alexandra Karaiskou, Head of NOCs/NOAs Relations at the IOA and Ms. Baroom Al-Batool of Saudi Arabia.

Mr Kouvelos and Dr. Tsolakis spoke passionately about Olympic Values and Education and relevance to sport at the Session’s Opening Ceremony whereas Dr Asimakopoulos and Ms. Karaiskou collaborated on a Lecture entitled “Shaping Tomorrow: The Future of Sport and the Role of the NOAs and NOCs in Olympic Education: From Values to Action” that emphasised that sport is entering a decisive era, shaped by technological integration, digital innovation, inclusivity and sustainability. Throughout their respective presentations, the common theme was that the core human values of Olympism must remain at the centre of it all.

The team from the IOA was also able to host a dialogue on Zoom and have an in-depth discussion with representatives from the various National Olympic Academies who were in Singapore for the Session and also those joining online from across the world, namely the NOAs of Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan.

The dialogue addressed the real challenges NOAs face: from establishing new institutions to strengthening cooperation and outlined concrete strategies to enhance collaboration with the IOA and amongst the NOAs themselves. The exchange was constructive and forward-looking, offering a roadmap for closer partnerships and more impactful Olympic Education initiatives. The IOA’s and HOC’s participation in Singapore reinforced their commitment to advancing Olympism globally and to ensure that education, dialogue and innovation remain at the forefront of the Olympic Movement.

Given that the overarching theme of the Session was on how technological advances could impact sports, attendees similarly mesmerised by SNOC Sec-Gen, Mark Chay’s Lecture on “Reimagining the Future of Sport: Technology, Engagement and the Athlete of Tomorrow” which attracted quite a bit of questions from the engaged audience.

On Day 3, Ms. Baroom Al-Batool, CEO of the Saudi Olympic Academy gave attendees an insight into the inner workings of the Saudi Olympic Academy whilst sharing best practices from her Academy.

However, what the attendees seemed to most enjoy was the hour-long session “Chat with the Singapore Olympians” – a panel consisting of Lee Wung Yew, Joan Poh, Dr May Ooi and Koh Seng Leong. It was indeed refreshing to hear candid responses to the questions posed to the Olympians. A common theme that resonated strongly was that it “takes a village, to raise a champion” meaning the eco-system consisting of Athlete Support Personnel, parents and other stakeholders should come together in support of our athletes, in order for them to do their best for Singapore.

All in all, amidst the laughter and camaraderie, attendees to the SOA’s 30th Annual Academic Session came away with a deeper appreciation on how the future of sport might be and how sport will evolve with immersion with technology. Nevertheless, as long as the spirit of Olympism and the active use of the Olympic Values is strong, the future of sport remains rosy.