Dear colleagues and friends,

        I am very pleased to inform you that I will be retiring this summer [2009]. I would therefore, like to extend my deepest gratitude to all of you who have given me great support, understanding, and help during my stay in the Faculty of Education of the Chinese University of Hong Kong since 1993. I am honored with this retirement because I have been gifted with a productive period of my life. In 2008 I was awarded the Research Excellence Award (2006-2007) from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. In last three academic years (2006-2009), as lead and corresponding author, I published 20 articles in SCI journals, among which 16 were published in a category A+ (Impact Factor 2.5 and above) and A (IF 1.0-2.5) journals. During the same period, I published the Handbook of Biomechanics and Human Movement Science by Routledge as a lead editor and the book of Tai Chi Chuan: State of the Art in International Research by Karger as an editor. In previous years, with the support of the Innovation and Technology Fund of HKSAR and of several private companies, my biomechanics research group developed a new research direction— footwear research and development. Subsequently, we were able to provide invaluable service to the biggest sports footwear companies in China. Through this unique contribution, the Department of Sports Science and Physical Education of the Chinese University of Hong Kong has gained high reputation in the China footwear industry and in the field of international footwear biomechanics.

        For me, research is the most challenging task for the educators in a research university. That is why during my chairmanship of the SSPE Department, I did my best to promote departmental research, which includes setting up a staff research output show-window and coming up with a relevant research policy. According to this policy, staff members who have published articles in category A+ journals as the lead and corresponding authors and who have secured a Competitive Earmarked Research Grant (CERG) (now known as General Research Fund (GRF)) will be awarded monetary support. I am thus proud to announce that the members of the Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong are more productive than ever. I sincerely hope that this trend will continue. Furthermore, according to the same departmental research policy, the research endeavors of graduate students and regular research seminars are also encouraged.

        Let me also share with you several important academic opportunities I was afforded with and thus cherish deeply, which include my study in Tsinghua University for Engineering Mechanics and Mathematics, my pursuit of my PhD in Biomechanics at the German Sports University of Cologne, and finally, my landing of a teaching position at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Among the many things, I enjoyed in CUHK, I particularly hold in high regard the University's academic freedom and administrative support in research. The latter is the best as compared to that of other universities based on my personal experience and based on feedback from my colleagues, peers in the international research community, and friends.

        My retirement will open a new chapter in my life. Although I still have some pending commitments to companies and universities, conducting an active lifestyle is most important to me. According to literature, upon entering the age of 40, the biological structure and function of our body start to decline. Participating in exercise, sports, and physical activities is therefore, crucial for delaying the deterioration of our biological system. Needless to say, a healthy lifestyle should be our priority.

        Once again, I thank all of you whom I have crossed paths with in my 16 years in the teaching service and have made my life vibrant, colorful, and worthwhile. I wish you all the best, and I hope to still see you all often.