World Aquatics, with the help of the Olympic Council of Asia and Kookmin University, have introduced a new academic pathway for elite aquatics athletes. This pathway enables them to participate in an innovative and immersive graduate program titled "Beyond Asia, Becoming Sustainable Global Leaders."
The Asia Olympic Graduate School is designed to develop future leaders in sustainability, governance, and global sports policy. The programme offers two-year master’s degrees in ESG Management and Public Policy, which are grounded in the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.
Husain Al-Musallam, President of World Aquatics and Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), emphasised the program's importance in shaping the next generation of leaders in the sports industry.
“This academy will be a platform where youth sports leaders from across Asia come together to harness the power of sport for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.”
Elite athletes from all aquatic sports—swimming, diving, artistic swimming, water polo, open water swimming, and high diving—will be eligible to apply for a dedicated scholarship and a tailored admissions process.
The programme offers two academic tracks: Asia Olympic Governance & Policy, and Global Sports Sustainability & ESG Management. Each track spans four semesters and combines Olympic studies with sustainability, policy, and leadership training.
The launch reinforces the established partnership between the OCA and Kookmin University, which began with their 2021 Memorandum of Understanding to enhance educational opportunities within the Asian Olympic Movement.
More information regarding scholarships, admissions, and application timelines will be available on the official channels of World Aquatics and the OCA.