Karate Champion Delves in Psychology
- Emmanuel Leong
A passion nurtured from young makes Emmanuel Leong a champion in sports and he hopes to display the same passion in his studies.
His growing up years were spent on refining his skills in karate, having been exposed to the martial art from the age of two by his father, who happened to be a karate coach.
By the age of 16, Leong began playing competitively, representing the country in many international sporting events. At the 2017 SEA Games, he won the gold medal in the men’s karate team event, defending the title that he and his team won at the previous SEA Games in Myanmar. Then in 2018, he won the silver medal at the 15th Asian Senior Karate-Do Championship in Jordan.
Having his education cut short after SPM to focus on his sporting endeavour, Leong decided to continue his studies 2 years ago – signing up for the Bachelor of Psychology programme at OUM Learning Centre in Penang.
“It was a huge decision. Training and practice take a lot of my time, so I need to study at an institution that gives me the flexibility to study at my own pace and convenience.”
Leong had to defer a semester to focus on the SEA Games in 2017 as it clashed with the examination period. “It was my biggest challenge but I needed the time to focus on my training for the Games.”
“Studying psychology has taught me a lot about human sciences and the importance of being mentally strong in the face of challenges. I find this useful, particularly in competitive sports. Without mental strength, a sportsman may not be able to perform when he or she is under pressure.”
Leong acknowledges that his drive to succeed in sports and study is partly due to his parents and coaches who have always been very supportive of his decision. “They believe that I have what it takes to do well in both my sporting career and study. I hope to continue studying as long as I can. This means that I may continue with my postgraduate studies after completing my bachelor’s degree. Success is not only about hard work alone, having a positive attitude and mindset can carry you far in life,” he said.
