Seoul, South Korea, November 28, 2025: OCA Director General and President of World Aquatics, Captain Husain Al Musallam, was named as the first Honorary Dean of Kookmin University’s Asia Olympic Graduate School in Seoul on Friday, November 28.
The International Sport Strategy Foundation (ISF) and Kookmin University co-hosted a ceremony to unveil the OCA Director General as the Honorary Dean of the graduate school of sustainability and Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG).
This is the first educational institute certified by the Olympic Council of Asia, designed to develop leaders who are principled, innovative and forward-thinking, and committed to advancing Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.
In his keynote address, Captain Husain expressed his deepest gratitude to Chairman of Kookmin University Foundation, Kim Ji Yong, stating that his vision, leadership and unwavering commitment to international education and global cooperation had made this initiative possible.
“It is a profound honour to stand before you today for the inauguration of the Asia Olympic Graduate School and to receive the title of Honorary Dean. This moment marks not only a personal milestone but an important chapter in the future of the Asian Olympic Movement,” Captain Husain noted.
The OCA Director General also extended his sincere appreciation to ISF President Park Joo Hee for his dedication in building a pioneering institution that bridges academia, sports governance, diplomacy, and international collaboration. Park is also the OCA Chair, Entourage Committee.
Captain Husain noted that institutions like the Asia Olympic Graduate School will help Asia which has the world’s youngest generation. “Their creativity, passion and digital competencies will define the Olympic Movement in the decades to come and this graduate school will equip them with the expertise required to lead in complex global environments.”
The graduate school offers one-year master’s programmes in ESG management or public policy, while teaching courses such as ‘Strategic Management in the Olympics’, ‘Olympics and International Development’, and ‘Global Administration of the Olympic and Paralympic Games’. In October 2021, the OCA, ISF and Kookmin University reached an agreement on offering Asian Olympic Academy programmes in South Korea.
“The Republic of Korea has long been a leader in international sport and the launch of this graduate school is yet another testament to its leadership. It reflects the nation’s commitment to advancing education, strengthening sports diplomacy, and contributing to the development of future leaders,” Captain Husain remarked.
With the world of sport evolving rapidly thanks to AI and digital governance, Captain Husain noted that the establishment of the Seoul institution was “visionary”.
“Asia is uniquely positioned to shape the future of global sport. To do so, we need to pursue three long-term objectives: strengthening Asian unity, investing in human capital, and advancing sports diplomacy. The Asia Olympic Graduate School will serve as a core engine for all three goals,” Captain Husain added.
Also present at the ceremony were the OCA’s Ahmad Al Saabi, Gene Choi, CEO Business Headquarters, Kookmin University Foundation, Dr. Jeong Seung Ryul, President, Kookmin University, and Dr. Rha Chan Soon, Dean, OCA Graduate School of Sustainability and ESG, Kookmin University.
