Beyond the Arena: He Qixiang

A Boyhood Dream Turns into Reality for Sports Data Analyst, He Qixiang

Data Analyst He Qixiang at work, during a LCS club training session at Bishan Stadium in 2024. Photo Credit : He Qixiang

31-year-old He Qixiang is part of a growing trend in the Singapore sporting industry, which is now embracing the full utilization and importance of data analytics and sport science. From training national athletes at Sport Singapore to professional football clubs in the Singapore Premier League (SPL), data analysts are now pivotal to success.

After completing his 'O' Levels at Tanjong Katong Secondary School, Qixiang pursued a Diploma in Psychology Studies at Temasek Polytechnic. His passion for sports began early, representing his primary school in table tennis, tennis, and football. This love for sports led him to a degree in Sports Science and Management at Nanyang Technological University/National Institute of Education.

Though Qixiang had a basic understanding of Sports Science before his degree, he was eager to explore Biomechanics, Physiology, and Motor Control. His goal was clear: to work with high-performance athletes, and Sports Science seemed the perfect path.

"Nearing the end of my undergraduate studies at NTU, I took a keen interest in coding and big data analytics in Sports Science," Qixiang explains. "While working with the NFA Under-17 team, SAFSA, and the National U-23/Young Lions team, I saw a big opportunity to push for more data analytics in football."

Driven by this vision, Qixiang designed his NTU Final Year Project and PhD studies to draw insights from European football, aiming to elevate Singapore's football standards. "I wanted to use data from top European leagues to improve local practices and enhance our football scene," he says.

 He Qixiang observing the players at a Lion City Sailors’ training session in 2023 at Toa Payoh Stadium. Photo Credit : He Qixiang

In Qixiang’s view, to excel as a Sports Data Analyst, a strong sense of curiosity is essential. Analysts must constantly question why certain issues, like athlete injuries, occur and then use data to uncover insights and draw conclusions. Working closely with athletes requires attention to details—such as life events or poor sleep—that might affect performance. By combining these observations with data, analysts can make informed decisions and interventions. With the many athletes and countless variables involved, tracking these details meticulously is key to success.

Before joining Lion City Sailors (LCS) football club in 2022 as Head of Data Analytics, Qixiang gained valuable experience in various football roles. In 2017, he worked as a coach with the National Football Academy (NFA) Under-17 team at the Football Association of Singapore (FAS). This rewarding experience allowed him to train up-and-coming goalkeepers, some of whom now play professionally.

Qixiang also spent two years as Head of Sport Science and Goalkeeper Coach at the Singapore Armed Forces Sports Association (SAFSA). Collaborating with the club’s coach, they took steps to professionalize the team, including using GPS trackers to monitor players' physical load—crucial since SAFSA players were full-time soldiers training after their Army duties. “Achieving a 3rd place finish in the 2019 NFL Division 1 season was a significant accomplishment,” Qixiang reflects.

 He Qixiang observing the players at a Lion City Sailors’ SPL match in 2024. Photo Credit : He Qixiang

A year-long stint as a Talent Identification & Research Executive at the National Youth Sports Institute (NYSI) had a lasting impact on Qixiang’s career. Working closely with national athletes across various departments—like Sport Science, Athlete Life, and Youth Coaching—gave him a practical understanding of how theoretical principles are applied in Singapore. This experience broadened his perspective, allowing him to collaborate with practitioners and athletes from different sports and youth age groups.

Today, 2.5 years into his role with Lion City Sailors (LCS), Qixiang has seen significant growth in the team. “When I started at LCS Academy, I was the only data analyst, responsible for mapping out and implementing data collection,” he recalls. Now, LCS has two full-time data analysts at the Elite Academy and regularly hosts interns from Republic Polytechnic and NTU, offering them hands-on experience.

For Qixiang, job satisfaction comes from seeing LCS players improve, getting fitter and stronger over time. “During pre-season training, we push for an extra 10-25% from the players each week,” he says. This progress is a team effort, involving technical coaches, strength and conditioning coaches, the medical team, and, of course, the players' hard work. It's especially rewarding when this improvement translates into success in competitive matches. Seeing the players adapt and grow over a few weeks and achieve tangible results is what makes the job truly fulfilling for him. 

 He Qixiang in discussion with fellow LCS coaching staff / sports science team at a training session in 2024. Photo Credit : He Qixiang

“As a Data Analyst, I’d readily recommend this career,” says Qixiang. “Working comfortably with data is highly valued today, and the role offers the chance to work closely with athletes, honing soft skills like communication and teamwork. At LCS, we’re fortunate to have overseas training camps where we play against foreign clubs. Traveling and experiencing different cultures as part of my job is incredibly fulfilling.”

Qixiang aims to help build a flourishing sports science culture in Singapore. He envisions every professional or semi-professional football club having a dedicated Sports Science department. “I’d love to see sports scientists from different clubs openly share and discuss their work, with the common goal of improving football standards in Singapore,” he adds. “That’s something we sorely miss, and being part of creating it would be truly meaningful.”

He Qixiang is in a discussion with a LCS player, during the Halftime session of a match at the National Stadium in 2024. Photo Credit : He Qixiang