Dicken Yung completed a Diploma of Physical Education and a Diploma of Education at the University of Otago. He completed a MA at Leeds University and a PhD at Nottingham University. Between 1991 and 2010 he was Professor of Leisure Studies, Professor of Continuing Education, and Director of Asia Pacific Professional and Education Programs at the University of Oregon. He is currently Chairman of Unilava, a San Francisco-based technology company.
Dicken has held senior administrative positions in the British Hong Kong Government, and in many sports and welfare organisations for the less abled, including: Board Member of Special Olympics International; Chairman of Special Olympics Hong Kong; Board Member of Shanghai Special Care Foundation; President of Hong Kong Recreation Management Association; and Executive Board Member of World Leisure Organization. He was instrumental in securing major events for China, including the World Leisure Congress and the World Expo in 2006, and the Special Olympics World Summer Games in 2007.
Dicken has received many awards, including: Distinguished Civil Service Award, from the British Hong Kong Government; Gold Magnolia Medal, from the City Government of Shanghai; Inaugural Humanitarian Award, from the World Leisure Organization; and the Most Distinguished Award for Service to Disabled Persons in China, from the China Disabled Persons Federation.