Institute of Philanthropy supports immersive digital exhibition from the Palace Museum exploring the rich heritage of Chinese design

Exclusively sponsored by the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP), jointly organised by the Palace Museum and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, “The Ways in Patterns: An Immersive Digital Exhibition from the Palace Museum” opens tomorrow at the Hong Kong Palace Museum and runs until 13 October 2025. The thematic exhibition showcases traditional patterns from the Palace Museum through cutting-edge digital technology.

Guests tour the “The Ways in Patterns: An Immersive Digital Exhibition from the Palace Museum”.

IoP was established as a “think-fund-do” tank for China and beyond through a strategic seed grant from The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust. The exhibition is one of the events celebrating the Club’s 140th anniversary.

Guests tour the “The Ways in Patterns: An Immersive Digital Exhibition from the Palace Museum”.

The exhibition’s opening ceremony was officiated today by Luo Xianliang, Deputy Director of the Palace Museum; Leo Kung, Chairman of the Board of the Hong Kong Palace Museum; Ann Kung, Deputy Chairman of the Institute of Philanthropy and Trustee of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust; Betty Fung, Chief Executive Officer of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority; and Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum.

Luo Xianliang, Deputy Director of the Palace Museum (centre); Leo Kung, Chairman of the Board of the Hong Kong Palace Museum (2nd left); Ann Kung, Deputy Chairman of the Institute of Philanthropy and Trustee of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust (2nd right); Betty Fung, Chief Executive Officer of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (1st left); and Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum (1st right) officiate at the “The Ways in Patterns: An Immersive Digital Exhibition from the Palace Museum” opening ceremony.

Luo Xianliang, Deputy Director of the Palace Museum, said, “‘The Ways in Patterns’ is the first digital exhibition collaboratively organised by the Palace Museum and the Hong Kong Palace Museum. It is a testament to the commitment of both museums to promoting the outstanding traditional Chinese culture to world audience, and fostering mutual understanding and respect among different cultures. We look forward to the integration of digital technology advancing the appreciation and dissemination of traditional culture amid the tides of globalisation.”

Guests tour the “The Ways in Patterns: An Immersive Digital Exhibition from the Palace Museum”.

Ann Kung, Deputy Chairman of the Institute of Philanthropy and Trustee of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, said, “IoP is committed to promoting the exchange and advancement of philanthropic and charitable endeavours nationally and worldwide. This exhibition is part of a five-year collaboration with the Palace Museum, a project dedicated to showcasing exceptional traditional Chinese culture, nurturing arts tech talent, and supporting Hong Kong's development into a global centre for cultural and artistic exchange. The eventcarries even greater historical significance as it coincides with the Palace Museum's centennial and the 140th anniversary of The Hong Kong Jockey Club.”

Ann Kung, Deputy Chairman of the Institute of Philanthropy and Trustee of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust delivers a speech at the “The Ways in Patterns: An Immersive Digital Exhibition from the Palace Museum” opening ceremony.

“The Ways in Patterns: An Immersive Digital Exhibition from the Palace Museum” immerses visitors in the rich tapestry of traditional Chinese culture through the creative use of digital technology. Diverse patterns selected from the Palace Museum’s architecture, ceramics, and embroidered textiles are creatively reinterpreted into innovative displays of light and shadow, inspiring visitors to deepen their understanding of the rich origins of these intricate designs and to develop a greater appreciation for Chinese culture. The exhibition’s seven immersive spaces feature embroidery and brocade, an intricate caisson ceiling design, and dynamic floor patterns. Visitors can also create their own designs of animated fish and birds.

Selected exhibits at the “The Ways in Patterns: An Immersive Digital Exhibition from the Palace Museum”.

This exhibition is a key initiative under the memorandum of co-operation titled “Promotion of Chinese Culture and Arts Tech Talent Development in the Mainland and Hong Kong”. The Memorandum, signed between The Hong Kong Jockey Club and the Palace Museum last May, aims at promoting Chinese culture and values in Hong Kong, the Mainland and globally. This includes supporting initiatives aimed at fostering cultural exchange between the Mainland and Hong Kong and developing talent in the arts technology and cultural sectors.

Selected exhibits at the “The Ways in Patterns: An Immersive Digital Exhibition from the Palace Museum”.

Selected exhibits at the “The Ways in Patterns: An Immersive Digital Exhibition from the Palace Museum”.

On December 10, a youth delegation of 39 Hong Kong students and teachers participating in the Nurturing Future InnoTech Talent Project witnessed the launch of a rocket bearing the project name “Nurturing the Future” at the Dongfeng commercial aerospace innovation pilot zone near the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre.The rocket successfully carried nine satellites into orbit.

Students wait for the “Nurturing the Future” rocket to launch

This was another milestone in the Nurturing Future InnoTech Talent Project — a three-year strategic initiative funded by the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP) and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, and organised by the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation with The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups as the strategic partner.The project aims to nurture Hong Kong’s young talents in innovation and technology(I&T) with national awareness and a global perspective.

The “Nurturing the Future” rocket on the launch pad.

Launch of the “Nurturing the Future” rocket.

“The ‘Nurturing the Future’ rocket launch was a powerful experience for these Hong Kong youngsters who are on their own educational journey,” said Lester Huang, Chairman of the IoP. “By witnessing this achievement firsthand, these students will connect scientific progress with their own aspirations and develop a spirit of innovation.”

Students and teachers visit the Jiayuguan Fortress

The students and teachers were visiting as part of a five-day programme, which included lectures and discussions with leading aerospace scientists as well as cultural excursions to the Jiayuguan Fortress, the Overhanging Great Wall, and the First Pier of the Great Wall.

Students and teachers visit the Jiayuguan section of the Great Wall

Students described the experience as unforgettable. Lau Pak Ho from Buddhist Yip Kei Nam Memorial College said: “Witnessing the rocket launch in person was a breathtaking and unforgettable experience! I'm deeply grateful to the exchange programme for this precious opportunity, which allowed me to feel the burning passion of the space dream. This journey will forever inspire me to strive with passion and stride boldly into the future!”

The exchange students and teachers attended a lecture by Commander Shen Xingyun, the first captain of the PLA Astronauts Brigade, and other aerospace scientists

Yang Tsz Lui from Kowloon True Light School added: “This journey opened new possibilities for my future. I realised aerospace spans far broader fields than I imagined, and I can connect my love of mathematics, physics and art to this industry.”

Students shared their feelings about participating in the exchange group

The delegation included nine students living in Small Group Homes benefiting from support under JC Project Bonfire, Hong Kong’s first and largest initiative to support children and youth in residential care. For most it was their first plane trip to the Chinese Mainland.

Students shared their feelings about participating in the exchange group

One student living in a Small Group Home said it was a great honour to watch the rocket launch, which he had only seen on television in the past. Lectures by leading aerospace scientists were inspirational: “The sharing of the two aerospace experts helped me appreciate their great contributions to our country and inspired me to actively pursue my dream career. This experience has filled me with hope for my future career path.”

An exchange group including 39 Hong Kong teachers and students witnessed the “Nurturing the Future” rocket launch