The Institute of Philanthropy supports nurturing medical and health talent across the nation with the launch of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Medical and Health Scholarship-cum-Fellowship for Top Talent in the Mainland

In collaboration with the National Health Commission (NHC) and funded by the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP), The Hong Kong Jockey Club Medical and Health Scholarship-cum Fellowship for Top Talent in the Mainland (the “Initiative”) has supported 29 top medical and health professionals from the Mainland to undertake Master’s, doctoral studies and post-doctoral training at three universities in Hong Kong. Additionally, in mid-April, the programme supported 25 senior officials of the national health system to undertake a National Health System at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).

The inaugural Hong Kong Jockey Club Medical and Health Scholarship-cum-Fellowship for Top Talent in the Mainland awarded a total of 29 long-term programme scholarships and fellowships, supporting top medical and health talent in the Mainland to undertake Master’s, doctoral studies and post-doctoral training at three universities in Hong Kong during the 2024/25 academic year.

Since the signing of the “Collaboration Agreement Between the National Health Commission and The Hong Kong Jockey Club on a Scholarship-cum-Fellowship for Top Talent in the Mainland” between NHC and The Hong Kong Jockey Club (“the Club”) in March last year, and with support from the Health Human Resources Development Centre of the NHC (“Programme Management Office”), preparation and selection work for the Initiative has been well underway. The goal is to nurture a cohort of core talent with professional competence, strategic thinking and a global perspective in the fields of medicine and health. After rigorous assessment by a selection committee comprising leading medical and health experts in the Mainland and Hong Kong, 29 medical and health professionals across the nation were awarded scholarships or fellowships to pursue Master’s degrees, doctoral degrees and post-doctoral training in medical research, public health, biomedical sciences and health management at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and The University of Hong Kong (“HKU”). The scholarship recipients commenced their studies or training in the 2024/25 academic year.

Chief Executive of the HKSAR John Lee (2nd right), the then Vice-minister of the National Health Commission Lei Haichao (2nd left), Club Chairman Michael Lee (1st right) and Secretary for Health of the HKSAR Government Professor Lo Chung-mau (1st left) pose for a photo at the signing ceremony in March 2024 in Beijing.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Leadership Programme for Senior Executives in the National Health System completed in April 2025 at HKUST was the first short course under the Initiative. It aims to enhance the leadership and professional competency of senior officials in the national health system in support of the implementation of the Healthy China 2030 Blueprint. The 25 scholarship recipients included senior officials from central ministries (including the NHC), as well as health commissions and medical institutions from 19 provinces and cities. The training course not only provided participants with opportunities to broaden their horizons and deepen their professional knowledge, but also laid a solid foundation for future co-operation between Hong Kong and the Mainland in the fields of medicine and health. The Programme Management Office is planning to organise a second short course at HKU in June 2025.

The Initiative also awarded scholarships to 25 senior officials from the central ministries (including the NHC), as well as various provincial and municipal health commissions and medical institutions in April 2025 to participate in The Hong Kong Jockey Club Leadership Programme for Senior Executives in the National Health System at HKUST.

Mr. Lester Huang, Chairman of IoP and a Steward of the Club, stated: “Talent and sector development is one of the key priority areas of our charity strategy. This scholarship programme fully leverages Hong Kong’s role as an international education hub, working closely with local universities to provide training for the country’s medical and health talent, exemplifying our commitment to community betterment. We are grateful for the support given to the scholarship programme by the universities, and will continue to support other local universities in participating in the high-quality development of the national medical

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Medical and Health Scholarship-cum-Fellowship for Top Talent in the Mainland is funded by a donation of about HK$300 million from IoP, established jointly by the Club and its Charities Trust in September 2023. The programme focuses on the development of top professional talent in clinical services and health management, demonstrating IoP’s strong support for the Healthy China 2030 Blueprint and the 14th Five-Year Plan on health-talent development.

The TWGHs “iRun” – The Hong Kong Jockey Club Special Marathon 2026 (iRun) took place today (11 January) along the Central and Western District Promenade and Lung Wo Road. This year, the event, supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, saw a record turnout of over 5,500 runners of varying abilities and their pair-up partners joined the fun while promoting social inclusion.

Over 5,500 runners, including participants of varying abilities and their pair-up partners, participated in iRun 2026 to promote social inclusion within the community.

Among the officiating guests cheering on the runners were HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun, Club Steward Philip Lo and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals the 1st Vice-Chairman York Tseng.

HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun (3rd left), Club Steward Philip Lo (3rd right) and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals the 1st Vice-Chairman York Tseng (2nd left) officiate at the TWGHs “iRun” – Hong Kong Jockey Club Special Marathon 2026.

Club Steward Philip Lo (centre) receives a souvenir from HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun (left), accompanied by Tung Wah Group of Hospitals the 4th Vice-Chairman cum Chairman of Community Services Committee Jason Lee (right).

HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun (centre), Club Steward Philip Lo (right) and iRun ambassador So Wa-wai (left).

Speaking at the ceremony, Club Steward Philip Lo emphasised that the significance of iRun extends beyond a single day of competition. The initiative provides diverse support to improve participants’ physical health and foster social inclusion. The Club has always placed great emphasis on the community’s needs, with “Health” being one of the strategic priorities of its Charity’s Trust. It consistently supports various organisations, including the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs), to launch initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles and enhance citizens’ overall quality of life.

Club Steward Philip Lo delivers a speech at the starting ceremony of the TWGHs “iRun” – Hong Kong Jockey Club Special Marathon 2026.

Organised by TWGHs and supported by the Trust since 2012, iRun aims to give people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to experience the joy of sports and become more involved with the community. 

A member of the CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team and runner pose for a photo.

This year’s event welcomed participants not only from Hong Kong but also Beijing, Guangdong Province and Macau. Runners with intellectual disabilities were paired with volunteers in a 3km challenge race, with pre-race training sessions arranged to help pairs get to know each other. The winning teams will receive sponsorship to participate in marathons outside Hong Kong, broadening their horizons and boosting their self-esteem.

Club Steward Philip Lo with CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team members and runners.

This year, the event once again hosted the 1km “iRun for Family”, giving children aged six to 11 with intellectual disabilities and their families the chance to enjoy sporting fun together. To further promote social inclusion, a new “1km iRun Group” race was introduced to include participants with disabilities such as visually impairment, hearing impairment or those undergoing mental rehabilitation. About 800 volunteers, including members of the Club’s CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team, participated as pair-up runners or helpers to share the joy of running.

CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team members and runners receive the trophy for the Corporate Social Inclusion Tournament.

Additionally, the “i-Runners’ Club” provides regular training for participants under the guidance of professional coaches, while “Green Marathon” elements remain integral to the event to encourage waste reduction and recycling, and advocate for environmental awareness.

The Club’s support for iRun, like all its charity and community donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and responsible sports wagering generate substantial tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong.

Club Steward Philip Lo with CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team members and runners.