Jockey Club and XIX Entertainment Launch Next phase of Now United Hong Kong Talent Search with Auditions and Workshops

The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced on 12 May its plan to become a global sports entertainment brand and to showcase Hong Kong as a centre for global exchange, connectivity and tourism, with the ultimate aim of creating more value for the community. To further this vision, the Club has entered into a strategic partnership with XIX Entertainment – led by industry visionary Simon Fuller – and together they have launched their first collaboration. They are bringing Fuller’s global pop group Now United to Hong Kong and are hosting a talent search to find the group’s next member. It offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for aspiring local talent to shine on the world stage, as well as a platform to showcase the vibrancy of Hong Kong and horse racing with millions of Now United fans worldwide through musical performances, social media posts and racecourse entertainment. A two-day workshop including classes led by top choreographers and voice coaches was held recently to provide the young dreamers with professional training. Popular youtubers Christy Choi and Jeffery Kwan of the YouTube channel Pomato also joined the workshop and documented the journey.

Club and XIX team up to empower youth and nurture talent

With a shared vision of nurturing and empowering young talent, the Club and XIX have come together to offer Hong Kong youngsters professional training and development to help them shine on the world stage. The Now United Hong Kong talent search has entered an exciting new phase as the team looks for its newest member. Shortlisted candidates were invited to auditions led by Fuller last week, where they were professionally evaluated on singing, dancing, stage presence and star potential.

Hollywood’s Academy of Pop offers professional training for young local talent

World-class choreographer Nicky Andersen and singing coach Berkley The Artist from the Academy of Pop in Los Angeles offered participants mentorship in singing, dancing and stage performance during a masterclass to inspire them with confidence. As the first initiative under the Club’s strategic partnership with XIX, the talent search embodies the Club’s bold vision to transform itself into a global sports entertainment brand, while promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s most vibrant city.

Dance workshop by Nicky Andersen

Nicky Andersen hosts a two-day intensive dance workshop that challenges participants technically to help them grow artistically. To reinforce their foundational skills, Day One explores commercial dance techniques and movement exercises and teaches them two dance routines. Day Two focuses on the skills needed to take dance performances to the next level including improving stage presence and storytelling and how to create emotional connection.

Singing workshop by Berkley The Artist

This workshop by Berkley The Artist trains talents how to strengthen their voice and explores the skills needed to become a dynamic vocalist. Day One begins with warm-ups to improve breathing control and diction, expand vocal range and find voice clarity. Participants put their skills to the test by learning songs and exploring various blends and styles. Day Two focuses on bringing vocal performances to the next level by improving phrasing and lyrical interpretation, developing stage presence and creating emotional connections.

Pomato’s Christy Choi and Jeffery Kwan meet pop star power

Christy Choi and Jeffery Kwan of the YouTube channel Pomato joined workshops meticulously crafted by a star-studded international team. They engaged with fellow participants and Hollywood coaches, taking the chance to learn from industry experts while documenting the journeys of aspiring youths trying to realise their dreams. Christy described this as a rare opportunity to experience Hollywood-level training first-hand, saying she hoped to showcase her newly improved singing and dancing skills in future Pomato videos. The experience also resonated with Jeffery, who recalled that he too was following his dream when he joined Pomato. He said he identified with the workshop participants’ passion and dedication.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) today (31 May) marked the successful conclusion of its “May · We Care” staff volunteer initiative. Throughout the month, members of the CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team (CARE Team) took part in over 80 volunteer activities, contributing more than 4,700 service hours in support of the community. The initiative reflects the Club’s long-standing commitment to giving back to society through meaningful action, making May a month of collective impact.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (middle) and volunteers guide participating families in creating soft pastel artworks.

Comprising full-time, part-time and retired Club employees, the CARE Team organised “May · We Care” for the second consecutive year, encouraging staff participation in a wide range of volunteer activities. Club management, together with over 1,300 CARE Team members, participated in various voluntary services, supporting causes spanning sports, children and youth, animal welfare, underprivileged groups, elderly care, and environmental protection.

Club Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Raymond Tam (back in the red shirt) joins volunteers to guide kindergarten children in transforming second-hand toys into creative toy artworks, extending the lifespan of discarded toys and encouraging sustainability.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club said, “As a Club, we are committed to creating positive impact and working for the betterment of society. Now in its second year, with more volunteers taking part, ‘May · We Care’ underscores our dedication to the community and demonstrates how deeply our people are engaged in serving it. This initiative is a powerful reflection of the genuine care of those who work at - or have retired from - the Club. Volunteering truly is the heart and soul of what we do, it connects our team directly to the community and reminds us why the Club is so special – bringing to life our ‘One Club, One Vision, One Team’ spirit.”

Club Executive Director, Membership and Customer Excellence, Terecina Kwong (2nd right), joins colleagues in baking horse-shaped cookies with persons with intellectual disabilities and people undergoing rehabilitation, promoting social inclusion.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges joined 16 volunteers in leading underprivileged families on a docent tour of Tai Kwun, introducing the 180-year history of the heritage site, the Club’s contribution to its conservation and revitalisation, as well as its ongoing funding of operations – making Tai Kwun one of Hong Kong’s most popular cultural landmarks for both locals and tourists. The volunteers also served as workshop facilitators, guiding participants through a soft pastel art session to create their own unique “Ponies on Parade” artworks.

Over 100 volunteers visit elderly residents in Tuen Mun, Tai Po and the North District, delivering nutritious food and care.

Through “May · We Care”, the CARE Team successfully recruited more than 100 new members, bringing total membership to over 2,300. The team continues to broaden its impact by integrating members’ skills into volunteer service through innovative initiatives such as the “CARE Band”, “Cantonese Opera Team”, “CARE Painters”, “Balloon Twisting Team”,  “Hair Cutting Team” and “CAREthelets”. Together, these efforts help foster a more caring and inclusive community.

Volunteers support dog adoption days across districts, including at the pet-friendly HKJC Lohas Park Off-Course Betting Branch, helping homeless dogs find new families.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (5th right back row) and volunteers lead participating families on a docent-led tour of Tai Kwun, introducing its history and heritage features.