Jockey Club unveils first Hong Kong, China member of global pop group Now United, supporting young local talent to shine on world stage

The Hong Kong Jockey Club in partnership with international brand XIX Entertainment announced the first new member of global pop group Now United from Hong Kong, China in a media unveiling at Tai Kwun today (28 August). The new member, Ariel Tsang, delivered her debut performance with the group, showcasing the talent of Hong Kong’s younger generation. It marks the culmination of a months-long search to find a new member of Now United that consisted of auditions, Hollywood-level training and intensive bootcamps.

HKJC’s Rising Stars Ambassador Aaron Kwok (photo 2, centre) with Now United’s new Hong Kong, China member Ariel Tsang (photo 2, 5th right) and other group members.

It was back in May this year that the Club announced a strategic partnership with XIX Entertainment. Their first major initiative was to bring Now United to Hong Kong for a talent search, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young local talent to perform on a global stage.

Now United’s new Hong Kong, China member Ariel Tsang.

Tsang becomes Now United’s first-ever member from Hong Kong, China. Born in the city, she brings extensive stage experience as a home-grown singer, rapper and dancer and has garnered attention for her musical talent and youthful energy. Her proficiency in Cantonese, English and Putonghua enables her to collaborate with group members and communicate with audiences from around the world, showcasing her abilities and creativity. She provides a bridge that connects Hong Kong’s new generation of talent to the world stage.

Now United’s new Hong Kong, China member Ariel Tsang.

Dennis Hau, Executive Director, Customer Strategy, Insights and Innovation of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, highlighted the Club’s aspiration to become a global sports entertainment brand, beginning with its partnership with XIX. “This collaboration will deliver attractive world-class racing and entertainment experiences for local residents and tourists, encouraging them to experience the magic when horse sports meet top-class entertainment,” he said. “The Club has long been committed to youth and talent development, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity provides young local talent with world-class training. We look forward to Now United’s new Hong Kong, China member helping to promote tourism in Hong Kong and take local horse racing events to the world.”

Dennis Hau, the Club’s Executive Director of Customer Strategy, Insights and Innovation (6th left), and Raymond Tam, the Club’s Executive Director of Corporate Affairs (6th right), present the Certificate of Appointment to Aaron Kwok as the HKJC’s Rising Stars Ambassador (centre).

Asian superstar Aaron Kwok attended the media unveiling in his capacity as “HKJC’s Rising Stars Ambassador” to nurture promising local talent and encourage young people to follow their dreams. He is a well-known proponent of encouraging performers and artists to shine on the stage, in keeping with the Club’s commitment to youth and talent development.

Aaron Kwok, HKJC’s Rising Stars Ambassador, attended the media unveiling of the Now United Hong Kong, China member.

Being a horse owner with a love of horses, Kwok praised the Club for its contributions to the betterment of society over the years. He noted it has made Hong Kong synonymous with world-class racing while also supporting countless charitable and community projects locally and internationally. He praised the Club’s commitment to youth and talent development, and expressed the hope that this once-in-a-lifetime Now United initiative would inspire Hong Kong youths to show their passion and talent to the world.

HKJC’s Rising Stars Ambassador Aaron Kwok ( centre) with Now United’s new Hong Kong, China member Ariel Tsang and other group members.

Internationally renowned entertainment producer, sports promoter and XIX founder Simon Fuller praised the Club’s innovative vision of combining world-class sports and entertainment, noting Now United complements the dynamic energy of Hong Kong perfectly. He hoped the group’s new Hong Kong member would showcase their optimism and resilience to shine on the world stage.

HKJC’s Rising Stars Ambassador Aaron Kwok ( centre) with Now United’s new Hong Kong, China member Ariel Tsang and other group members.

The collaboration between the Club and XIX also features Masterclass workshops from industry-leading professionals at XIX Entertainment’s Academy of Pop, with tutors including world-class dancer and choreographer Nicky Andersen and renowned vocal coach Berkley The Artist.

HKJC’s Rising Stars Ambassador Aaron Kwok ( centre) with Now United’s new Hong Kong, China member Ariel Tsang and other group members.

During their stay in Hong Kong, members of Now United will shoot a reality YouTube Series and music videos, sharing positive stories about Hong Kong and Hong Kong racing with their millions of fans worldwide across multiple platforms.

Posing for a group photo with Now United members on stage are Simon Fuller, Founder of XIX Entertainment (8th left); Angelina Cheung, Commissioner for Tourism (7th right); Joanne Chu, Deputy Commissioner for Tourism (7th left); Dennis Hau, the Club’s Executive Director of Customer Strategy, Insights and Innovation (6th left); Raymond Tam, the Club’s Executive Director of Corporate Affairs (6th right); and Aaron Kwok, HKJC’s Rising Stars Ambassador (centre).

The group is due to embark on a world tour in November featuring stops in Portugal and Brazil, before returning to Hong Kong in December to perform live at the Club’s racecourses including at the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races. To learn more about Now United’s activities in Hong Kong and the Club’s entertainment initiatives, please visit and follow @hkjcentertainment on Instagram.

Click the link below to rewatch the event:
https://www.youtube.com/live/24xohmpJaVQ

One City; Two Passions. This April, a landmark partnership between The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) and the Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC) will unite Hong Kong’s two greatest sporting passions – horse racing and rugby – for the very first time, showcasing our city’s world-class sport and entertainment and strong community spirit.

Racing and rugby, two iconic sports, have been rooted in Hong Kong for over 100 years. Their success on the international stage has brought pride to our city and attracted fans and tourists from all over the world. “Racing with Rugby” offers the unique opportunity to experience Hong Kong’s two world-class sports in one epic celebration, reinforcing our city’s position as Asia’s events capital.

Racing with Rugby” – Jockey Club celebrates Hong Kong’s two iconic sports.

Tailor-made ticket packages are available at Klook for“Racing with Rugby” experiences at both Sha Tin and Happy Valley racecourses. Ticketing details: https://www.klook.com/zh-HK/activity/97423-cathay-pacific-hsbc-hong-kong-sevens/?spm=LanguageCurrencySelectionPopup.SelectLanguage&clickId=f030ea73d9 (choose “Combo deals” under Package options)

“Racing with Rugby” highlights include:

Launch of “Racing with Rugby” and Announcement of the Hong Kong China Rugby Sevens Team (Sha Tin Racecourse, Sunday 12 April). “Racing with Rugby” will be launched at a special ceremony in the Parade Ring at Sha Tin Racecourse. A highlight will be the announcement of the line up for the Hong Kong China Men’s and Women’s Rugby Sevens teams. This will be followed by a thrilling day of horse racing and entertainment, with opportunities to meet and greet rugby stars. Book a “Genso Fudo Town package offer” (while stocks last) to meet the Hong Kong China Rugby players and to join interactive games for a chance to win a special edition signed horse plush! Booking website: https://bit.ly/4d6S4Jw

Rugby-themed Happy Wednesday (Happy Valley Racecourse, Wednesday 15 April). For the first time, Happy Wednesday’s legendary race night party will celebrate rugby week, coinciding with the HKFC 10s, the world’s premier ten-a-side competition held at HKFC in Happy Valley from 14 - 16 April. Sports fans will be able to enjoy a day of top-class rugby before heading over to the racecourse for Hong Kong’s world-famous night races in the heart of the city. Famous singer Jason Donovan and music group BABBA will bring spectacular racecourse entertainment.

Pre-sale of Team Hong Kong, China jerseys and rugby-themed merchandise. Ahead of the Hong Kong Sevens, racing and rugby fans will be able to purchase Hong Kong, China jerseys and rugby merchandise at specific locations in Sha Tin Racecourse on 12 April and Happy Valley Racecourse on 15 April (while stocks last).

 Community engagement. Building on its long-running role as the Official Community Partner of the Hong Kong Sevens, the HKJC is extending this commitment to the HKFC 10s this year. The HKJC Volunteer Team will host a booth in the fan village of the Hong Kong Sevens (17-19 April) at Kai Tak Stadium and at the HKFC 10s (14–16 April) at the Hong Kong Football Club, offering sports and interactive activities. The HKJC has expanded its booth at the Hong Kong Sevens this year, where its Volunteer Team will deliver live band performances on stage. As always, the HKJC is supporting outreach programmes and youth rugby competitions and providing tickets to students, the elderly and the underprivileged so they can experience the thrill of rugby both on and off the pitch.

For more event information, please visit the Club’s website and Instagram pages.
- Racecourse Events: https://entertainment.hkjc.com/zh-hk/index
- Happy Wednesday: https://happywednesday.hkjc.com/zhHK/parties/S2526RacingWithRugby/
- IG @hkjcentertainment: https://www.instagram.com/HKJCEntertainment
- IG @hkjcracingsports: https://www.instagram.com/hkjcracingsports/
- IG @hkjc_community: https://www.instagram.com/hkjc_community/
 
Over the years, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has promoted sports at both community and elite levels through numerous initiatives, enabling people of all ages and abilities to enjoy sports. The support for community sports, sports development and participation, 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.