Nurturing Future InnoTech Talent Project, backed by the Institute of Philanthropy and the Jockey Club, launches in Hong Kong

Today (16 September) marked the official Hong Kong launch of the Nurturing Future InnoTech Talent Project, an industry–school–community collaboration which seeks to develop Hong Kong’s next generation of innovation and technology (I&T) talent with both national awareness and a global perspective. A signature feature are Masterclasses, with renowned Mainland experts delivering public lectures and school talks to Hong Kong students on major national achievements, traditional culture and cutting-edge technologies. The project aligns with the National 14th Five-Year Plan, which supports Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology hub.

The Institute of Philanthropy (IoP) and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust have approved a donation of HK$150 million to support the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF), with The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) as the strategic partner in launching the project.

Shen Beili, Vice Chairperson of CSCLF (centre); Yin Zonghua, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR (3rd left); Clarence Leung, Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs of the HKSAR Government (2nd left); Professor Wu Weiren, Chief Designer of China's Lunar Exploration Program, China National Space Administration Lunar Exploration and Aerospace Engineering Center and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (2nd right); Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and IoP Chairman (3rd right); Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (1st left) and Professor Herman Hu, Founding President of Hong Kong Rosamond Foundation (1st right) at the Hong Kong launch ceremony of Nurturing Future InnoTech Talent Project.

Today’s ceremony at the Hong Kong Palace Museum opened with a pre-recorded speech by John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR. Shen Beili, Vice Chairperson of CSCLF; Yin Zonghua, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR; Clarence Leung, Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs of the HKSAR Government; Professor Wu Weiren, Chief Designer of China's Lunar Exploration Program, China National Space Administration Lunar Exploration and Aerospace Engineering Center and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and IoP Chairman; Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and Professor Herman Hu, Founding President of Hong Kong Rosamond Foundation attended the launch ceremony.

John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, delivers a video address at the Hong Kong launch ceremony of the Nurturing Future InnoTech Talent Project.

Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and IoP Chairman, said that the Nurturing Future InnoTech Talent Project provides a unique opportunity for young people to learn about cutting-edge innovation in fields such as artificial intelligence and aerospace technology. The aim is to cultivate their talent, expand their appreciation for the technological and scientific achievements of the nation, while also inspiring them with a global vision. He hoped the experience will motivate all of them to contribute to next-generation I&T.

Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and IoP Chairman delivers a speech at the Hong Kong launch ceremony of the Nurturing Future InnoTech Talent Project.

The Masterclasses following today’s ceremony attracted approximately 300 local students.  In total the Masterclasses will feature six renowned Mainland experts who will discuss artificial intelligence, aerospace and engineering technology, marine science, new energy, history and culture, and traditional Chinese medicine and wellness. The experts will visit 13 secondary schools and three universities to directly interact with thousands of students during their stay in Hong Kong.

As part of the same project, in August nearly 260 local students participated in two “Journey of Exploring the Motherland” exchange tours to Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an, where they experienced the country’s cutting-edge innovation firsthand and witnessed the fusion of art with science, and history with modernity. Other activities including “Building Dreams in the New Era – I&T Career Exploration”, two events under the “Teacher Nurturing Scheme”, and the “Hong Kong Regional Selection for the Soong Ching Ling Award for Children’s Invention and Future Science Day” will be rolled out to broaden students’ horizons, nurture curiosity, and provide professional training for educators.

The Masterclasses following the launch ceremony attracted approximately 300 local students.

The Nurturing Future InnoTech Talent Project spans three years. Leveraging its strong network and educational research and development capabilities, CSCLF will provide Hong Kong’s young people with access to the latest innovation opportunities, while HKFYG will contribute its local expertise in youth development to tailor the project to Hong Kong’s educational and societal needs. The project aims to nurture the I&T talent and national identity of over 2,000 young people while also enhancing the teaching capacity of around 500 I&T educators.

The Club’s support for the Nurturing Future InnoTech Talent Project, 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.

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.