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.

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.