Institute of Philanthropy and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust Help to Inspire Hong Kong Youth Through “Nurturing the Future” Rocket Launch

On December 10, a youth delegation of 39 Hong Kong students and teachers participating in the Nurturing Future InnoTech Talent Project witnessed the launch of a rocket bearing the project name “Nurturing the Future” at the Dongfeng commercial aerospace innovation pilot zone near the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre.The rocket successfully carried nine satellites into orbit.

Students wait for the “Nurturing the Future” rocket to launch

This was another milestone in the Nurturing Future InnoTech Talent Project — a three-year strategic initiative funded by the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP) and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, and organised by the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation with The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups as the strategic partner.The project aims to nurture Hong Kong’s young talents in innovation and technology(I&T) with national awareness and a global perspective.

The “Nurturing the Future” rocket on the launch pad.

Launch of the “Nurturing the Future” rocket.

“The ‘Nurturing the Future’ rocket launch was a powerful experience for these Hong Kong youngsters who are on their own educational journey,” said Lester Huang, Chairman of the IoP. “By witnessing this achievement firsthand, these students will connect scientific progress with their own aspirations and develop a spirit of innovation.”

Students and teachers visit the Jiayuguan Fortress

The students and teachers were visiting as part of a five-day programme, which included lectures and discussions with leading aerospace scientists as well as cultural excursions to the Jiayuguan Fortress, the Overhanging Great Wall, and the First Pier of the Great Wall.

Students and teachers visit the Jiayuguan section of the Great Wall

Students described the experience as unforgettable. Lau Pak Ho from Buddhist Yip Kei Nam Memorial College said: “Witnessing the rocket launch in person was a breathtaking and unforgettable experience! I'm deeply grateful to the exchange programme for this precious opportunity, which allowed me to feel the burning passion of the space dream. This journey will forever inspire me to strive with passion and stride boldly into the future!”

The exchange students and teachers attended a lecture by Commander Shen Xingyun, the first captain of the PLA Astronauts Brigade, and other aerospace scientists

Yang Tsz Lui from Kowloon True Light School added: “This journey opened new possibilities for my future. I realised aerospace spans far broader fields than I imagined, and I can connect my love of mathematics, physics and art to this industry.”

Students shared their feelings about participating in the exchange group

The delegation included nine students living in Small Group Homes benefiting from support under JC Project Bonfire, Hong Kong’s first and largest initiative to support children and youth in residential care. For most it was their first plane trip to the Chinese Mainland.

Students shared their feelings about participating in the exchange group

One student living in a Small Group Home said it was a great honour to watch the rocket launch, which he had only seen on television in the past. Lectures by leading aerospace scientists were inspirational: “The sharing of the two aerospace experts helped me appreciate their great contributions to our country and inspired me to actively pursue my dream career. This experience has filled me with hope for my future career path.”

An exchange group including 39 Hong Kong teachers and students witnessed the “Nurturing the Future” rocket launch

The Jockey Club STK Eco Eight Recycling and Ecotourism Education Project was officially launched today (7 February). Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and organised by the Wu Zhi Qiao (Bridge to China) Charitable Foundation, this three-year project includes the establishment of the Jockey Club STK Eco Eight Recycling and Ecotourism Education Centre.  The centre will serve as a central hub for collecting and processing recyclables from Sha Tau Kok and neighbouring villages, so helping to enhance waste management efficiency across the district.

Officiating at the launch ceremony of the Jockey Club STK Eco Eight Recycling and Ecotourism Education Project were Diane Wong, Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology of the HKSAR Government (5th left); Bernard Chan, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (5th right); Professor Wong Kam-sing, Chairman of the Wu Zhi Qiao (Bridge to China) Charitable Foundation (4th right) and other guests.

The launch ceremony was officiated by Diane Wong, Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology of the HKSAR Government; Bernard Chan, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Professor Wong Kam-sing, Chairman of the Wu Zhi Qiao (Bridge to China) Charitable Foundation; and other guests.

Club Steward Bernard Chan remarked that the project exemplifies the Club’s commitment to sustainability, one of the impact programmes of its Charities Trust.  Through cross-sector collaboration and innovative approaches, the project will pioneer a systematic recycling network to address local community needs in remote rural areas.  It is hoped that Sha Tau Kok will serve as a model for sustainable rural development, offering a reference for other rural regions in Hong Kong.

Club Steward Bernard Chan delivers a speech at the launch ceremony.

With the gradual opening of the Sha Tau Kok closed area, the region’s rich ecological resources have attracted a growing number of visitors to its seven neighbouring villages: Lai Chi Wo, Mui Tsz Lam, Kop Tong, Kuk Po, Yung Shue Au, Ap Chau and Kat O. In response to the increased waste management needs of these communities, the new centre will help enhance recycling efficiency, strengthen waste reduction education, and encourage proactive recycling to reduce overall waste generation.

In addition, more than 40 ambassadors have been trained to lead guided tours, green workshops and outreach activities, encouraging residents and visitors to protect the area’s precious natural ecology and cultural landscape. The project is expected to train 150 ambassadors and engage nearly 310,000 people in various activities over the next three years.

Guests visit booths at the Sha Tau Kok Sustainable Lunar New Year Carnival, which promotes a green lifestyle for residents and visitors.

Launched in conjunction with the project, the Sha Tau Kok Sustainable Lunar New Year Carnival engaged residents and visitors via booths and workshops highlighting local culture and sustainability to promote a green lifestyle.

The Club’s support for the Jockey Club STK Eco Eight Recycling and Ecotourism Education 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.

Guests tour the Jockey Club STK Eco Eight Recycling and Ecotourism Education Centre.