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 Harmonious Horse International Exhibition Tour, part of The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Year of the Horse campaign, has moved to Exchange Square and Jardine House in Central, where it will run until 17 November. The community exhibition showcases horse sculptures created by renowned artist Simon Ma, together with mini “Harmonious Horse” sculptures painted by members of the public. The works celebrate the bond between horses and humans and symbolise the Club’s connection with the community.

Horse sculptures created by artist Simon Ma and mini “Harmonious Horse” sculptures are on display at Exchange Square and Jardine House in Central until 17 November.

Horse sculptures created by artist Simon Ma and mini “Harmonious Horse” sculptures are on display at Exchange Square and Jardine House in Central until 17 November.

Winfried Engelbrecht‑Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Guests attending a ceremony for the exhibition in Central included Winfried Engelbrecht‑Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; and artist Simon Ma.

Winfried Engelbrecht‑Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (2nd right); and artist Simon Ma (2nd left), together with two student representatives, pose at the Central Community Exhibition of the Harmonious Horse International Exhibition Tour - part of the Club’s Year of the Horse campaign.

Winfried Engelbrecht‑Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (left), receives a painting created by artist Simon Ma (right), as a token of appreciation for the Club’s support of the Harmonious Horse International Exhibition Tour.

The Club-supported Harmonious Horse International Exhibition Tour has brought horse culture and contemporary art to various communities since the beginning of the Year of the Horse in February. In Hong Kong, the exhibition has been staged at Sha Tin Racecourse, Beas River Country Club, The Hilltop in The Valley at Happy Valley, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Tamar Park and North Point Ferry Pier, as well as schools and NGO centres. Students have been invited to paint mini “Harmonious Horse” sculptures, harnessing their creativity to express their wishes for society. The tour has also visited Beijing and Shanghai and will later travel to other cities across the Chinese Mainland, sharing the spirit and vitality embodied by horses with audiences in more places.

Winfried Engelbrecht‑Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (3rd left) and other guests tour the exhibition with artist Simon Ma (2nd right).

Winfried Engelbrecht‑Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and students paint mini horse sculptures at the Central Community Exhibition of the Harmonious Horse International Exhibition Tour.

Students paint mini horse sculptures at the Central Community Exhibition of the Harmonious Horse International Exhibition Tour.

The Club’s Year of the Horse campaign is a year-long celebration of the close bond between horses and humans and the contribution racing makes to Hong Kong. It also promotes tourism as well as equine and sports development. Racing is not only the city’s favourite pastime, but also a symbol of its “can-do” spirit and stability under One Country, Two Systems. Through the success of Hong Kong horses on the international stage, the sport also brings pride to the community and global recognition to our city. None of this would be possible without the horse. For more information please visit https://hkjc.com/YOTH.

Group photo.

Group photo.