Seventy-year-old Mr Lau has been experiencing difficulty walking ever since he suffered a stroke last year. After having another stroke earlier this year, he is currently participating in the Pok Oi Hospital “Jockey Club Smart Geriatric Day Hospital Project”, which enables patients to undergo physiotherapy and occupational therapy at home or in their residential care homes for the elderly as part of their rehabilitation.
Making progress: Mr Lau does therapeutic exercises twice a day at the care home to accelerate his recovery after suffering from strokes last year and this year. Image source: www.news.gov.hk
“I do exercises in the morning and afternoon,” he said. “I am quite hardworking because I want to recover soon. I have made progress with some of the activities, such as the dressing exercise, which trains my hand to lift higher. I used to feel pain when moving my right hand, but now I do not.”
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Making progress: Mr Lau does therapeutic exercises twice a day at the care home to accelerate his recovery after suffering from strokes last year and this year. Image source: www.news.gov.hk
More convenient: Lydia Au, a manager at the care home where Mr Lau resides, explains that tele‑rehabilitation reduces the need for care home residents to undertake lengthy and tiring trips to hospital. Image source: www.news.gov.hk
Accelerated recovery: Pok Oi Hospital Chief of Service of Department of Medicine & Geriatrics Dr Tony Chan believes the programme can improve various functions in elderly patients and restore their ability to carry out daily activities. Image source: www.news.gov.hk
Performance analysis: Lingnan University School of Graduates Studies Senior Lecturer Chloe Siu says the smart training model achieves better results than traditional rehabilitation methods in several aspects. Image source: www.news.gov.hk
Interactive technology: The virtual reality system simulates everyday situations, allowing patients to refamiliarise themselves with daily activities in a safe and controlled environment. Image source: www.news.gov.hk
He was also enthusiastic about a hiking routine that has enhanced his mobility. “At first, I needed to rest partway through, but now I can complete the entire route at once.”
Greater convenience
The programme allows elderly residents to undergo rehabilitation in familiar surroundings without the need for lengthy and tiring hospital trips. Lydia Au, a manager at the care home where Mr Lau resides, said the initiative helps residents to stay active and engaged during recovery.
“With the tablet provided by the hospital, they can now do the exercises any time they want and complete them on their own, which builds their confidence and sense of achievement. The programme was launched after an assessment confirmed our care home environment was suitable.”
More convenient: Lydia Au, a manager at the care home where Mr Lau resides, explains that tele‑rehabilitation reduces the need for care home residents to undertake lengthy and tiring trips to hospital. Image source: www.news.gov.hk
Smart technologies
Pok Oi Hospital launched the “Jockey Club Smart Geriatric Day Hospital Project” with $14 million in funding from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, after being included on the Chief Executive’s Community Project List.
The funding supports the adoption of a smart training model that incorporates virtual reality, augmented reality and tele-rehabilitation technologies at the facility’s geriatric day hospital. The approach allows patients to train remotely without the need for frequent hospital visits.
Patients’ performance data are uploaded to a digital platform, enabling healthcare professionals to monitor progress and design personalised rehabilitation plans. Since the project was launched last year, approximately 350 patients have benefited, with the number of patients treated increasing by more than 20% year on year.
Accelerated recovery: Pok Oi Hospital Chief of Service of Department of Medicine & Geriatrics Dr Tony Chan believes the programme can improve various functions in elderly patients and restore their ability to carry out daily activities. Image source: www.news.gov.hk
Fewer visits
Pok Oi Hospital Chief of Service of Department of Medicine & Geriatrics Dr Tony Chan said the programme mainly benefits elderly patients who experience mobility issues after hospitalisation.
“Our target patients include those recovering from stroke, hip fracture or dementia because they all require very intensive training.”
Previously, patients would undergo on-site training twice weekly for eight weeks, for a total of 16 hospital sessions. Under the new arrangement, they now only need to visit the hospital once a week from the fifth week onwards.
“Through these exercises, we hope to help them improve their mobility and cardiopulmonary function, as well as restore their ability to carry out daily activities independently.”
To make rehabilitation more enjoyable, cultural elements have been integrated into the exercises. “For example, some games feature mahjong or cartoon backgrounds of the Big Buddha on Lantau Island and the Tsing Ma Bridge to make the training sessions more interesting and engaging for elderly participants.”
Performance analysis: Lingnan University School of Graduates Studies Senior Lecturer Chloe Siu says the smart training model achieves better results than traditional rehabilitation methods in several aspects. Image source: www.news.gov.hk
Positive results
To evaluate the programme’s effectiveness, Pok Oi Hospital has collaborated with Lingnan University on a comprehensive study. Explaining its findings, Lingnan University School of Graduates Studies Senior Lecturer Chloe Siu said innovative tele-rehabilitation training achieves better results than traditional methods in several aspects.
“Older adults who joined the six-metre walking test walked significantly faster than those undergoing conventional therapy,” she said. In occupational therapy, meanwhile, patients showed clear improvements in hand fine motor functions and cognitive functions, as well as Instrumental Activities of Daily Living.
Interactive technology: The virtual reality system simulates everyday situations, allowing patients to refamiliarise themselves with daily activities in a safe and controlled environment. Image source: www.news.gov.hk
The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) today (18 July) signed a Deepened Collaboration Agreement (the Agreement) with the Guangzhou Municipal People’s Government. Leveraging the world-class, equine-themed culture-sports-tourism activities to be staged at Conghua Racecourse as a starting point, the two parties will further develop the Guangzhou-Hong Kong Equine Industry In-depth Cooperation Zone (the Zone), as highlighted in Guangzhou’s Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan. The two parties will also promote the formation of a high-quality Guangzhou-Hong Kong Equine Industry Economic Cluster (the Cluster), thereby contributing further to the development of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
Sun Zhiyang, Mayor of the Guangzhou Municipal People's Government (4th left); Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of the Club (4th right); Pan Zhijun, Secretary General of the Guangzhou Municipal People's Government (3rd left); Clement Woo, Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs of the HKSAR Government (3rd right); Zhu Xiaoyi, Deputy Secretary General of the Guangzhou Municipal People's Government (2nd left); Raymond Tam, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs of the Club (2nd right); Wu Sa, Director of the Guangzhou Development and Reform Commission (Guangzhou Greater Bay Area Office) (1st left); and So Tsz Yin, Acting Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong of the HKSAR Government (1st right), attend the signing ceremony.
In the presence of Sun Zhiyang, Mayor of the Guangzhou Municipal People's Government; Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of the Club; Zhu Xiaoyi, Deputy Secretary General of the Guangzhou Municipal People's Government; and Clement Woo, Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs of the HKSAR Government, the Agreement was signed by Pan Zhijun, Secretary General of the Guangzhou Municipal People's Government; and Raymond Tam, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs of the Club.
In the presence of Sun Zhiyang, Mayor of the Guangzhou Municipal People's Government (back row, 2nd left); Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of the Club (back row, 2nd right); Zhu Xiaoyi, Deputy Secretary General of the Guangzhou Municipal People's Government (back row, 1st left); and Clement Woo, Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs of the HKSAR Government (back row, 1st right), the Deepened Collaboration Agreement to further advance equine industry development was signed by Pan Zhijun, Secretary General of the Guangzhou Municipal People's Government (front row, left); and Raymond Tam, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs of the Club (front row, right).
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of the Club, noted that the Club, as a world-class horse sports organisation, is committing to leveraging Hong Kong’s internationally recognised expertise and experience in horse racing and equine sports to support the development of the GBA as a leading global hub for equine sports and the equine industry. Over the years, the Club has been cooperating closely with the Guangzhou Municipal People’s Government and achieved significant progress in the establishment of Conghua Racecourse and promoting the development of the GBA’s equine value chain. Through deeper collaboration with the Guangzhou Municipal People’s Government, synergised by the launch of a regular world-class racing programme and equine-themed culture-sports-tourism activities at the Conghua Racecourse, the Club hopes to further promote the development of equine sports and the equine industry in the GBA. This will foster the integrated development of culture, sports and tourism and stimulate the sports event economy, as well as promote institutional innovation and connectivity across the GBA, thereby elevating the region’s international competitiveness and influence.
The Outline of Guangzhou’s 15th Five-Year Plan proposes advancing in-depth cooperation between Guangzhou and Hong Kong in the equine industry, introducing regular international-standard horse racing events, and planning the development of a Guangzhou-Hong Kong Equine Industry In-Depth Cooperation Zone. The Club has also recently submitted recommendations for Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan, which include fully leveraging Conghua Racecourse as a strategic platform for deeper Guangzhou-Hong Kong cooperation, introducing world-class racing and equine events across the GBA and positioning the GBA as a global equine industry hub.
Starting from this year, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Conghua Racecourse will commence its programme of regular world-class horse racing.
By fully leveraging Hong Kong and Guangzhou’s roles as the core engines of GBA development, and the Club’s international standing, professional expertise and management experience in equine sports, this collaboration will continue to optimise the equine-themed culture-sports-tourism business model and develop Conghua Racecourse into a World-class Horse Sports and Equine Industry Demonstration Base cum Horse-themed Culture-Sports-Tourism Integrated Destination. In alignment with Guangzhou’s Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan, the aim is to substantially establish the Zone by 2030, supporting the Cluster as an industry with strong economic vitality and international influence in the GBA.
To achieve the above targets, the Guangzhou Municipal People’s Government and the Club will together put forward the below collaboration areas according to the Agreement:
*1. Planning and Development of the Guangzhou-Hong Kong Equine Industry In-depth Cooperation Zone*
• The Guangzhou Municipal People’s Government will formulate a development plan for the Zone and accelerate the enhancement of supporting facilities in the vicinity of Conghua Racecourse. Leveraging the racecourse as an industry anchor, a diverse range of equine-themed cultural, leisure and tourism experiences will be developed.
• Construction and operation of the Guangzhou Conghua International Racing Development Centre, as well as management and maintenance of the Equine Disease-Free Zone in Conghua, will continue to be advanced. Cooperation with customs and agricultural authorities in Guangzhou and Hong Kong will be strengthened to facilitate more efficient cross-boundary movement.
• International exchanges will be strengthened to support the participation of horses from overseas and the Chinese Mainland in equine-themed culture-sports-tourism activities. In compliance with relevant laws, and while safeguarding biosecurity and the equine disease-free status of Conghua, the importation, trading and breeding of high-quality horses will be advanced in a steady and orderly manner.
• Building on the successful implementation of the “Five Connections” initiatives for the 15th National Games, Conghua Racecourse will leverage its strengths to promote cross-boundary veterinary practice in the Chinese Mainland, the importation of veterinary drugs into the Chinese Mainland, equipment flow, anti-doping testing, and professional exchange and public education. Conghua Racecourse will also be developed into an important platform supporting the development of a “Sports Bay Area”.
*2. Building a World-class Equine Sports and Industry Demonstration Base cum Horse-themed Culture-Sports-Tourism Integrated Destination*
• Ensure the successful organisation of equine-themed culture-sports-tourism activities at Conghua Racecourse. Leveraging the Club’s strengths in operating across “Two Cities, Three Racecourses”, equine-themed tourism products will be developed. These will include equine-themed experience tours in partnership with travel agencies, multi-destination travel packages, and unique equine tourism experiences through local tourism exhibitions and official media platforms.
• Both parties will jointly promote equine-themed culture-sports-tourism activities to the public in the GBA, and encourage collaborations with journalism schools and sports media institutions to enhance the understanding of horse racing among sports media professionals. Promotion of horse culture will also be strengthened at both national and international levels, through the organization of equine culture exhibitions and documentary productions.
*3. Promoting the high-quality development of the Guangzhou-Hong Kong Equine Industry Economic Cluster*
• Leveraging the planning and development of the Zone as an opportunity, a new development framework for the GBA’s equine industry will be formulated. This will include focusing on Conghua Racecourse as one of the core venues to launch a diverse range of horse-themed competitions and activities.
• The equine industry will be integrated with cultural tourism and the convention and exhibition sectors, while extending upstream and downstream value chains through an array of equine sports-themed products.
• Drawing on the Club’s philanthropic experience and resources, both parties will work together to enhance public well-being and contribute to the betterment of society.
*4. Strengthening talent development for equine sports and industries*
• The Guangzhou Municipal People’s Government will support the Club’s initiatives under the “school-enterprise cooperation” model by promoting and facilitating training programmes that meet the talent needs of the equine industry and Conghua Racecourse. Initiatives include the implementation of modern apprentice models and order-based classes grouped around horse racing, and more.
• Both parties will promote the mutual recognition of qualifications for equine sports and industry professionals between Guangzhou and Hong Kong. For example, the Hong Kong Certificate Racing Programmes have recently been integrated into the Guangdong Lifelong Education Qualification Framework.
The Guangzhou Municipal People’s Government and the Club will establish a regular cooperation and communication mechanism to coordinate various tasks for the development of Guangzhou-Hong Kong equine industry collaboration. Other Chinese Mainland officials attending today’s signing ceremony also included: Wu Sa, Director of the Guangzhou Development and Reform Commission (Guangzhou Greater Bay Area Office); Tan Aiying, Director-General of Guangzhou Municipal Sports Bureau; Liu Zhijie, District Mayor, Conghua District Government; Deng Changxiong, Deputy-Director of Foreign Affairs Office (Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office) of Guangzhou Municipal People’s Government; Wu Qingsong, Deputy Director-General of Guangzhou Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau; and others.
In 2021, the Club signed a Framework Cooperation Agreement with the Guangzhou Municipal Government to jointly promote Guangzhou-Hong Kong equine industry collaboration, with the Club’s Conghua Racecourse serving as a key driver of the initiative. In addition, the Club actively supports the HKSAR Government’s racing tourism policy, leveraging the racing and entertainment experiences offered by its two Hong Kong racecourses to support development of the city’s events and tourism economy.
