Jockey Club Nature Conservation Centre opens at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden

The Jockey Club Nature Conservation Centre at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) officially opened today (21 January) in Tai Po. Supported by a donation of HK$130 million from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the new centre serves as a key base for environmental conservation, sustainable living and nature education programmes, strengthening KFBG’s role as a regional hub for Hong Kong’s biodiversity conservation.

The Jockey Club Nature Conservation Centre will strengthen KFBG’s role as a regional hub for nature conservation.

Officiating at the opening ceremony today were Chan Kwok-ki, the Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government; Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Andrew McAulay, Chairperson of Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden; and The Hon Sir Michael Kadoorie.

Officiating at the opening ceremony of the Jockey Club Nature Conservation Centre were Chan Kwok-ki, the Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government (2nd left); Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (2nd right); Andrew McAulay, Chairperson of Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (1st right); and The Hon Sir Michael Kadoorie (1st left).

Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, remarked that Sustainability is one of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust’s nine impact programmes.  The Trust’s support for the Jockey Club Nature Conservation Centre reflects its strong commitment to advancing sustainability and building a liveable Hong Kong.

Club Deputy Chairman Lester Huang delivers a speech at the opening ceremony.

The Jockey Club Nature Conservation Centre replaces the existing conservation building constructed in the 1960s, enhancing KFBG’s capacity for conservation education. The new five-storey building is equipped with multi-purpose rooms and roof gardens for public education. These will support exhibitions, experiential programmes and guided tours to foster appreciation of the environment, alongside workshops and international knowledge sharing. The centre is expected to receive more than 42,000 visitors a year.

Guests tour the Jockey Club Nature Conservation Centre.

The centre incorporates multiple energy-saving and eco-friendly features, including natural daylighting, integrated low-e glass and a solar heating system. It has achieved a Provisional Gold rating under the BEAM Plus New Buildings standard. The centre’s design blends with the natural landscape, featuring a terraced profile that complements the surrounding hillside. Nature-friendly elements include bird-safe glass and artificial nest boxes to support local wildlife.

Guests tour the Jockey Club Nature Conservation Centre.

The Club’s support for the Jockey Club Nature Conservation Centre, 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 Jockey Club Nature Conservation Centre will strengthen KFBG’s role as a regional hub for nature conservation.

Basketball icon Allen Iverson visited ELCHK Hung Hom Lutheran Primary School yesterday afternoon (16 September), where he met 30 local students of the Rising Stars 3×3 Basketball Development in Primary Schools Programme under the Jockey Club Believe & Bounce Basketball Programme: InspiringHK Dream Factory. Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and organised by InspiringHK Sports Foundation (“IHKSports”), the three-year programme promotes participation in 3x3 basketball and supports students’ development through sports. The school visit was a special activity arranged by IHKSports to enrich participating students’ learning experience where Iverson provided mentorship and skills guidance, as well as shared personal stories of resilience with the students.

Allen Iverson and Mr. William Fong, Chairperson of IHKSports, interact with primary school students .

The vision of IHKSports is "Better Youths, through Sports". This activity exemplifies its commitment to promoting the physical development and character building of children and youth through basketball.

Allen Iverson receives a souvenir from participating students.

During the activity, 30 primary school students showcased their skills and teamwork under the guidance of the coaching team. Iverson observed the session and personally offered guidance and encouragement. In addition, Iverson took part in a sharing session, answered students’ questions, and discussed how to overcome adversity, maintain self-confidence, and pursue their dreams. The activity concluded with a group photo session, during which Iverson presented souvenirs, including a signed basketball, creating unforgettable memories for the students.

Allen Iverson speaks to a student about resilience, overcoming adversity.

Mr. William Fong, Chairperson of IHKSports, said: "Allen Iverson's basketball career is a powerful testament to the true strength of sport. It demonstrates the importance of resilience, hard work and confidence. His journey is built on constantly pushing his limits and never giving up. We hope this rare exchange opportunity will help young people appreciate that regardless of their starting point, perseverance can help them find their own path to success. IHKSports will continue to use sport to inspire the younger generation to pursue their dreams and carry a proactive spirit into their studies and daily lives."

Allen Iverson receives a souvenir from Mr. William Fong & local artist Mr. Roy Cheng.

Sharing session and interactive Q&A featuring Allen Iverson.

Sharing session and interactive Q&A featuring Allen Iverson.

Event Highlights

• Training session under the Jockey Club Believe & Bounce Basketball Programme: InspiringHK Dream Factory - Rising Stars 3×3 Basketball Development in Primary Schools Programme

• Sharing session and interactive Q&A featuring Allen Iverson

• Group photo session and souvenir presentation ceremony

• Commemorative basketball signing session with Allen Iverson

Sharing Session by Hong Kong A1 Division basketball player, Mr. Anthony Groot Baltink.

Sharing Session by Hong Kong A1 Division basketball player, Mr. Anthony Groot Baltink.

This special activity not only offered students a rare opportunity to interact with a world-renowned basketball icon, but also sought to inspire the next generation through Iverson's personal story. By sharing his experiences, IHKSports hoped to encourage young people to pursue their aspirations with determination, overcome adversity, and build resilience both on and off the court.

Group photo.