Jockey Club STK (Sha Tau Kok) Eco Eight Recycling and Ecotourism Education Project launched to enhance waste management in Sha Tau Kok

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.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club-supported Harmonious Horse International Exhibition Tour, part of the Club’s Year of the Horse campaign, held its Tsim Sha Tsui Community Exhibition Launch Ceremony today (16 May) at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza. The exhibition showcases horse sculptures created by renowned artist Simon Ma and the works are on a year-long tour of Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, symbolising unity between the Club and the community.

Horse sculptures created by renowned artist Simon Ma, are on show at the piazza of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre from today until 21 May.

Guests in attendance at the launch ceremony included Chris Sun, HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare; Winfried Engelbrecht‑Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; and artist Simon Ma.

Chris Sun, HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare (3rd right); Winfried Engelbrecht Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (3rd left); renowned artist Simon Ma (2nd right); Eric Lee, Yau Tsim Mong District Officer (1st right); Wong Kwok Hing, Commissioner of Correctional Services (2nd left) at the Harmonious Horse International Exhibition Tour Tsim Sha Tsui Community Exhibition Launch Ceremony as part of the Club’s Year of the Horse campaign.

The Tsim Sha Tsui Community Exhibition at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza runs from today until 21 May. The exhibition will then tour Tamar Park in Admiralty, as well as Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and other locations. Through art and community engagement, it offers more citizens the opportunity to experience the unique charm of horse culture combined with contemporary art. The exhibition also features a nighttime horse-themed light show, highlighting the dynamic movement and power of galloping horses.

Guests joined hands to paint mini horse sculptures at the launch ceremony.

Guests joined hands to paint mini horse sculptures at the launch ceremony.

Guests joined hands to paint mini horse sculptures at the launch ceremony.

Today’s launch ceremony also saw the announcement of the winners of the “Horse With You” Art Competition, launched by the Club in conjunction with Ma. A renowned interdisciplinary artist from Hong Kong, Ma is dedicated to promoting cultural and artistic exchange between East and West, with the horse serving as a significant creative symbol representing strength, unity and the spirit of heritage. As part of the Club’s 140th anniversary celebrations, thousands of young people - from kindergarten to university level – created artworks for the competition, drawing inspiration from the equine paintings of pioneering Chinese artist Xu Beihong. The competition comprised ten categories, with 30 winners or winning teams selected.

Winfried Engelbrecht Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (7th right) presented awards to winners of the “Horse With You” Art Competition.

Almost 100 (TBC) award-winning students from the “Horse With You” Art Competition - launched by the Club in conjunction with Simon Ma – together with mentees of the HKSAR Government’s Strive and Rise Programme and underprivileged students, joined hands to paint mini horse sculptures at the launch ceremony.

Almost 100 (TBC) award-winning students from the “Horse With You” Art Competition - launched by the Club in conjunction with Simon Ma – together with mentees of the HKSAR Government’s Strive and Rise Programme and underprivileged students, joined hands to paint mini horse sculptures at the launch ceremony.

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.

Guests posed a group photo with winners of the “Horse With You” Art Competition.