In recent years, the demand for mental health and emotional support services has become increasingly pressing. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has supported various online and offline emotional support initiatives. This includes funding the renovation of Suicide Prevention Services’ Ping Shek service centre. The upgraded facility expands its service capacity and enables the provision of more comprehensive support for vulnerable individuals, those at imminent risk and their families. The Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Ping Shek Service Centre was officially reopened today (11 July).
The Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Ping Shek Service Centre.
Officiating at the opening ceremony of the Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Ping Shek Service Centre were Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the Hong Kong SAR Government; Ann Kung, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Mrs Wendy Kwok, Honorary Patron and Chairperson of Suicide Prevention Services; and Mrs Linda Lau, Honorary Patron and Executive Committee Member of the Suicide Prevention Services.
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The Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Ping Shek Service Centre.
Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the HKSAR Government (2nd left); Ann Kung, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (2nd right); Mrs Wendy Kwok, Honorary Patron and Chairperson of Suicide Prevention Services (1st left); and Mrs Linda Lau, Honorary Patron and Executive Committee Member of the Suicide Prevention Services (1st right) at the opening ceremony of the Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Ping Shek Service Centre.
Club Steward Ann Kung delivers a speech at the opening ceremony.
The Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Ping Shek Service Centre.
The Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Ping Shek Service Centre.
The Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Ping Shek Service Centre.
Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the HKSAR Government (2nd left); Ann Kung, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (2nd right); Mrs Wendy Kwok, Honorary Patron and Chairperson of Suicide Prevention Services (1st left); and Mrs Linda Lau, Honorary Patron and Executive Committee Member of the Suicide Prevention Services (1st right) at the opening ceremony of the Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Ping Shek Service Centre.
Speaking at the ceremony, Club Steward Ann Kung said that the Club recognises that mental health is the foundation of a happy life and an essential element of sustainable social development. The Club is committed to promoting and protecting the mental well-being of the community through a multi-faceted approach, supporting a wide range of emotional support services through cross-sector collaboration. Looking ahead, the Club will continue to work hand in hand with partners across the community to support public mental health on multiple fronts — from schools to neighbourhoods, from the healthcare system to both online and offline platforms — providing comprehensive and coordinated support for those in need.
Club Steward Ann Kung delivers a speech at the opening ceremony.
For over three decades, the Club has been a steadfast supporter of Suicide Prevention Services in providing assistance to people experiencing emotional distress, with approved donations totaling over HK$100 million. In addition to funding the renovation of the Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Ping Shek Service Centre, the Club has in recent years supported several of its initiatives, including Jockey Club Outreach and Counselling Services for Carers, which provides assistance to caregivers at risk of emotional crisis, and Jockey Club Project BLESS, which offers support to the families and friends of individuals who have passed away unexpectedly.
The Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Ping Shek Service Centre.
Since its establishment in 2009, the Ping Shek service centre has been Suicide Prevention Services’ headquarters and principal service base. The renovation project reconfigured approximately 256 square metres of space to improve operational efficiency and enhance the user experience. Counselling rooms and activity areas have been redesigned to provide a safer and more comfortable setting for counselling sessions and group activities. Barrier-free facilities and an accessible toilet have also been added to better meet the needs of a diverse range of service users.
The Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Ping Shek Service Centre.
The centre is also an important hub for volunteer training. As part of the upgrade, a range of new facilities and technologies has been introduced to strengthen support for volunteers and front-line services. These include a hands-free, noise-cancelling hotline system to improve call quality, as well as an emergency support alert system that enables staff to provide immediate assistance when required.
The Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Ping Shek Service Centre.
With its upgraded facilities, Suicide Prevention Services expects to further expand its service capacity. The number of trained volunteers is projected to increase by approximately 25% to serve an estimated 20% more individuals seeking help. These enhancements will strengthen Suicide Prevention Services’ comprehensive range of support services, including its 24-hour hotline, crisis intervention, bereavement counselling and community outreach programmes.
The Club’s support for the Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Service 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 Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) today (5 July) announced that its full set of six Certificate Racing Programmes has been successfully integrated into the Guangdong Qualifications Framework. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between Hong Kong and Guangdong Province to advance vocational education. At the same time, the Club’s Horse Racing Culture Courtyard officially opened at the Guangdong Vocational Institute of Sport (GDVIS). This new facility demonstrates the success of a strengthened “school-enterprise cooperation” model, exemplifying the integrated development of vocational education in the Greater Bay Area and supporting the establishment of a world-class equine industry centre.
Group Photo.
The launch and unveiling ceremony were held at the Horse Racing Multi-Function Room and Horse Racing Culture Courtyard at GDVIS. Guests in attendance included Dr Jeff Sze, Under Secretary for Education of the Government of the HKSAR; Li Jinjun, Director of the Division of Exchange and Cooperation (Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Office), Department of Education of Guangdong Province; Ma Guochuan, Secretary of the Party Committee of GDVIS; Pan Meiyi, Director of the Credit Bank Management Centre of Guangdong Open University; Xu Ji, Principal of GDVIS; Amy Chan, the Club’s Head of Racing Talent Training and Headmistress of the Apprentice Jockeys’ School; and Freddie Chung, the Club’s Executive Manager, Programme Management Office, Racing.
The Horse Racing Culture Courtyard supports specialised physical training for racing professionals. Its winning arch and race track enable students to gain a deeper understanding of Hong Kong’s horse racing culture and environment.
The Horse Racing Culture Courtyard supports specialised physical training for racing professionals. Its winning arch and race track enable students to gain a deeper understanding of Hong Kong’s horse racing culture and environment.
Dr Jeff Sze, Under Secretary for Education of the Government of the HKSAR, said this milestone in Guangdong–Hong Kong collaboration aligns closely with Hong Kong’s efforts to dovetail with the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan and promote the integrated development of education, technology and talent. It also supports the strategic objectives of the Master Plan on Building China into a Leading Country in Education (2024–2035), particularly by accelerating the development of a modern vocational education system and cultivating highly skilled professionals, master craftsmen and artisans needed for national development.
Dr Jeff Sze, Under Secretary for Education of the Government of the HKSAR (2nd right); Li Jinjun, Director of the Division of Exchange and Cooperation (Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Office), Department of Education of Guangdong Province (2nd left); Ma Guochuan, Secretary of the Party Committee of Guangdong Vocational Institute of Sport (1st right); and Amy Chan, Head of Racing Talent Training and Headmistress of the Apprentice Jockeys’ School of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (1st left), officiate the lion dance eye-dotting ceremony.
Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said the Club is delighted that its six Certificate Racing Programmes have been included in the Guangdong Qualifications Framework. This affirms the Club’s professional expertise in talent development for the national equine industry and serves as an outstanding example of Hong Kong’s vocational education gaining recognition in Guangdong. At the same time, the newly unveiled Culture Courtyard is an important complement to the Horse Racing Multi-Function Room at GDVIS, enhancing the overall training environment. These important milestones strengthen the pipeline of talent to support regular international-standard racing at Conghua Racecourse commencing this year and contribute to the development of a world-class centre for equine sports and industry in the Greater Bay Area.
Dr Jeff Sze, Under Secretary for Education of the Government of the HKSAR (3rd right); and Li Jinjun, Director of the Division of Exchange and Cooperation (Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Office) (2nd left), present certificates to staff of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Conghua Racecourse who have completed Certificate Racing Programmes. Ma Guochuan, Secretary of the Party Committee of Guangdong Vocational Institute of Sport (1st right); Pan Meiyi, Director of the Credit Bank Management Centre of Guangdong Open University (1st left); and Amy Chan, Head of Racing Talent Training and Headmistress of the Apprentice Jockeys’ School of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (2nd right), at the ceremony.
Ma Guochuan, Secretary of the Party Committee of GDVIS, said the cooperation between the Guangdong and Hong Kong equine industries comes at a historic moment of unprecedented opportunity. The Report on the Work of the Guangzhou Municipal Government and Guangzhou’s 15th Five-Year Plan Outline have both highlighted the development of Guangzhou-Hong Kong Equine Industry Deepened Cooperation Zone. The integration of the Certificate Racing Programmes into the Guangdong Qualifications Framework and the unveiling of the Horse Racing Culture Courtyard are timely measures. They provide robust institutional support and resources for the development of talent for Conghua Racecourse as it commences regular international-standard horse racing events and for the broader equine industry. This will inject new momentum into the establishment of a world-class equine sports and industry centre in Greater Bay Area.
Students of the Hong Kong Certificate Racing Programmes receive training at The Hong Kong Jockey Club Conghua Racecourse.
Pan Meiyi, Director of the Credit Bank Management Centre of Guangdong Open University, shared the process of aligning, reviewing and integrating the Club’s racing programmes into the Guangdong Qualifications Framework. This included an on-site review conducted by the Guangdong Academic Credit Bank at Conghua Racecourse in June.
Students of the Hong Kong Certificate Racing Programmes receive training at The Hong Kong Jockey Club Conghua Racecourse.
With the Club’s programmes integrated into the Guangdong Qualifications Framework, the relevant certificates will be recognised across the Greater Bay Area, facilitating graduates’ employment, career advancement and further studies in Guangdong Province. The collaboration involving the Club, GDVIS and Guangdong Open University establishes a practical model for the integration of Hong Kong’s vocational education programme into the Guangdong Qualifications Framework, including standardised review processes and mechanisms.
Group Photo.
As well as helping to enhance the learning experience and teaching quality at GDVIS, the Club has funded the construction of the Horse Racing Culture Courtyard in the outdoor area adjacent to its Horse Racing Multi-Function Room. The courtyard was jointly designed by teachers and students from the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) and a team from the Club. Incorporating cultural elements from the Club’s racecourses, it features a winning arch and race track, enabling students to gain a deeper understanding of Hong Kong’s horse racing culture and environment. This spacious interactive area will support specialised physical training for racing professionals while also serving as an exhibition venue to promote equine culture, welcoming guided tours and visitors.
Pan Meiyi, Director of the Credit Bank Management Centre of Guangdong Open University (2nd left), presents a plaque marking the integration of the Hong Kong Certificate Racing Programmes into the Guangdong Qualifications Framework to The Hong Kong Jockey Club, received by Amy Chan, Head of Racing Talent Training and Headmistress of the Apprentice Jockeys’ School of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (2nd right), on behalf of the Club. Dr Jeff Sze, Under Secretary for Education of the Government of the HKSAR (1st right); and Li Jinjun, Director of the Division of Exchange and Cooperation (Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Office) (1st left), witness the occasion.
Since the Club and GDVIS began collaborating in 2018, and in response to the National Equine Industry Development Plan, both parties have continued to work together to develop talent for the equine industry. In 2024, the Club and GDVIS launched a dual-curriculum programme that combines academic and vocational training, admitting around 15 to 25 students each year. The programme aims to nurture high-calibre racing talent to support the development of the equine industry in the Greater Bay Area. To date, more than 15 students have graduated from the programme and joined the Club, including two who are employed as horse work riders.
Dr Jeff Sze, Under Secretary for Education of the Government of the HKSAR (6th right); Li Jinjun, Director of the Division of Exchange and Cooperation (Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Office), Department of Education of Guangdong Province (6th left); Ma Guochuan, Secretary of the Party Committee of Guangdong Vocational Institute of Sport (5th right); Pan Meiyi, Director of the Credit Bank Management Centre of Guangdong Open University (5th left); Xu Ji, Principal of the Guangdong Vocational Institute of Sport (4th left); Amy Chan, Head of Racing Talent Training and Headmistress of the Apprentice Jockeys’ School of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (4th right); Freddie Chung, Executive Manager, Programme Management Office, Racing of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (3rd right), and other guests attend the launch ceremony for the Hong Kong Certificate Racing Programmes integration into the Guangdong Qualifications Framework and the unveiling ceremony for the Horse Racing Culture Courtyard.
