The Hong Kong Jockey Club (“the Club”) today (16 July) made a formal submission to the HKSAR Government during the public consultation period on The First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (“Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan”). Drawing on the Club’s expertise in equine sports, tourism, talent development, philanthropy and social innovation, the submission is organised under three themes - Equine Sports and Industry Hub; Sports Economy; and Social Betterment - to support economic growth, regional integration, people-to-people exchanges and social progress.
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club said that the Club, as a world-class horse sports organisation with a strong commitment to the country and Hong Kong, strongly welcomes the HKSAR Government’s initiative to formulate Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan under the framework of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. The Club sees this as a significant opportunity to strengthen Hong Kong’s integration into and support for overall national development while leveraging Hong Kong’s unique strengths to align with national needs and contribute to the country’s high-quality development.
Theme 1 – Equine Sports and Industry Hub
• The equine industry is an area where Hong Kong possesses internationally recognised strengths. Economic value is generated by industries linked to the Club’s operations, with world-class racing as the core. At the same time, the Club’s expertise in racing, veterinary science, biosecurity and event management is globally respected.
• Importantly, equine industry development has already been identified as a strategic economic driver under national and Greater Bay Area (“GBA”) planning frameworks. Hong Kong therefore has an opportunity to play a leading role in helping to develop a world-class equine industry ecosystem across the GBA and beyond.
• There are three key recommendations under this theme
1) Establish the GBA as a leading international equine hub
- Fully leveraging the Club’s Conghua Racecourse (“CRC”) as a strategic platform for deeper Guangzhou-Hong Kong cooperation, CRC, together with Hong Kong’s two racecourses at Happy Valley and Sha Tin, will support the introduction of world-class racing and equine events across the GBA and position the GBA as a global equine industry hub.
- Propose expanding Hong Kong’s successful experience in equine biosecurity and disease-free zone management to other regions in the Chinese Mainland, such as Xinjiang, thereby enabling Hong Kong to utilise its expertise to play a key role in facilitating the country’s international exchanges with Belt & Road countries by way of horse sports and horse culture.
- Support the establishment of a World Organisation for Animal Health (“WOAH”) collaboration centre in Hong Kong to reinforce Hong Kong’s role as a regional centre for veterinary public health.
2) Advance institutional innovation and soft connectivity
- Recommend building on successful precedents arising from the Guangzhou Asian Games, Hangzhou Asian Games and National Games. Examples include recognition of Hong Kong- and overseas-registered veterinarians, streamlined arrangements for veterinary medicines, and enhanced regulatory cooperation.
- Enable institutional innovations and soft connectivity, such as expanding mutual recognition of vocational qualifications between Hong Kong and Guangdong; supporting apprenticeship pathways and talent mobility in the GBA; developing the Conghua International Racing Development Centre as an international equine import-export and quarantine hub.
3) Promote equine culture, tourism and talent development
- Recent data demonstrate the attractiveness of Hong Kong’s racing tourism. Tourist attendance at the Club’s racecourses increased substantially, and the future development of Conghua will further strengthen the "Two Cities, Three Racecourses" proposition.
- Recommend developing a multi-destination racing tourism offering linking Sha Tin, Happy Valley and Conghua, creating a distinctive racing tourism circuit for both Chinese Mainland and international visitors.
- Recommend strengthening promotion through government overseas and Chinese Mainland networks; enhancing cooperation with regions that have strong equine traditions such as Xinjiang; and supporting veterinary education and training initiatives in the GBA.
- Drawing on Hong Kong’s rapid advancement in veterinary education, Hong Kong is well positioned to play a more active role in supporting the upskilling of veterinarians in the Mainland. The Club has been collaborating with the City University of Hong Kong to explore the establishment of a veterinary clinical training centre in Shenzhen and Dongguan Campus to complement veterinary education with practical clinical training.
Theme 2 – Sports Economy
• The Club strongly supports the HKSAR Government’s vision of developing sport not only as a public good but also as an economic driver via a comprehensive sports development framework encompassing mass participation, elite excellence and sports industry development.
• Suggest leveraging mechanisms including the “M-Mark” system, “sports+ mega events”, and “sports+ tourism” initiatives to attract and develop internationally recognised sports IP and flagship events for Hong Kong.
• Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to serve as an international sports exchange platform. Through closer GBA collaboration, event co-hosting, talent exchange and resource sharing, Hong Kong can build a stronger and more integrated regional sports ecosystem.
• Hong Kong possesses world-class expertise in sports integrity and governance. The Club’s Racing Laboratory is internationally recognised. Hong Kong can also contribute valuable experience in integrity assurance, governance standards and dispute resolution to create tangible value in the sports economy.
Theme 3 – Social Betterment
• Hong Kong already possesses many attributes of an international financial centre. The Club believes it can also become Asia’s leading hub for philanthropy and social impact investment. In this connection, the Club recommends,
- To further develop and integrate Hong Kong’s burgeoning philanthropic sector as a catalytic turnkey for critical infrastructure projects such as in the Northern Metropolis University Town;
- Expanding the concept of "Finance+" to incorporate social impact investment and creating a robust ecosystem that channels capital into social outcomes;
- Establishing a dedicated impact capital coordination mechanism to strengthen policy alignment and unlock new funding sources for social development; and
- Promoting greater alignment of standards, rules and operating mechanisms within the GBA, including pilot cooperation through Nansha and support for Hong Kong NGOs operating across the boundary.
• These initiatives would further strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” while supporting common prosperity and sustainable social development.
Submission by the Institute of Philanthropy (“IoP”)
• In addition, IoP, established by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust, also put forward proposals on national and international philanthropy. Its recommendations include,
1) Position Hong Kong as a philanthropic knowledge and convening hub, bringing together philanthropic sector stakeholders to exchange and advance best practices and to strengthen sector capabilities across Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, and Asia.
2) Establish a joint taskforce with national counterparts to advance social impact measurement frameworks and standards.
3) Support the establishment of formal philanthropic exchange programmes with national counterparts, to exchange best practices in the governance and operation of philanthropic programmes.
4) Explore and support the development of new business models and financing solutions that create economic and social value in a sustainable way, generating innovative solutions to social issues.
To celebrate the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) today held the “Achievements of National Aerospace Endeavours” Thematic Exhibition Kick-off Ceremony cum Aerospace Experts Sharing Forum at Hong Kong Science Park, marking the opening of a seven-day roving exhibition.
At the first stop of the roving exhibition, Hong Kong Science Park will host the exhibition at the Atrium Link from today until 22 July 2026, showcasing the nation’s major achievements in aerospace development, as well as the participation and contributions of Hong Kong’s research community in aerospace technology, space robotics and deep space exploration. It aims to enhance public understanding of the nation’s development and foster a stronger sense of pride, while inspiring young people to develop an interest in innovation and technology (I&T) and aerospace.
The ceremony was officiated by Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, together with Ms Cordelia Chung, Chairman of HKSTP, and Ms Connie Wong Wai-ching, Standing Committee Member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and Vice President of the Friends of Hong Kong Association, alongside other distinguished guests, witnessing a new milestone in the nation’s aerospace achievements.
Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry (middle); Mr Clement Woo, Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs (1st from right); Ms Cordelia Chung, Chairman of HKSTP (2nd from left); Ms Connie Wong Wai-ching, Standing Committee Member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Vice President of the Friends of Hong Kong Association (2nd from right), and Mr Terry Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP (1st from left), together with other distinguished guests, officiate at the kick-off ceremony for the “Achievements of National Aerospace Endeavours” Thematic Exhibition.
Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, said in his remarks: “The inspiring story of Dr Lai Ka-ying becoming Hong Kong's first astronaut is a vivid example of Hong Kong’s participation in the nation's major scientific and technological missions, and a fruitful achievement of the great practice of ‘one country, two systems.’ Hong Kong’s R&D teams have long participated in and made active contributions to the nation’s deep-space exploration missions. For example, a team from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology independently developed the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO), Hong Kong’s first scientific payload on the national space station to monitor greenhouse gas. Recently, Dr Lai and two other astronauts completed the in-cabin assembly and testing and extravehicular installation of MUSICO, which can accurately monitor greenhouse gases across the mid- and low-latitude regions on the Earth, providing critical data for the nation’s carbon peaking and carbon neutrality strategies. As we embark on a new journey, we must leverage I&T to empower Hong Kong’s social development, enhance governance efficiency, and better integrate into and serve the nation’s development. We will also uphold the spirit of space exploration of perseverance in the face of challenges to accelerate the development of Hong Kong into an international I&T centre.”
Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, delivers remarks at the kick- off ceremony, saying: “As we embark on a new journey, we must leverage I&T to empower Hong Kong’s social development, hence governance efficiency, and better integrate into and serve the nation’s development. We will also uphold the spirit of space exploration of perseverance in the faces of challenges to accelerate the development of Hong Kong into an international I&T centre.”
Connecting Hong Kong’s Research Strength with National Aerospace Development
In recent years, the nation’s aerospace endeavours have continued to make breakthroughs in areas ranging from deep-space exploration and satellite technology to space science research, opening up new possibilities across multiple scientific disciplines.
Leveraging its world-class universities, outstanding research talent, internationalised innovation ecosystem, and the unique advantage of close ties with the Mainland, Hong Kong is actively contributing to the development of the nation’s aerospace technology.
The exhibition presents the development and landmark achievements of the nation’s aerospace endeavours. It also demonstrates how Hong Kong research teams apply artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, space science and engineering research to support space exploration and related technology applications. Through this exhibition, industry stakeholders and members of the public can gain a deeper understanding of the city’s research capabilities and I&T talent.
Ms Cordelia Chung, Chairman of HKSTP, said, “This year marks the beginning of the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan, with aerospace technology identified as a key area in building the nation into a leading science and technology power. Dr Lai Ka-ying, Hong Kong’s first payload specialist, travelled into space aboard the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft, realising Hong Kong’s aerospace dream and demonstrating strong recognition of the city’s research capabilities and I&T talent. HKSTP is honoured to serve as the first stop of the ‘Achievements of National Aerospace Endeavours’ roving exhibition. Looking ahead, we will continue to bring together talent and foster interdisciplinary, cross-regional and cross-sector collaboration. By supporting frontier R&D in areas such as aerospace technology, we aim to provide a broader platform for Hong Kong’s research talent and contribute Hong Kong’s strengths to the nation’s aerospace endeavours and pursuit of greater technological self-reliance.”
Ms Cordelia Chung, Chairman of HKSTP, delivers welcoming remarks at the “Achievements of National Aerospace Endeavours” Thematic Exhibition Kick-off Ceremony cum Aerospace Experts Sharing Forum, noting that HKSTP will continue to bring together I&T talent, promote cross-disciplinary, cross-regional and cross-sector collaboration, support frontier R&D such as aerospace technologies, and contribute Hong Kong’s strengths to the nation’s aerospace development and technological self-reliance.
Ms Connie Wong, Standing Committee Member of the National Committee for the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and Vice-President of Friends of Hong Kong Association, shared in her speech: “We believe that the cultivation of young talent is indispensable to technological innovation. Based on this philosophy, Friends of Hong Kong Association co-organised the Achievements of National Aerospace Endeavours Thematic Exhibition, encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in science and innovation and to be contributors to the nation’s I&T endeavours.”
Ms Connie Wong, Standing Committee Member of the National Committee for the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and Vice-President of Friends of Hong Kong Association, shared in her speech: “We believe that the cultivation of young talent is indispensable to technological innovation. Based on this philosophy, Friends of Hong Kong Association co-organised the Exhibition, encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in science and innovation and to be contributors to the nation's I&T endeavours.”
Three Experts Share Insights on Frontier Trends in Space Technology
An Aerospace Experts Sharing Forum was held alongside the kick-off ceremony. Moderated by The Honourable Mr Duncan Chiu, Legislative Council Member for the Technology & Innovation Functional Constituency, the forum brought together three aerospace and space technology experts from local universities and the InnoHK research and development platform:
The Honourable Mr Duncan Chiu, Legislative Council Member Technology & Innovation Functional Constituency, moderates the aerospace experts sharing forum, joined by (2nd to 4th from left) Professor SU Hui, Professor GAO Yang and Professor WU Bo, to discuss the latest developments in aerospace technology, space robotics and deep space exploration.
Professor SU Hui: Chair Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Global STEM Professor, and Co-Director of the Institute for Space Science and Technology at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Founder of Stellerus Technology
Professor GAO Yang: Director of the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Space Sustainability, Co-Director of the Institute for Space Science and Technology at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Director of the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre under InnoHK
Professor WU Bo: Chang Xin Yu Professor of Space Science, Associate Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Associate Director of the InnoHK Hong Kong Centre for Space Robotics and Energy
Drawing on their respective areas of expertise, the three experts shared insights into the application of AI and robotics in space missions, key technologies involved in deep-space exploration, and the experience of Hong Kong research teams participating in national aerospace projects. They also explored space sustainability, the commercialisation of research outcomes and cross-regional collaboration, while encouraging young talent to pursue opportunities in aerospace technology.
Mr Terry Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP (1st from left), shares at a media briefing that HKSTP will join hands with HKTDC, Cyberport, and HSITP to lead 18 local tech companies to participate in the WAIC 2026, to be held from 17 to 20 July in Shanghai.
HKSTP Leads Hong Kong Tech Firms to the World’s Largest AI Exhibition – WAIC 2026, Strengthening the AI Commercialisation Ecosystem
HKSTP has long supported the accelerated adoption of AI across industries to foster cross-sector collaboration and enhance productivity.
HKSTP, together with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Cyberport, and Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited (HSITP), will lead a delegation of 18 Hong Kong tech companies to the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference & High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance (WAIC 2026). Taking place from 17 to 20 July at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, the delegation will showcase Hong Kong's growing role as a global AI innovation hub and support the nation's AI strategy. Six HKSTP park companies among the delegation will present solutions spanning humanoid robots, smart mobility, climate technology, AI agents, and generative AI.
Stellerus Technology Limited, founded by Professor SU Hui, leading the “MUSICO” (Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory) project — Hong Kong’s first payload project deployed on the Tiangong Space Station — will present its latest AI-powered climate and meteorological solutions at WAIC 2026.
SUTPC Digital Technology (Hong Kong) Limited, a leading enterprise in the nation’s smart city and intelligent transport sectors, and NineRay Technology Limited, which specialises in the research, development and production of high-performance, productivity-oriented humanoid robotics, will also showcase their advanced solutions in the exhibition. By demonstrating how AI can empower business operations, urban governance and sustainable development, the Hong Kong delegation aims to promote human-AI collaboration and innovation.
The “Achievements of National Aerospace Endeavours” Thematic Exhibition is held at the Atrium Link of Hong Kong Science Park from 16 to 22 July 2026, with Hong Kong Science Park serving as the first stop of the roving exhibition.
"Achievements of National Aerospace Endeavours" Thematic Exhibition
Date: 16–22 July 2026
Venue: Atrium Link, Hong Kong Science Park
2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference & High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance (WAIC)
Date: 17–20 July 2026
Venue: Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, Shanghai, China
Hong Kong Pavilion: Booth E101, Hall 2
