In support of the HKSAR Government’s Strive and Rise Programme, The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust has been pleased to donate HK$21 million. This has contributed to two student cohorts participating in the programme, helping them broaden theirhorizons,reinforce their self-confidence, develop a positive outlook on life and set goals for the future.
The Club’s Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Raymond Tam (second row, 8th left), the Club’s Head of External Affairs Freely Cheng (second row, 9th right), Club Assistant External Affairs Manager and 2024 Paris Olympic Games’ women's individual épée gold medallist Vivian Kong (second row, 9th left), the Club’s mentors and other participants at Hong Kong International Airport before departing to Hangzhou.
In addition, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is also funding the programme’s first Hangzhou five day study tour for over 80 students from the second cohort, enabling them to learn aboutHangzhou’s cultural heritage and technological development and enhancing their understanding and pride in the nation.
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In support of the HKSAR Government’s Strive and Rise Programme, The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust has been pleased to donate HK$21 million. This has contributed to two student cohorts participating in the programme, helping them broaden theirhorizons,reinforce their self-confidence, develop a positive outlook on life and set goals for the future.
In addition, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is also funding the programme’s first Hangzhou five day study tour for over 80 students from the second cohort, enabling them to learn aboutHangzhou’s cultural heritage and technological development and enhancing their understanding and pride in the nation.
The Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki thanked The Hong Kong Jockey Club for serving as Vice-chairperson of the Partners’ Board under the Strive and Rise Programme with great contributions and commitments made. They include the provision of funding support for programme implementation, the nomination of staff to be mentors, and the arrangement ofdistinctive group activities for mentees to broaden their horizons and enrich their knowledge.
The Club’s Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Raymond Tam said Youth Development is one of the Club’s charity priority areas. Over the years, the Club has launched many initiatives to encourage young people to become active citizens and to make a difference in society. It has also sought to cultivate their sense of cultural identity and their pride in the nation. With the Strive and Rise Programme being one of the HKSAR Government’s key youth initiatives, the Club is pleased to participate and to have supported this worthy cause since its inception.
During their five-day visit to Hangzhou, the students will explore the world-renowned West Lake, tour top-tier high-tech companies, visit museums, and experience different cultural andeducational facilities. They will also visit the Hangzhou Asian Games Museum to gain a deeper insight into the behind-the-scenes preparation and support for the games. This includes the Club’s technical support for the equestrian events, for which it was recognised as an “Outstanding Contributor to the Hangzhou Asian Games" by the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee.
To welcome the students to Hangzhou, a dinner was held today (12 August), attended by theHKSAR Government Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki, Vice Mayor of Hangzhou Municipal Government Xu Weihua, the Club's Executive Director, Corporate Affairs Raymond Tam, and guests, including five Club mentors of the students.
HKSAR Government Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki (centre), Vice Mayor of Hangzhou Municipal Government Xu Weihua (2nd right), the Club's Executive Director,Corporate Affairs Raymond Tam (2nd left), the Club’s Head of External Affairs Freely Cheng (1st right), and Hong Kong Children & Youth Services Director Joyce Lee (1st left) attended the Strive and Rise Programme Hangzhou Study Tour welcome dinner.
The Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki thanked The Hong Kong Jockey Club for serving as Vice-chairperson of the Partners’ Board under the Strive and Rise Programme with great contributions and commitments made. They include the provision of funding support for programme implementation, the nomination of staff to be mentors, and the arrangement ofdistinctive group activities for mentees to broaden their horizons and enrich their knowledge.
Mr Chan added that Hong Kong athletes have shone through with outstanding performances atthe Hangzhou Asian Games last year and the Paris Olympic Games this year. He was pleased to learn that Olympic-gold medal-winning Hong Kong fencer Vivian Kong has joined the Hangzhou study tour to share with mentees of the Strive and Rise Programme her stories of endeavours and success. He encouraged the mentees to learn the Hong Kong spirit – the “strive and-rise” and “never-give-up” spirit – of Hong Kong athletes and endeavour to achieve their goals. He expressed his confidence that they will give full play to their strengths and achieve their dreams.
HKSAR Government Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki (centre), the Club's Executive Director, Corporate Affairs Raymond Tam (right), and Club Assistant External Affairs Manager and 2024 Paris Olympic Games’ women's individual épée gold medallist Vivian Kong (left) share their insights on the spirit of sports with the students.
The Club’s Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Raymond Tam said Youth Development is one of the Club’s charity priority areas. Over the years, the Club has launched many initiatives to encourage young people to become active citizens and to make a difference in society. It has also sought to cultivate their sense of cultural identity and their pride in the nation. With the Strive and Rise Programme being one of the HKSAR Government’s key youth initiatives, the Club is pleased to participate and to have supported this worthy cause since its inception.
He also noted that the technology, culture and sports development in Hangzhou is unique. It istherefore an excellent opportunity for Hong Kong’s young people to experience Chinese civilization, as well as witness the rapid development of the country's innovation and technology. This is why the Club is so pleased to sponsor this Hangzhou study tour.
Talent performance by students at the Hangzhou Study Tour welcome dinner.
During their five-day visit to Hangzhou, the students will explore the world-renowned West Lake, tour top-tier high-tech companies, visit museums, and experience different cultural andeducational facilities. They will also visit the Hangzhou Asian Games Museum to gain a deeper insight into the behind-the-scenes preparation and support for the games. This includes the Club’s technical support for the equestrian events, for which it was recognised as an “Outstanding Contributor to the Hangzhou Asian Games" by the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee.
The first cohort of the Strive and Rise Programme was launched in 2022. Through tripartite collaboration with the HKSAR Government, the business sector and the community, the programme aims to help secondary school students set goals for the future and strive for upwardmobility.
Students visit the renowned West Lake in Hangzhou.
As with the first cohort, the Club will not only be providing financial support but will be encouraging its employees, former recipients of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships andfellow practitioners in the sector to become volunteer mentors for the second cohort. Studentparticipants will also be invited to visit the Club’s facilities, including Tai Kwun, The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course, the Equine Hospital and Tuen Mun Public Riding School.
The Club’s support for the Strive and Rise Programme, like all its charity donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and wagering generate tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for the community.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust convened its fourth Philanthropy for Better Cities (PBC) Forum 2024 at West Kowloon Cultural District today (9 September). It ushered in Hong Kong Philanthropy Week, in keeping with the HKSAR Government’s mission to promote the city as an international philanthropy hub.
The two-day PBC Forum provides a platform for foundations, thought-leaders, policymakers, non-governmental organisations and experts from around the world to convene, engage in dialogue and share transformative ideas on translating philanthropic action into tangible, sustainable impact. Under an overarching theme of “Delivering Impactful Philanthropy in the Real World”, the forum features keynote speeches and panel discussions. It brings together nearly 100 eminent speakers and more than 2,000 delegates from 40 countries and regions including representatives of over 200 local, regional and global foundations.
HKSAR Government Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki (front row, centre), Club Chairman Michael Lee (front row, 6th left), Club Deputy Chairman Martin Liao (front row, 5th left), Club Stewards, Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (front row, 6th right) and Club management pose for a group photo at the opening ceremony of the Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum 2024.
The Club’s Charities Trust convened the forum in association with the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP), a charitable organisation launched by the Club and its Trust at the opening of the third PBC Forum in September 2023.
Through a video address at the forum, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee said, “This forum is testament to Hong Kong’s commitment to philanthropy. It is proudly presented by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust, a long-standing leader in championing our philanthropic endeavours.” He added, “The HKSAR Government is committed to Hong Kong’s rise as a global centre for philanthropy. That goal was formalised in our Policy Statement on Developing Family Office Businesses in Hong Kong. Our vision is to provide philanthropists with the tools they need to manage their wealth, while channelling their resources into social initiatives that create tangible impact. We are determined to realise Hong Kong as a go-to destination for global family offices passionate about making a difference.”
HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee delivers a video address at the opening ceremony of the Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum 2024.
Officiating at the opening ceremony of this year’s forum was HKSAR Government Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki, the Club’s Chairman Michael Lee and Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges.
In his welcome speech at the opening ceremony, the Club’s Chairman said, “In Asia – home to the most populous nations and fastest-developing economies – we are experiencing rapid growth in philanthropic giving commensurate with the region’s rising prosperity through development. However, Asian philanthropy requires properly contextualised models and solutions to account for varied political, economic and cultural contexts that are different from established, largely Western models. Unlocking its full potential will be crucial in addressing shared social and environmental challenges most effectively.”
Club Chairman Michael Lee delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum 2024.
Leading foundations participating in this year’s PBC Forum include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, Nippon Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, Tanoto Foundation, Temasek Foundation, Tencent Charity Foundation and the Wellcome Trust.
Julia Gillard – Chair of the Wellcome Trust, Chair of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership and former Prime Minister of Australia – delivered today’s opening keynote entitled: “East is East and West is West: how does philanthropy differ and how can we best work together?”
Moderated by Laura M. Cha, Trustee of the Rockefeller Foundation, Former Chairman of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd (left), Julia Gillard, Chair of the Wellcome Trust, Chair of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership and former Prime Minister of Australia, (right) delivered the opening keynote: “East is East and West is West: how does philanthropy differ and how can we best work together?”
Professor Michael Spence – 2001 Nobel Laureate in Economics, Philip H. Knight Professor and Dean Emeritus of the Stanford Business School and Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution of Stanford University – delivered the second keynote entitled: “The economics of giving: what makes us give? What stops us from giving more?”
Delivering the second keynote entitled “The Economics of Giving: What makes us give? What stops us from giving more?” was Professor Michael Spence, 2001 Nobel Laureate in Economics, Philip H. Knight Professor and Dean Emeritus of the Stanford Business School and Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution of Stanford University (left). The moderator was Professor Stephen Cheung, Voting Member of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Vice-Chairman of CMB Wing Lung Bank and Former President of the Education University of Hong Kong (right).
Additionally at the forum, representatives from the Department of Health of the HKSAR Government, the Club and IoP witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Collaboration between the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and three local universities to strengthen capacity for monitoring and responding to epidemics in the Greater Bay Area. The local institutes are the Hong Kong Jockey Club Global Health Institute at the University of Hong Kong, the Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Science at the City University of Hong Kong. The memorandum follows the “One Health” approach which the Club has long supported including through the establishment of these university institutes.
The Memorandum of Collaboration was signed by Li Qun, Deputy Director General, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (front row, 2nd right); Prof Chak-sing Lau, Dean of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong (front row, 2nd left); Prof Philip Chiu Wai-yan, Dean of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (front row, 1st right); and Prof Vanessa Barrs, Dean, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong (front row, 1st left). The signing ceremony was witnessed by Michael Lee,Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (back row, 2nd right); Lester Huang, Chairman of IoP and Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (back row, 1st left); Winfried Engelbrecht Bresges, CEO of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and Director of IoP (back row, 1st right); and Dr Ronald Lam, Director of Health, HKSAR Government (back row, 2nd left).
This year the forum programme spans five days. It began with a welcome luncheon at the opening of Hong Kong’s 2024/25 horseracing season on 8 September, followed by the two day forum. The Foundations Circle and additional side-events will be convened by IoP on 11 and 12 September. In addition, the Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy will also host a three-day summit from 12-14 September, rounding out Hong Kong Philanthropy Week.
Launching a new, systematic assessment of Asian giving”, Ichiro Kabasawa, Executive Director of The Nippon Foundation (1st left), Benny Lee, CEO of the Tanoto Foundation (2nd left), and Jennifer Stout, Deputy Director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (2nd right), explore the potential of new assessment tools to define and ensure philanthropic impact. The session was moderated by William Foster, Managing Partner of the Bridgespan Group (1st right). Jagannatha Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of Reliance Foundation, and Mattie Bekink, China Regional Director of the Ford Foundation, also participated in the discussion via video conferencing.
The Club’s support for the PBC Forum, like all of its charity and community initiatives, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and wagering generate tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for the community.
In the first plenary session entitled “What is Impact? The second plenary session entitled “Innovations for a Healthier Global South: What is the role of philanthropy in supporting global health research and interventions?” was moderated by Professor Margaret Chan, Founding Dean of the Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, and Emeritus Director General of World Health Organization (1st right). It featured Rebecca F. Grais, Executive Director of the Pasteur Network (1st left); Ilona Kickbusch, Director of Digital Health Transformations LAB, University of Geneva, Chair and Founder of the Global Health Center Geneva at the Graduate Institute Geneva and Co-chair of the Council of the World Health Summit (2nd left); Professor Peter Piot, Professor of Global Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Special Advisor to European Commission President von der Leyen on European and Global Health Security (3rd left); Naveen Rao, Senior Vice-President of the Health Initiative at the Rockefeller Foundation (3rd right); and Carsten Schicker, Chief Executive Officer of the World Health Summit (2nd right).
