Given the rising demand for healthcare services, with the support of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, the Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) has established the OUHK Jockey Club Institute of Healthcare. The new institute, which opened today (8 January), is home to a suite of academic programmes aimed at nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals to address community needs.

Officiating guests of the opening ceremony included Club Chairman Philip Chen, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR Carrie Lam, OUHK Pro-Chancellor Dr Charles Lee, OUHK Council Chairman Michael Wong, OUHK Former Council Chairmen Dr Philip Wu and Dr Eddy Fong, OUHK Council Deputy Chairman Ir Dr Conrad Wong and OUHK President Prof Wong Yuk-Shan.

The Club’s Charities Trust approved funding of HK$281 million to the OUHK to set up the OUHK Jockey Club Institute of Healthcare. The amount is the Trust’s largest-ever single donation to the OUHK. The new campus provides a conducive environment for the training of health professionals and will serve as a hub for healthcare-related community initiatives to promote public well-being.

“As the pandemic reminds us, healthcare is absolutely vital. As are the top quality professionals who deliver it,” said Mr Chen in a pre-recorded video speech. “We are delighted that the Club’s donation to the Open University of Hong Kong will enable it to train the next generation of healthcare professionals. It has also made possible the Institute’s wonderful new building, with state-of-the-art facilities and constructed to the highest environmental standards. Our support reflects the Club’s strong commitment to the betterment of society, which is our purpose.”

Located opposite the OUHK Main Campus in Ho Man Tin, the 13-storey OUHK Jockey Club Institute of Healthcare will offer nursing and healthcare-related programmes to about 2,800 students every year. With a gross floor area of over 18,000 square metres, the institute has state-of-the-art learning facilities and spacious student amenities, such as professional laboratories, lecture theatres, meeting venues, and sports and wellness centres. The institute’s contemporary and green architectural design has earned it the BEAM Plus Platinum Rating from the Hong Kong Green Building Council.

Since 1993, the Trust has supported a number of OUHK projects, including the construction of its existing campuses and the Jockey Club Community Healthcare Education Programme, which offers Certificate and Diploma-level courses to healthcare workers and scholarships for students, as well as training programmes for volunteers to provide community-based care for the elderly and chronically ill.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique integrated business model, comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2019/20, the Club contributed HK$19.9 billion in duty and profits tax and HK$0.8 billion to the Lotteries Fund. Approved charity donations were HK$4.5 billion. The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer and one of the city’s major employers. Its Charities Trust is also one of the world’s top ten charity donors. The Club is always “riding high together for a better future” with the people of Hong Kong