The Sichuan University – Hong Kong Polytechnic University Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction (“IDMR”), built with a RMB 200 million donation from The Hong Kong Jockey Club (“the Club”) as one of Sichuan’s reconstruction projects following the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, held a plaque unveiling ceremony today (8 November) for a new building, Block B.

The first of its kind in the country, the IDMR integrates scientific research, talent development and social services in the fields of disaster prevention and reduction, and post-disaster reconstruction. The new building provides a more spacious environment for teaching and scientific research. It is another stage in the partnership between Sichuan and Hong Kong in support of disaster prevention and post-disaster reconstruction in China.

The plaque unveiling ceremony was attended by Secretary of the Party Committee of Sichuan University Gan Lin; Vice President of Sichuan University Zhao Changsheng; Deputy Director of the Council of Sichuan University Yan Shijing; Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges; Club Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Raymond Tam; Club Head of Mainland Affairs Ronald Chan;  Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Sichuan Province (“SCHKMAO”) Li Hui; Deputy Director of Sichuan Provincial Commission of Development and Reform Huang Yong; Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Chengdu Enoch Yuen; Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement) of Hong Kong Polytechnic University Laura Lo, as well as other guests.

Secretary of the Sichuan University Party Committee Gan Lin welcomed Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges and Club representatives. Both parties had a meeting prior to the unveiling ceremony.

SCHKMAO Deputy Director Li Hui welcomed the opening of the new building, noting that following the devastating Wenchuan earthquake of 2008, Hong Kong had generously donated HK$10 billion to support post-disaster reconstruction and relief in Sichuan. These efforts have contributed to the high-quality development of Sichuan, benefiting such areas as education, public health and talent development. In recent years, the IDMR has developed capabilities across the country and in Sichuan. The new building will help Sichuan University develop its disaster prevention and emergency management and enhance Sichuan-Hong Kong co-operation.

Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said the IDMR is an outstanding example of “One Country, Two Systems” in action, bringing together Sichuan University and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, with strong support from the Central Government, the Sichuan Provincial Government and the HKSAR Government. The Club is committed to building a better society for all and has supported several post-disaster projects in Sichuan including the IDMR. He looked forward to many more students applying their skills to the front lines of disaster prevention and relief, to the further development of the IDMR, and to continuing strong ties between Sichuan and Hong Kong.

With a total area of 8,400 square meters, the IDMR’s new Block B has 16 laboratories providing facilities for the study of geological disasters, flood disasters, post-disaster environmental management, urban disasters and resilience, disaster information and emergency command and control.  

Since its establishment in 2013, around 645 master’s and doctoral students have enrolled at the IDMR, with emergency management professionals being trained for Sichuan and the country. It also provides education and skills training in the community to enhance public awareness of disaster prevention and risk reduction.

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 HKSAR Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2023/24, the Club returned a total of HK$40.1 billion to the community. This included HK$29.9 billion to the HKSAR Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$10.2 billion in approved charity donations.  The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer and one of the city’s major employers. Its Charities Trust is one of the world’s leading charity donors.