The following is issued jointly by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and the Institute of Philanthropy

Today (16 September) marked the official Hong Kong launch of the Nurturing Future InnoTech Talent Project, an industry–school–community collaboration which seeks to develop Hong Kong’s next generation of innovation and technology (I&T) talent with both national awareness and a global perspective. A signature feature are Masterclasses, with renowned Mainland experts delivering public lectures and school talks to Hong Kong students on major national achievements, traditional culture and cutting-edge technologies. The project aligns with the National 14th Five-Year Plan, which supports Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology hub.

The Institute of Philanthropy (IoP) and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust have approved a donation of HK$150 million to support the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF), with The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) as the strategic partner in launching the project.

Today’s ceremony at the Hong Kong Palace Museum opened with a pre-recorded speech by John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR. Shen Beili, Vice Chairperson of CSCLF; Yin Zonghua, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR; Clarence Leung, Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs of the HKSAR Government; Professor Wu Weiren, Chief Designer of China's Lunar Exploration Program, China National Space Administration Lunar Exploration and Aerospace Engineering Center and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and IoP Chairman; Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and Professor Herman Hu, Founding President of Hong Kong Rosamond Foundation attended the launch ceremony.

Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and IoP Chairman, said that the Nurturing Future InnoTech Talent Project provides a unique opportunity for young people to learn about cutting-edge innovation in fields such as artificial intelligence and aerospace technology. The aim is to cultivate their talent, expand their appreciation for the technological and scientific achievements of the nation, while also inspiring them with a global vision. He hoped the experience will motivate all of them to contribute to next-generation I&T.

The Masterclasses following today’s ceremony attracted approximately 300 local students.  In total the Masterclasses will feature six renowned Mainland experts who will discuss artificial intelligence, aerospace and engineering technology, marine science, new energy, history and culture, and traditional Chinese medicine and wellness. The experts will visit 13 secondary schools and three universities to directly interact with thousands of students during their stay in Hong Kong.

As part of the same project, in August nearly 260 local students participated in two “Journey of Exploring the Motherland” exchange tours to Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an, where they experienced the country’s cutting-edge innovation firsthand and witnessed the fusion of art with science, and history with modernity. Other activities including “Building Dreams in the New Era – I&T Career Exploration”, two events under the “Teacher Nurturing Scheme”, and the “Hong Kong Regional Selection for the Soong Ching Ling Award for Children’s Invention and Future Science Day” will be rolled out to broaden students’ horizons, nurture curiosity, and provide professional training for educators.

The Nurturing Future InnoTech Talent Project spans three years. Leveraging its strong network and educational research and development capabilities, CSCLF will provide Hong Kong’s young people with access to the latest innovation opportunities, while HKFYG will contribute its local expertise in youth development to tailor the project to Hong Kong’s educational and societal needs. The project aims to nurture the I&T talent and national identity of over 2,000 young people while also enhancing the teaching capacity of around 500 I&T educators.

The Club’s support for the Nurturing Future InnoTech Talent Project, 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
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class sports and entertainment organisation 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 2024/25, the Club returned a total of HK$39.1 billion to the community. This included HK$30.1 billion to the HKSAR Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$9.0 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.

About The Institute of Philanthropy
The Institute of Philanthropy was established in September 2023 through a seed grant of HK$6.8 billion (US$870 million) from The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust. Established as an independent “think-fund-do” tank for China, Asia and beyond, IoP is dedicated to promoting philanthropic thought leadership and enhancing sector capabilities at local, regional and global levels in collaboration with fellow funders. It seeks to provide an Asia-based platform bringing global stakeholders together to promote the betterment of societies everywhere.