[The following is issued on behalf of the Institute of Philanthropy]

Rocket launch the highlight of a five-day programme under the Nurturing Future InnoTech Talent Project supported by the Institute of Philanthropy and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to cultivate innovation and national pride

On December 10, a youth delegation of 39 Hong Kong students and teachers participating in the Nurturing Future InnoTech Talent Project witnessed the launch of a rocket bearing the project name “Nurturing the Future” at the Dongfeng commercial aerospace innovation pilot zone near the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre. The rocket successfully carried nine satellites into orbit.

This was another milestone in the Nurturing Future InnoTech Talent Project — a three‑year strategic initiative funded by the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP) and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, and organised by the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation with The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups as the strategic partner. The project aims to nurture Hong Kong’s young talents in innovation and technology (I&T) with national awareness and a global perspective.

“The ‘Nurturing the Future’ rocket launch was a powerful experience for these Hong Kong youngsters who are on their own educational journey,” said Lester Huang, Chairman of the IoP. “By witnessing this achievement firsthand, these students will connect scientific progress with their own aspirations and develop a spirit of innovation.”

The students and teachers were visiting as part of a five‑day programme, which included lectures and discussions with leading aerospace scientists as well as cultural excursions to the Jiayuguan Fortress, the Overhanging Great Wall, and the First Pier of the Great Wall.

Students described the experience as unforgettable. Lau Pak Ho from Buddhist Yip Kei Nam Memorial College said: “Witnessing the rocket launch in person was a breathtaking and unforgettable experience! I'm deeply grateful to the exchange programme for this precious opportunity, which allowed me to feel the burning passion of the space dream. This journey will forever inspire me to strive with passion and stride boldly into the future!”

Yang Tsz Lui from Kowloon True Light School added: “This journey opened new possibilities for my future. I realised aerospace spans far broader fields than I imagined, and I can connect my love of mathematics, physics and art to this industry.”

The delegation included nine students living in Small Group Homes benefiting from support under JC Project Bonfire, Hong Kong’s first and largest initiative to support children and youth in residential care. For most it was their first plane trip to the Chinese Mainland.

One student living in a Small Group Home said it was a great honour to watch the rocket launch, which he had only seen on television in the past. Lectures by leading aerospace scientists were inspirational: “The sharing of the two aerospace experts helped me appreciate their great contributions to our country and inspired me to actively pursue my dream career. This experience has filled me with hope for my future career path.”

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 and 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.

Additional Student Reflections:

• Cheung Hoi Tung (Queen Elizabeth School Old Students’ Association Tong Kwok Wah Secondary School): “If I had to use one word to describe this journey, it would be ‘stunning’. Witnessing the rocket soar into the sky was so much more impressive than on TV. The Q&A with Commander Shen showed me the selfless spirit of astronauts who are willing to be unsung heroes.”
• Arthur Liu (The Hong Kong Management Association David Li Kwok Po College): “When the countdown ended and the rocket cut through the sky, I felt I was witnessing not only decades of transformation but centuries of aspiration.”
• Cherish Yan (The Hong Kong Management Association David Li Kwok Po College): “Gazing at the rising flames, I seemed to see generations of astronauts turning their youth into stars.”
• Zhang Shing Ho (Queen Elizabeth School Old Students’ Association Tong Kwok Wah Secondary School): “Visiting the rocket launch site in person, the roar was deafening, and the fire soared into the sky. My heart was full of excitement.”