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

The 2026 Children's Day themed performances "Growing Up with the Motherland," supported in part by the Institute of Philanthropy (“IoP”) and jointly organised by the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, the China Welfare Institute, and the National Centre for the Performing Arts, debuted last evening in Beijing. More than a thousand youth from Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and Taiwan region, share the stage three times over two days to present singing, dancing, martial arts, and situational performances, fostering character development and mutual understanding through cultural exchange.

Since its launch in 2019, the "Growing Up with the Motherland" performance has become an annual cultural celebration dedicated to children. It highlights the vitality and spirit of the younger generation in the new era, serving both as a tribute to International Children's Day and as a platform to cultivate national identity and convey the spirit of the times.

Lester Huang, Chairman of IoP and Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust and Dr Rosanna Wong, Director of IoP attended the performance and joined the young performers on stage after the show.

The event united young people using art to promote exchange and mutual learning. The performances showcased the vibrant spirit of children in the new era and helped participants widen their perspectives, gain knowledge, and strengthen abilities through hands-on experience. Through these experiences, young people cultivate character, deepen their sense of national identity, and aspire to grow into a new generation with ideals, skills, and responsibility.

Mr Huang remarked that youth are a vital force for the country's future development. He highlighted that the performance uses art as a bridge, enabling young people to expand their horizons and deepen understanding through shared stage experiences and cultural exchange. In doing so, they build confidence, inspire ambition, and lay a solid foundation for future growth.

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.