To further enhance the appeal of Hong Kong’s higher education sector and enrich student learning experiences, while at the same time aligning with the Central Government’s goal of deepening international exchange and collaboration, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has approved a donation of over HK$203 million to The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) to support part of the construction costs for a new undergraduate residence at its Clear Water Bay campus. The new residence, named the Jockey Club i-Village, provided over 1,500 hostel places and is expected to help attract more overseas students and promote international exchange.
The opening ceremony of the Jockey Club i-Village was held today (11 June). Officiating guests at the opening ceremony included Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Dr John Chan, Pro-Chancellor of HKUST; Professor Harry Shum, Chairman of HKUST Council; Dr Andrew Liao, Chairman of HKUST Court, and Professor Nancy Ip, President of HKUST.
Speaking at the ceremony, Lester Huang said, “This purpose-built facility is the realisation of a vision six years in-the-making, brought to life through the collaboration of the HKSAR Government, The Trust and HKUST. Collectively we aim to empower young people to pursue their passions and, in doing so, nurture leaders who can propel Hong Kong’s economic development and sustain the prosperity of our nation.” He added that it is the fourth and largest residential project the Club has part-funded at the university, and that the Club is honoured to have supported many groundbreaking initiatives at HKUST over the years, reflecting the Club’s long-term commitment to and investment in human capital and education.
Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the Jockey Club i-Village comprises four multi-storey residential blocks with a total construction floor area of 35,533 square metres, accommodating over 1,500 students. It features centralised living and co-working spaces designed to be inclusive and to foster a vibrant community, alongside facilities such as a zen garden, a fitness room, and a multi-purpose hall. The additional hostel places will not only enable HKUST to provide accommodation for all first-year students but also help ease traffic congestion in the Sai Kung and Tseung Kwan O districts.
The development also incorporates a range of green features and has achieved a provisional BEAM Plus Platinum rating. Its sustainable design is expected to enhance Hong Kong’s appeal as a destination for overseas students, in line with the Central Government’s plan to deepen international exchange and collaboration.
The Club supported the establishment of HKUST between 1987 and 1992. Over the past four decades, its Charities Trust has funded more than 40 projects at HKUST. These include the establishment of five JC STEM Labs dedicated to advancing scientific research and nurturing talent in fields such as artificial intelligence, regenerative medicine, sustainable energy and computational genomics, helping to cultivate a pipeline of talent to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international innovation and technology hub, as envisaged under the 15th National Five-Year Plan.
The Club’s support for the Jockey Club i-Village, 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.
