Since its launch in 2016, CoolThink@JC, initiated and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, has had a significant and widespread impact. In 2023, the Education Bureau of the HKSAR Government has adopted and adapted its learning materials as part of curriculum modules on innovation and technology education. Over 100,000 upper primary students across all publicly funded primary schools in Hong Kong have been empowered with problem-solving and creative skills for the digital age. Internationally, the programme has received multiple accolades including the QS Reimagine Education Awards, and its teaching materials have been shared worldwide. It has also been adopted by schools in the Chinese Mainland.
Last year, in another milestone, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Cambodia’s Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) to adopt and adapt the CoolThink@JC curriculum in Cambodian primary schools. To mark the official introduction of the programme in Cambodia, an Implementation of Computational Thinking Education Launch Ceremony was held today (6 June) at MoEYS in Phnom Penh, followed by teacher exchange and training activities.
Attending guests included Dr Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Cambodia; Dr Kim Sethany, Permanent Secretary of State at MoEYS, Cambodia; Jackson Woo, Trustee of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust; Sok Tha, Director of the Department of Digital Transformation at MoEYS, Cambodia; Dr Kann Puthy, Director of the Department of Primary Education at MoEYS, Cambodia; Sineth Seng, Deputy Director, Department of Digital Transformation at MoEYS, Cambodia; Winnie Ying, Head of Charities (Education & Youth Cluster) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, and Daniel Lai, CoolThink@JC Programme Director of The Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Speaking at the ceremony, Jackson Woo said he was delighted to see how MoEYS is rolling out this approach to learning across Cambodia. He noted that the Club is a world-class horse racing and sports organisation with a single purpose of contributing to the betterment of society, and that its Charities Trust is the largest charitable donor in Asia and one of the biggest worldwide. Supporting inclusive education is one of the Club’s key priorities, particularly as students need to be digitally equipped to navigate a rapidly changing world. He added that this was the driving force behind the pioneering CoolThink@JC programme, whose impact extends beyond students to teachers through professional development and to parents through workshops, helping to drive systemic change.
He further highlighted that this collaboration is motivated by a shared commitment to promote equitable access to high-quality education as part of our nation’s Belt and Road initiative, which is designed to strengthen international trade, connectivity and economic growth. The partnership has established a foundation for cross-border educational initiatives, including collaborative research and student exchange programmes, which can inspire impactful learning for students across Asia. He also expressed deep gratitude to the HKSAR Government for its ongoing support, which has been crucial to making this collaboration possible.
Under the collaboration with MoEYS, CoolThink@JC’s curricular materials will be introduced in 100 public schools in Cambodia, between 2025 and 2028, benefiting around 30,000 students and 500 teachers. By enhancing students’ computational thinking and problem-solving skills, the initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and support the development of Cambodia’s education system.
The collaboration also promotes knowledge exchange between educators in Hong Kong and Cambodia, fostering regional networks and supporting future cooperation such as research partnerships and student exchanges. It is expected to enhance teaching practices and create more inclusive and impactful learning environments across the region.
The Club’s support for CoolThink@JC, 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.
