Partnering with the international brand XIX Entertainment, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) welcomes the new member, Ariel Tsang to the global pop group Now United, debuting at Tai Kwun on 28 August. Having the first-ever member representing Hong Kong China, the Club believes that Ariel can embody the talent, potential and passion of Hong Kong youth on the global stage, while promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s most vibrant city. Tsang’s debut marks the first step for HKJC’s vision in empowering and nurturing young talents. The Club looks forward to Ariel promoting Hong Kong tourism, telling Hong Kong’s story to the world, as well as other projects in discovering and supporting young talents hereafter.

The goals behind the Rising Stars project

In May 2025, HKJC announced its aim to transform into a global sports and entertainment brand, showcasing that Hong Kong can be a centre for global exchange, connectivity, and tourism. To achieve this vision, HKJC started a strategic partnership with XIX Entertainment. Led by the founder Simon Fuller, they launched the HKJC’s Rising Stars Project. The first initial is to bring Fuller’s group Now United to Hong Kong and search for a new member representing the city. The Club believes this provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young local talents to perform on a global stage while highlighting Hong Kong's vibrancy and horse racing to millions of Now United fans through captivating musical performances, social media content, and racecourse entertainment.

Tsang has undergone a series of selection processes and also attended a two-day intensive dance training workshop by world-class choreographer Nicky Andersen, and a singing workshop by Berkley The Artist. They were then professionally evaluated on dancing, singing, stage presence and “star potential”. Fuller claims that Tsang is the one who ‘checks all the boxes’. “Tsang is not only good at singing and dancing, but she is also unique, committed and passionate. I believe she is the one who could inspire millions of young people.” Fuller says.

Dennis Hau, Executive Director, Customer Strategy, Insights and Innovation of The Hong Kong Jockey Club suggests that the objectives of the HKJC’s Rising Stars Project is to build capacity and strengthen our young development by encouraging them to follow their dreams. “With the aim of going global, we believe inviting Now United to search for their new member in Hong Kong is a great idea, as they have a large fanbase from all around the world. As a widely recognized group in the international market, we believe Tsang could tell fans from all around the world stories of Hong Kong and introduce the beauty of our city.”

Besides, Hau believes music is a good medium through which Hong Kong can be promoted. As such, much work has been done with the help of Now United. For instance, videos featuring Now United members had been shot in various Hong Kong landmarks. “We look forward to Tsang’s power in promoting Hong Kong tourism, and taking local horse racing events to the world.” Hau said. “We are looking forward to having the Now United team participate in our events at the racecourse, to shine on the global stage through social media network."

The Club is also honoured to have the Asian superstar, Aaron Kwok taking up the role as HKJC’s Rising Stars Ambassador to nurture promising local talent and encourage young people to follow their dreams. He is a well-known proponent of encouraging performers and artists to shine on the stage, in keeping with the Club’s commitment to youth and talent development. Being a horse owner with a love of horses, Kwok praised the Club for its contributions to the betterment of society over the years. He noted it has made Hong Kong synonymous with world-class racing while also supporting countless charitable and community projects locally and internationally. He praised the Club’s commitment to youth and talent development, and expressed the hope that this once-in-a-lifetime Now United initiative would inspire Hong Kong youths to show their passion and talent to the world.

Future development of Tsang and the HKJC Rising Stars Project

After Tsang’s grand debut as the HK representative of Now United, the group will shoot a reality YouTube Series and music videos, sharing positive stories about Hong Kong and Hong Kong racing with their millions of fans worldwide across multiple platforms, followed by a world tour to Portugal and Brazil later this year. Hau believes it is a good chance to let global audiences learn more about Hong Kong. He also hopes that Tsang can act as a role model for her spirits on aspiration, passion, competition, resilience and opportunity, who aspire to fight for what they want and pursue their dreams.

“It is really rare that the Hong Kong youth get to perform in front of international audiences, or to be seen on an international level.” Tsang is certainly grateful to HKJC for offering this precious opportunity to represent Hong Kong on the global stage. Looking back on her past, Tsang reassures that she herself has been through ups and downs. “I really want to tell the youth who have dreams to never give up. Don't be afraid of failing, just keep going and you will eventually get your chance to shine. Just like me, I had never imagined that I would be the one lucky enough to seize this wonderful opportunity.” Tsang is excited about her future developments with the group, and she also looks forward to having other young talents discovered and nurtured alongside her via the HKJC’s Rising Stars Project.

To learn more about Now United’s activities in Hong Kong and the Club’s entertainment initiatives, please visit and follow @hkjcentertainment on Instagram.

Hong Kong Jockey Club Commits to Nurturing Youth and Providing International Opportunities