Institute of Philanthropy and Jockey Club launch $150m initiative to nurture future InnoTech talent

The Institute of Philanthropy (IoP) and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust have pledged HK$150 million to support the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF) in launching the three-year Nurturing Future InnoTech Talent Project.

The initiative, with The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) as the strategic partner, aims to cultivate young talent passionate about innovation and technology (I&T). A launch ceremony was held on June 3 at the China Soong Ching Ling Science and Technology Cultural Exchange Center in Beijing.

The event was officiated by prominent figures including Li Bin, Chairperson of the CSCLF; Lester Huang, IoP Chairman and Trustee of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust; Shen Beili, Vice Chairperson of the CSCLF; Nong Rong, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee; Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, IoP Director and CEO of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Zhang Jiming, Vice Chairperson of the CSCLF; and Kenneth Chen, President of HKFYG.

Huang highlighted that the National 14th Five-Year Plan strongly supports Hong Kong’s development as an international I&T hub, with youth playing a pivotal role.

“IoP and the Club are delighted to back this project, empowering young people to embrace learning, innovation, and leadership in technology,” he said.

This project marks the first strategic collaboration between IoP and CSCLF to nurture Hong Kong’s young I&T talents with national and global perspectives. Leveraging CSCLF’s extensive network and educational expertise, the initiative will provide insights into Mainland China’s I&T advancements, while HKFYG will ensure programmes align with Hong Kong’s youth development needs. This cross-border partnership aims to enrich students’ learning experiences, foster cultural exchange, and spark innovative ideas.

Unlike traditional youth exchange programmes, participants will undergo a year-long structured training journey co-developed with industry and academic leaders. The curriculum focuses on four key areas: artificial intelligence, aerospace and engineering technology, robotics, and new energy. The training features three progressive levels, incorporating exchange visits, masterclasses, workshops, expert mentorship, and intensive bootcamps. The goal is to deepen students’ I&T interest, equip them with problem-solving skills, and identify top talents for national and international competitions, such as the Soong Ching Ling Award for Children’s Invention.

Upon completion, secondary school students aspiring to enter the I&T sector will gain a competitive edge, creating a talent pool with both local and global perspectives. Additionally, the project will support educators through professional training, customised teaching toolkits, and an exchange platform. Overall, it is expected to benefit over 2,000 young I&T talents and enhance the skills of 500 teachers.

As a not-for-profit organisation with 140 years of history in Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Jockey Club operates a unique integrated business model, generating tax revenue, employment, and charity funding through racing and responsible wagering.

Under its 140th-anniversary theme, “With You. Then. Now. Always.”, the Club continues its mission to drive societal progress.