HKJC philanthropy forum opens with 2,000 global leaders
SingTao · 10 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago3 MIN
Summary
The fifth Hong Kong International Philanthropy Forum opened on September 7 at the West Kowloon Cultural District, bringing together about 2,000 leaders from philanthropy, sports, business, government, academia and civil society for a two-day programme on the sector’s transformation, challenges and opportunities. The forum, organised by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and co-organised by the Institute of Philanthropy, marks its 10th anniversary and uses the theme “Engaging Communities, Advancing Philanthropy,” drawing inspiration from Olympic and Paralympic values as well as sporting traits such as discipline, focus, resilience and teamwork. It follows a welcome luncheon at Sha Tin Racecourse on September 6, hosted by HKJC CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges for forum speakers on the opening day of the 2026/27 racing season. Alongside the forum, the Jockey Club released its first Charities Trust impact report, launched a five-year community basketball programme worth more than HK$134 million, and heard officials outline plans to strengthen Hong Kong’s philanthropy and welfare ecosystem.
Key Points
- The opening ceremony on September 7 was officiated by Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki, HKJC chairman Michael Lee Chung-king and HKJC CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges at West Kowloon.
- Michael Lee said the forum has gathered more than 10,000 participants and over 380 speakers from more than 40 countries and regions over 10 years.
- Eric Chan said Hong Kong has more than 11,000 tax-exempt charities, added more than 400 last year, and recorded over US$1.5 billion in deductible donations in 2024/25.
- The Jockey Club said its non-profit model channels more than 90% of post-tax operating surplus to its Charities Trust, which approved nearly US$1.1 billion for 191 projects last financial year.
- A five-year Jockey Club “Relay for Life” Community Basketball Programme received more than HK$134 million, will cover all 18 districts, benefit over 4,600 young people and train about 450 coaches.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong, the forum is becoming a platform where philanthropy, sport, government policy and private capital are discussed together rather than separately, with practical initiatives announced alongside speeches. That matters locally because the city is trying to position itself as a global philanthropy centre while also building more structured channels for charitable funding, youth development and targeted welfare support.
For Hong Kong, the forum is becoming a platform where philanthropy, sport, government policy and private capital are discussed together rather than separately, with practical initiatives announced alongside speeches. That matters locally because the city is trying to position itself as a global philanthropy centre while also building more structured channels for charitable funding, youth development and targeted welfare support.