Heart to Heart Chairman Expected to Step Down; Sun Yuhua Affirms Government Partnership
HK01 · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has partnered with the social welfare sector's "Heart to Heart" initiative to launch a three-year programme targeting talent development and Greater Bay Area integration. The scheme aims to train approximately 1,780 social welfare professionals and create around 100 cross-border pilot projects across Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau. With current chairman Rev. Dr. Kwok Ho-ming expected to hand over leadership to Academy director Prof. Tam Kam-lan, the Labour and Welfare Bureau chief has affirmed the organization's importance as a government partner.
Key Points
- Hong Kong Jockey Club director Bernard Chan described attending the event as "like returning home," highlighting the club's commitment to enhancing social welfare management standards in Hong Kong
- The three-year programme features two core pillars: "talent cultivation" and "Bay Area integration," with an expected 1,780 professionals to receive training and 100 cross-border projects to be developed
- The inaugural cohort has 485 participants who will conduct field visits to Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Foshan, Shaoguan and Zhuhai, with an assessment mechanism in place
- Rev. Dr. Kwok Ho-ming emphasized mutual need, stating "the Bay Area needs us, and we need the Bay Area even more," expressing hope for more talent to join the sector
- Secretary Sun Yuhua stated that regardless of who becomes chairman, Heart to Heart will continue to play a key role and cooperate effectively with the government
Why It Matters
The leadership transition comes at a critical juncture as Hong Kong deepens its integration with the Greater Bay Area. The programme's focus on cross-border welfare service collaboration represents a significant step towards harmonising social support systems across the region, potentially setting precedents for future regional social policy coordination. With government backing, Heart to Heart's next chapter could shape how Hong Kong's social welfare expertise contributes to broader regional development goals.
The leadership transition comes at a critical juncture as Hong Kong deepens its integration with the Greater Bay Area. The programme's focus on cross-border welfare service collaboration represents a significant step towards harmonising social support systems across the region, potentially setting precedents for future regional social policy coordination. With government backing, Heart to Heart's next chapter could shape how Hong Kong's social welfare expertise contributes to broader regional development goals.