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The Hong Kong Jockey Club today (17 March) held its Scholarships and Fellowships Award Presentation Ceremony and High Table Dinner. In addition to awarding scholarships to 116 students in recognition of their outstanding academic performance and commitment to serving the community, the very first JC STEM Early Career Research Fellowship for Translation and Application was awarded to 10 outstanding STEM researchers. The Club also congratulated 40 graduating JC Scholars as they embarked on a new chapter in their lives.

Club Chairman Michael Lee was joined by keynote speaker Tsinghua University Chair Professor of AI Science and Dean of Institute for AI Industry Research (AIR) Zhang Ya-qin; Club Deputy Chairman Martin Liao; Club Stewards Dr Silas Yang, Lester Huang, Dr Henry Chan, Jackson Woo, Ann Kung and Philip Lo; Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges; and representatives of participating tertiary institutions, who attended the dinner to witness and share the joy of the awardees.

Club Chairman Michael Lee said that The Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships have grown in scope and scale over the past 20-plus years. In addition to supporting Hong Kong undergraduates, they have extended to students pursuing vocational education, to gifted young minds from the Mainland and around the world, and to students who have excelled while overcoming adversities and challenges. He highlighted the JC STEM Early Career Research Fellowship for Translation and Application, launched by the Club’s Charities Trust in 2024 to help STEM researchers translate scientific findings into practical industry applications. Given the rapid pace of technological change, especially AI, he urged JC Scholars and JC STEM Fellows to harness its power for the benefit of all members of society, driving positive change for future generations.

Congratulating the awardees, this year’s keynote speaker Professor Zhang Ya-qin noted that AI is the most transformative force of our time. The era of AI calls for a new generation of leaders with new skills and vision. He sincerely appreciated the Club’s unwavering support for students and for research initiatives.  This is a defining moment for students to rise, shine, and answer the historic call of duty—not only through their talent, creativity and innovation, but also with compassion, courage and humanity.

The Club has long been committed to supporting education and talent development in Hong Kong. Established in 1998, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships are dedicated to nurturing caring leaders for a better society. Over the years, they have expanded to provide diversified talent development pathways. To date, HK$891 million has been disbursed, with more than 1,100 outstanding students receiving scholarships. Further details can be found on The Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships website: https://jcscholarships.hk/en

James Li, one of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Striding On Scholarship awardees, is studying Engineering at The University of Hong Kong. Diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy in childhood, and relying on a wheelchair for mobility, James has not given in to the challenges he faces. Instead, he strives to apply his knowledge to create products that enhance the lives of people with disabilities. He has greatly benefited from the support provided by his scholarship. He is especially focused on using technology to create a more inclusive world in the future.

To meet the needs of the 21st century, to promote industrial innovation development in Hong Kong and to support its development as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub as outlined in the National 14th Five-Year Plan, the Club established the JC STEM Early Career Research Fellowship for Translation and Application in 2024 with the support of a donation from its Charities Trust. The fellowship aims to nurture STEM researchers by providing comprehensive support and unique opportunities for them to develop their research and innovation career, to expand their professional networks, and to create social impact. Further details can be found on the JC STEM Fellowship website: https://www.jcstem.hk/en

Dr Hu Delin is one of this year’s recipients of the JC STEM Early Career Research Fellowship. His research focuses on AI-assisted optimal design, perception and control of miniature magnetic robots, with the aim of enhancing the precision and automation of minimally invasive interventions using innovative AI tools. He says the fellowship has provided him with greater freedom in his research, which was one of the key factors attracting him to Hong Kong.

As a not-for-profit sports and charity organisation rooted in Hong Kong for 140 years, the Club’s partnership with the community has thrived thanks to a unique integrated business model through which racing and wagering generate tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong. The Club – under the banner “With You. Then. Now. Always.” – has organised a series of celebratory initiatives to mark this milestone and recognise Hong Kong people’s contribution to its mission to act continuously for the betterment of society. For more information, please visit https://campaign.hkjc.com/140/en/.