The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has reinforced its support for social enterprise development in Hong Kong by becoming the Major Sponsor of the Social Enterprise Summit for the second year in a row. Organised by the Hong Kong Policy Research Foundation, this year’s Summit opened today (29 November) to provide a platform for world-renowned experts, local social enterprise pioneers, representatives from the Government and commercial sector, frontline workers and academics to share their experiences.
The Club’s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So joined Chief Secretary for Administration Carrie Lam, Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing, Social Enterprise Summit Organising Committee Chair Dr Jane Lee and other officiating guests at the Grand Opening at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Mr So said the Club had long supported the development of local social enterprises and was delighted to be the Major Sponsor of the Social Enterprise Summit for the second consecutive year. Over the years, he told delegates, the Club had stayed closely attuned to changing societal needs by working closely with every sector to implement programmes that benefited the community at large, as well as supporting far-sighted and innovative pilot projects. In the 2011/12 financial year alone, the Club’s charity donations had set a new record of some HK$1.73 billion.
Running until Saturday, the three-day Summit is expected to attract 1,200 participants to discuss the theme “Rejuvenate our City through Social Innovations”. The core programme is an International Symposium featuring keynote speeches by several world-renowned experts on social entrepreneurship. It allows interactions between speakers and the audience as well as the sharing of new ideas, perspectives and experiences and the fostering of cross-sector partnerships.
Apart from funding the Summit, the Club Charities Trust’s donation of HK$970,000 is covering several related activities. Earlier this year, a “Small Action, Big Difference” community care campaign was organised, which enabled students to learn from successful social enterprises to gain experience and explore social issues before applying their creativity to develop a pragmatic plan to help improve the community. Also organised was a Power Lunch for NGO Leaders to revisit the missions of their organisations in delivering social services.
In addition, the Trust’s funding is covering Make a Difference @ SES 2012, a keynote and interactive session to discuss how to turn the ageing problem into opportunities, as well as dedicated workshops and keynote session for NGOs. Details of the Summit are available at http://social-enterprise.org.hk/.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world's leading horse racing organisations but also a world top 15 charitable organisation and Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.7 billion in 2012. It is also a major taxpayer, Hong Kong's single largest by far, generating over HK$16 billion a year for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious, with more than 23,000 members. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.
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The Cluba£į?s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (3rd left), Chief Secretary for Administration Carrie Lam (4th left), Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing (4th right), Under Secretary for Home Affairs Florence Hui (3rd right), Social Enterprise Summit Organising Committee Chair Dr Jane Lee (2nd left), Deputy Chairs Dr K K Tse (1st left) and Chua Hoi Wai (1st right).
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The Cluba£į?s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (back row 5th left) in a group picture with other guests.
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Club Steward and HK Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council Chairman Dr Donald Li (centre), the Cluba£į?s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (left) and Social Enterprise Summit Organising Committee Member and Project Flame-Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship@City U Executive Director Timothy Ma (right).
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Keynote speaker from Germany Saskia Bruysten.
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Photos 5, 6:
Highlights of the Summit.
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