First community-based media hub opens

04/27/2013

To connect and engage young people in the face of rapid social, economic and technological changes, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has donated some HK$29 million to The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) to set up the city’s first community-based, comprehensive new media hub.

Today (27 April), the Club's Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges joined HKSAR Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, HKFYG President Dr Peter Tsoi and Executive Director Dr Rosanna Wong to officiate at the opening ceremony of the HKFYG Jockey Club Media 21, or JC M21 for short.

Noting the Club’s long-time support for HKFYG, exceeding HK$460 million over the past half-century, Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges said the Club was delighted to be partnering the Federation in another of its pioneering ventures. “This magnificent new facility is the first NGO-led, community-based media hub designed to connect young people through the internet and digital media, and to nurture their talents through programmes and training,” he remarked. “More than 40,000 students are expected to benefit each year.

“In the Club’s view, it is not only necessary to provide the hardware, but more importantly, to enhance the soft skills required. That’s why a three-year ‘HKFYG JC M21 Media Education Project’ is also being launched to teach young people about proper values in their use of the internet, and foster media literacy and a critical mindset. It will provide them with the opportunity to develop their skills and creativity in multimedia productions, and prepare for their future employment.”

Located in Shek Pai Wan at Aberdeen, JC M21 provides a wide range of multimedia production training, including online TV and movies, radio, games and mobile applications, website design and 3D animation. An inter-school broadcast network will also be established to reach out to 100,000 students from 150 schools, with JC M21 assisting them to produce their own content for broadcast.

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.