Opening of Sichuan University - Hong Kong Polytechnic University Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction HKJC Building

05/08/2013

The seven post-earthquake reconstruction projects after the massive 12 May earthquake in Sichuan funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s HK$1 billion donation had been officially completed following the opening of the Sichuan University - Hong Kong Polytechnic University Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction HKJC Building (IDMR) today.  Steward of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Dr Rita Fan Hsu Lai Tai officiated at a ceremony earlier this morning to mark the official opening of the Institute, one of the Club’s most visionary projects in the Mainland for a sustainable growth.

Also attending at the opening ceremony were Club's Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges and Executive Director of Corporate Affairs Kim Mak, Minister Mentor of Sichuan Provincial People’s Government, Former Vice Governor Zhang Zuoha; Standing Committee Member of the National People’s Congress, Vice Chairman of the Central People’s Political Consultative Conference of Sichuan Province, Executive Vice President of the Chengdu University of Technology Huang Runqiu; Special Representative to the Secretary-General of the United Nations  Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and Secretary-General of the United Nations Office for International strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) Margaret Wahlstrom; President of the Sichuan University Xie Heping; President of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Timothy  Tong, as well as 200 students of the Institute.

The 7.0 magnitude Sichuan earthquake that struck Ya’an, Lushan, Sichuan on 20 April this year also caused massive damage and claimed the lives of many. The Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction provided immediate emergency relief and contingency plans which included preparing information packs for earthquake victims on emergency relief, organising training for volunteers and helpers, and assessing the degree of damage, as well as areas for assistance.  “All these actions initiated by the Institute have demonstrated the importance of strengthening the Institute's post-disaster professional management skills to society,” said Dr Fan.

Promptly after the massive Sichuan earthquake five years ago, The Hong Kong Jockey Club pledged an unprecedented HK$1 billion to the Mainland towards post-earthquake reconstruction projects.  “Today, we witness the official completion of the seven reconstruction projects financed by the Club and their proven effectiveness given the challenge of the recent 20 April earthquake,” said Dr Fan.  “The Club’s professional standard in project management for these reconstruction projects has gained accolades and recognition from the Central People’s Government, the Sichuan Provincial Government and its people.  We are very pleased that the work of the Club has helped not only victims of natural disasters but also the nation as a whole towards minimising the impact of natural disasters and post-disaster reconstruction."

Among the Club’s reconstruction projects, the Sichuan University - Hong Kong Polytechnic University Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction HKJC Building is one of the most forward-looking sustainable developments.  Dr Fan pointed out that The Hong Kong Jockey Club has, during the early stage of reconstruction, realised that it should not be confined to hardware reconstruction, but also with equal importance, to the development of expertise, knowledge, culture, and the building of a better future to disaster victims. "In supporting the setting up of the Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, it is hoped that with the experience from the Sichuan earthquake, the Institute will, through various means such as educational research and disaster management facilities and services, build up knowledge base on earthquakes, in an effort to contribute to national and worldwide prevention and reduction of natural disasters, and achieve sustainable growth,” Dr Fan said. 

Dr Fan believes that, with the concerted effort of Sichuan University and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and with the support of the Central and the Sichuan Provincial Governments, the Sichuan University - Hong Kong Polytechnic University Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction will realise its historical mission in disaster management and reconstruction.  

The first of its kind established in the Mainland, the Institute is aimed at enhancing mankind’s disaster management capabilities, minimising the impact of natural disasters and achieving sustainable growth through the provision of professional training in reconstruction and disaster management, the development of disaster management faculties, undertaking scientific research and offering disaster management facilities and services.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club donated RMB200 million to fund the construction of the campus building, laboratory and practicum sites of the Institute, and is providing financial support for the first phase of educational programmes. The Institute is expected to provide training to some 1,000 undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students in three years.     i??    i??     

Immediately after arriving in Sichuan yesterday (7 May), Dr Fan visited Ya An HKJC Vocational College, one of the seven projects funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club, to visit students there and to show her care and concern especially to students whose homeland is located in the recent Ya’an quake areas.  The Ya An HKJC Vocational College was built with RMB$90 million financial funding from The Hong Kong Jockey Club, including buildings such as student accommodation, a main library, a practical experiment building, and a sports stadium. The college, currently with 12,000 students, accepts students from 20 provinces and provides career training in various disciplines, including medical, nursing, pharmaceutical, educational, electrical and information engineering, as well as tourism management.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced on 25 April that it would donate HK$10 million to support immediate relief work for people affected by the earthquake that struck Ya’an on 20 April.  The donation will in particular provide immediate support to affected students of Ya An HKJC Vocational College and to the relief efforts of the Club-supported institutions.

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.