The iconic Jockey Club Innovation Tower officially opened today (18 March) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) as a step towards shaping a more vibrant design hub.
Club Chairman T. Brian Stevenson joined Secretary for Education Eddie Ng, architect of the Tower Dame Zaha Hadid, PolyU Council Chairman Marjorie Yang, President Professor Timothy Tong, Former Council Chairman Dr Victor Lo, Court Chairman Professor Roy Chung, University Grants Committee Deputy Secretary-General Eva Yam and School of Design Dean Professor Cees de Bont to officiate at the opening ceremony.
Mr Stevenson said the Club was delighted to have the opportunity to participate in this project and collaborate with PolyU and Dame Zaha Hadid. "The new Jockey Club Innovation Tower will help PolyU cement its role as the design hub for Asia and extend its international reputation for creative design and innovation, thereby contributing more to Hong Kong's creative industries," he said.
In contributing HK$249 million towards the construction and fitting-out of the Innovation Tower, the Club’s Charities Trust also covers the three-year operating costs of the Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation.
As the city’s first permanent architectural work of Pritzker Prize-winning architect Dame Zaha Hadid, the 15-storey building will be home to the Institute and PolyU School of Design. The Institute will provide a platform for the School of Design and other PolyU departments to develop promising design intellectual property with innovative social elements into projects and products that will be put into practice. Community outreach activities are expected to involve over 10,000 people each year, increasing public interest and engagement in design and social innovation.
Since 1981, the Club has donated over HK$607 million to PolyU. Among other projects, it has funded the construction of a student hostel, an auditorium, the sports medicine & health sciences centre and the rehabilitation engineering centre. Another key collaboration is P.A.T.H.S. to Adulthood: A Jockey Club Youth Enhancement Scheme, a project launched in 2005 to help local junior secondary students explore their potential, establish self-identity, foster closer ties with others, and develop positive beliefs and clear values.
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 Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.95 billion in 2012/13. In addition, the Club is a major taxpayer, Hong Kong’s single largest by far, generating over HK$17.64 billion in 2012/13 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. 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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Club Chairman T. Brian Stevenson (centre) joins Secretary for Education Eddie Ng (4th left), architect Dame Zaha Hadid (4th right), PolyU Council Chairman Marjorie Yang (5th right), President Professor Timothy Tong (5th left), Former Council Chairman Dr Victor Lo (2nd right), Court Chairman Professor Roy Chung (2nd left), University Grants Committee Deputy Secretary-General Eva Yam (3rd left) and School of Design Dean Professor Cees de Bont (1st left) to officiate at the opening ceremony of the Jockey Club Innovation Tower.
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Club Chairman T. Brian Stevenson with architect Dame Zaha Hadid. Mr Stevenson says the new Jockey Club Innovation Tower will help PolyU cement its role as the design hub for Asia and extend its international reputation for creative design and innovation, thereby contributing more to Hong Kong's creative industries.
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Group photo.
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Club Chairman T. Brian Stevenson (1st left) tours the Jockey Club Innovation Tower with the Club's Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (2nd left), PolyU Former Council and Court Member Dr Eric Li (2nd right) and the Club's Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (1st right).
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Photos 5/6/7/8:
Guests tour the Jockey Club Innovation Tower.
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