Hong Kong Jockey Club to plough HK$3b into new research facility in Northern Metropolis

The Hong Kong Jockey Club has pledged HK$3 billion to fund the construction of a Life and Health Academic Research Building at the city's new Northern Metropolis University Town. This announcement came after Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu unveiled plans for an integrated teaching and scientific research building during his policy address on Wednesday.

The Jockey Club's Charities Trust had approved the donation in principle, aligning with Hong Kong's National 15th Five-Year Plan and the city's initial five-year plan. Martin Liao, the club's chairman, expressed pride in supporting the development alongside the HKSAR Government, emphasizing their commitment to nurturing cutting-edge talent and research.

The new facility will offer over 30,000 square meters of gross floor space dedicated to life and health science research. The Jockey Club has previously backed initiatives like the JC Stem Lab and an early career research fellowship, highlighting its dedication to academia and research institutions. Jeffrey Lam, a non-official member of the Executive Council, noted that the building would foster a vibrant ecosystem for educational and scientific research exchanges, potentially catalyzing the commercialization of health and medical research outcomes.

Duncan Chiu, a lawmaker representing the technology and innovation functional constituency, welcomed the Jockey Club's contribution, stressing the need to accelerate development in the hub to attract universities, research labs, companies, and talent to Hong Kong.