#Hong Kong #Philanthropy #Hong Kong Jockey Club #PBC Forum

Hong Kong Jockey Club Celebrates 10 Years of Philanthropy at PBC Gala Dinner

On September 8, 2026, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) marked a significant milestone as it concluded the 10th anniversary of its PBC forum with a remarkable Gala Dinner held at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. This prestigious event brought together over 80 notable speakers and more than 2,000 delegates from various sectors across the globe, dedicated to fostering philanthropic dialogue. Under the theme "Leaping for Impact," the forum included representatives from philanthropy, sports, government, academia, and business sectors, highlighting a decade of global engagement in philanthropy.

The Gala Dinner served as a closing celebration of two days filled with insightful discussions and workshops. The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Dr. the Hon Starry Lee, a member of the National People’s Congress, and The Hon Mrs. Regina Ip, among other distinguished guests. In her speech, Dr. Lee emphasized the achievements of the PBC forum over the past decade, praising its role in encouraging collaboration between the Chinese Mainland and the international community.

During the forum, notable discussions included pressing social issues such as health care, urban poverty alleviation, education equity, and climate resilience. Interactive sessions were designed to bridge innovative ideas and practical applications, showcasing how to achieve a meaningful impact in communities.

Prominent figures like Hari Menon, President of Global Growth Opportunity at the Gates Foundation, addressed the gathering with the keynote speech titled “The New Growth Agenda: Philanthropy's Role in Expanding Opportunity for All,” prompting vital discourse on the role of philanthropy in driving economic growth and inclusivity. Another impactful moment was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the HKJC and Cambodia’s Ministry of Education, reinforcing a shared commitment to improving early childhood education.

In a particularly inspiring closing plenary, an intergenerational dialogue featured former athletes turned philanthropists, providing insights on how personal growth can extend to community leadership. This panel, moderated by famed basketball player Yao Ming, included Olympic swimmer Yvette Kong and other notable athletes, discussing their visions for leveraging sports to effect change.

The PBC platform, which began in 2016, has become pivotal in the global philanthropic landscape, engaging over 10,000 participants from more than 40 countries. The ongoing commitment of the Hong Kong Jockey Club to this forum, alongside its extensive charity initiatives funded through their unique business model, showcases the significant role they play in societal betterment.

Reflecting on the journey so far, HKJC CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges spoke about the necessity for collaboration among various players in the philanthropic sector, reaffirming that true transformative change requires partnership and shared objectives. The celebrations at this Gala Dinner not only recognized milestones achieved but also invigorated the call to action for future efforts in philanthropy and community development.

As the HKJC looks towards the future, the lessons learned from the PBC forum will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of philanthropic endeavors worldwide, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of impactful change.

For more highlights and visuals from this significant event, photos can be found on the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s official website.