People Stories
Inspiring voices — we shine a spotlight on the people that are making a difference
As we mark the 140th anniversary of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, we recognise that it’s the people of Hong Kong who truly make good possible. Here, we celebrate the city’s community, the journey that we have taken together for 140 years and the continuing journey that lies ahead. We are committed to being with you – then, now and always.
Did you know that the ideal grass height for a horse racing track is four inches? Kiki Lau, Senior Manager of Tracks (Turf) at The Hong Kong Jockey Club, along with a dedicated team of over a hundred professionals, works tirelessly to maintain this standard and ensure the racing tracks are in world-class condition.
From starting his career as an apprentice jockey, stable hand and exercise rider, Danny Shum has risen to become the celebrated trainer of 2023/24 Horse of the Year, Romantic Warrior. Now he hopes to pass the torch to the next generation of local trainers, elevating the sport of racing to even greater heights.
Joelle Wong, a Hong Kong Jockey Club Striding On Scholarship recipient diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome from birth, initially thought her physical limitations would prevent her from engaging in sports. However, her discovery of table tennis dramatically changed her perspective, not only enabling her to enjoy sports but also paving the way for her to represent Hong Kong at international competitions.
From his early days as a graduate of the Club’s Apprentice Jockeys’ School to achieving multiple victories competing on legendary racehorses like Golden Sixty, celebrated local jockey Vincent Ho shares insights into his remarkable career and how he stays grounded amidst the highs and lows.
How does a wetland in the bustling city of Hong Kong serve as a "hotel" for birds? For Nicole Wong, Chief Executive Officer of WWF-Hong Kong, the answer lies in the management and conservation efforts of the Mai Po Nature Reserve, which is supported by the Club. Likening herself to a dedicated hotel manager, Nicole is committed to providing the best possible conditions for the tens of thousands of migratory birds that visit each year, ensuring they have a welcoming place to rest and rejuvenate before continuing their journeys.
Salom Yiu, a seasoned player on the Hong Kong, China Rugby Sevens men's team, has enjoyed an illustrious career. Since his debut in 2009, he has overcome multiple setbacks through determination and perseverance, culminating in a gold medal win at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.
Donna Tam starts her day long before dawn, her alarm ringing at an hour when most of Hong Kong is still fast asleep. As a stables assistant with 28 years of experience in the horse racing industry, Donna is the quiet force behind each horse’s well-being. From her morning routine of cleaning stalls to offering a few encouraging words before race time, Donna’s connection with the horses goes beyond performing functional day-to-day tasks — it’s a bond built on trust and heartfelt care.
Visually impaired singer Michelle Siu wants to devote herself to inclusive education on top of her career as a musician, so that more people with special needs can find an education model system that works for them. "I'd like to share with you a French song. My favourite colour is pink, and this song is called La Vie en Rose.”
Colleen Lee, award-winning pianist: “I am not asking all students to be professional musicians, but I hope that music can actively influence their lives.”
Tsz-kei went through years of ups and downs as a secondary school drop-out who couldn’t see a way forward. “I got better and better during my days at CLAP@JC…I knew I couldn’t afford to miss another chance.”
Vic Law: “I want to give back to society and bring opportunities to local students with potential. I hope the younger generation will come back to Hong Kong after their studies and pass on their scientific wisdom.”
Raymond Chan got his dream job as a physiotherapist and wants to change other lives through his own. “We cannot change the fact that illness exists, but we can change the quality of life.”
Wu Tin-dak: “Eighty percent of teachers in the school did not know anything about autism, and teaching them was no easy task.”
Vivian Lai is channeling everything she’s learned from a lifetime of volunteering into her social enterprise to bring Hong Kongers more happiness and joy.
Inspired by Christopher O’Brien, Manchester United Soccer Schools Hong Kong Head Coach, football coach “Uncle On” believes that football is never only about results. “I just hope my players can be happy regardless of the results. The same applies to life.”
Eric Chen adheres to the concept of ‘creating social value’ to run his business. “Success is serving the community personally and professionally, and becoming the best version of oneself.”
Corinne Bracken: “One of the proudest moments in my career is to qualify the para dressage team for the Paralympics.”
Bibi Tayyaba encourages ethnic minority women in Hong Kong to learn to swim by establishing the social enterprise “Pink Dolphin Academy Limited”.
Dr Rebecca Parkes: “Reseach allows us to better understand the needs of every horse, as well as what may cause it injury or illness.”
Samson Lau: “In the last ten years, many of our students have gone on to become Hong Kong’s best riders. And they are just as brilliant as world-class riders from overseas.”
In Hong Kong, there are almost 130,000 elderly individuals who do not have sufficient social support. Eileen Yue hopes more people in society will pay attention to this issue and help Hong Kong's seniors live with dignity.
Choy King Yu: “I used to be an introvert and rarely talked to other people. But I’ve made many friends since I joined the Hong Kong Blind Sports Federation.”
Dr Gary Ng found out he had bone cancer on his 14th birthday. This life-changing experience inspired him to pursue a medical career, and he became an orthopaedist at the hospital where he had received cancer treatment as a teenager.
Dr Raphael Wong: “The Hong Kong Palace Museum is a very important cultural facility for Hong Kong. I very much want to be part of it.”