[16 August 2026, Hong Kong] To promote Chinese culture and commend the dedication of young people in preserving heritage, the Jockey Club Exploring Chinese Culture Ambassador Programme (the Programme) held a Commendation Ceremony today at Tai Kwun in Central. Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Programme is organised by Our Hong Kong Foundation (OHKF) and implemented by Academy of Chinese Studies (ACS), one of the OHKF’s  operation units.

The Programme celebrated a successful second academic year, commending 243 graduating "Outstanding Cultural Ambassadors" who transformed from cultural "learners" into "practitioner." These young ambassadors have set a new benchmark for Hong Kong youth in promoting and carrying forward the finest traditions of Chinese culture. Distinguished guests in attendance included Ms Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government; Mr Lin Nan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s  Government in the HKSAR;  Miss Anita Fung, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Mr Bernard Chan, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and Chairman of Our Hong Kong Foundation; Mr Lee Yeh-kwong, Honorary Chairman of the Council of the Academy of Chinese Studies; Professor Lee Chack-fan, Chairman of the Council of the Academy of Chinese Studies; Dr Jane Lee, President of Our Hong Kong Foundation; and Dr Yau Yat, Executive Director of the Academy of Chinese Studies.

Launched in 2024, the three-year Programme delivers a four-tier learning model comprising interactive taster sessions, physical workshops, intensive experiential training, and service learning. Structured around three core themes—Aesthetic Art, Traditional Attire, and Traditional Architecture—the Programme engages students through intangible cultural heritage skills, traditional clothing, and architectural modules. This approach allows students to experience the charm of traditional Chinese culture while developing positive moral values.

Building on the widespread acclaim of its inaugural year, the Programme expanded both its scale and variety of activities in its second year. Partnering with 50 secondary schools, the Programme organised 248 interactive lectures and physical workshops, reaching a record of over 50,000 student participations. In addition to completing intensive training and field trips in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, the Outstanding Cultural Ambassadors proactively initiated volunteer services at local social welfare organisations, applying their knowledge to give back to the community.

At today’s Commendation Ceremony, witnessed by the officiating guests, teachers, and students, the ambassadors officially received their commendation certificates and were presented with Outstanding Cultural Ambassador sashes. This ceremony marked their successful passage through the programme and their transformation into Chinese Cultural Ambassadors who carry the mantle of heritage and actively promote Chinese culture and civic care to the wider public.

Ms Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government, stated during the ceremony, "The preservation and transmission of Chinese culture should not be confined to museum artifacts or words in textbooks; rather, it ought to be meaningfully integrated into our daily lives. Jockey Club Exploring Chinese Culture Ambassador Programme serves as precisely this bridge for secondary school students. Through interactive lectures, hands-on workshops, and field trips, it guides students to delve into engaging topics such as lifestyle arts, traditional attire, and classical architecture, enabling them to explore the essence and discover the captivating charm of Chinese culture."

She added, "Deeply rooted in fine traditional Chinese culture and enjoys unique global connectivity, Hong Kong continuously plays its vital role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. In alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, we are fully committed to promoting fine traditional Chinese culture while driving the development of Hong Kong’s distinctive local culture."

Ms Anita Fung, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: " Since its launch in 2024, the Jockey Club Exploring Chinese Culture Ambassador Programme has deepened students’ understanding and practice of Chinese culture, while nurturing cultural confidence and humanistic values through diverse learning experiences. This year, the Programme attracted more than 50,000 student attendances. The three-year programme is expected to benefit more than 75,000 students, teachers and community members. "

Dr Jane Lee, President of Our Hong Kong Foundation, noted: "Cultural heritage preservation is a long-term endeavor, and this three-year programme is just the beginning. Witnessing the growth and transformation of our students over the past two years reinforces our determination to keep this cultural spark alive. We look forward to continuing our close partnership with The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and all sectors of society to deepen the Programme's impact, laying a solid foundation for Hong Kong youth to pass on Chinese culture over the long term."

To showcase student achievements and promote Chinese culture to the public, the Jockey Club Exploring Chinese Culture Ambassador Programme — Chinese Cultural Funfair is being held at Tai Kwun Parade Ground from today to 17 August. Serving as docents and workshop facilitators, the ambassadors are guiding visitors through exhibitions and hosting cultural workshops. By translating classroom knowledge into engaging and interactive experiences, students reinforce their practical interpretation of traditional culture while building deep cultural confidence.

Partnering with professional institutions and arts groups, the Funfair features interactive booths and cultural performances. These diverse activities transform profound traditional culture into engaging, accessible experiences, offering residents and tourists a comprehensive immersion in traditional Chinese aesthetics.