Unsung heroes are showcasing Hong Kong’s compassion and culture on world stage

From charities supporting those in need around the world to individuals and organisations making their mark on the global cultural map, Hong Kong has many unofficial goodwill ambassadors

Bernard Chan

Published: 8:15am, 25 Aug 2023

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Hong Kong has many unsung heroes who make a significant social impact at home and abroad.

Some play a critical role in supporting those most in need, ranging from poverty alleviation to humanitarian relief for victims of natural disasters or conflict, fulfilling a crucial role within the global community. Others use the soft power of the arts, culture and sports to engage with audiences, forge friendships and break down unconscious bias or anti-Asian sentiment, which is reportedly escalating in many Western countries.

These people often unofficially carry the mantle of goodwill ambassador and, through their work, promote and showcase some of the most positive qualities and achievements of Hong Kong, reflecting our caring society and rich cultural heritage.

Many of these organisations or individuals rely on support from the government and the generosity of donors or benefactors to underpin their operational expenses.

Thankfully Hongkongers are famously generous, with a compassionate inclination and a genuine desire to support those in need or make a positive social contribution, an enduring legacy handed down from generation to generation. In the World Giving Index 2022, produced by the Charities Aid Foundation, Hong Kong was ranked in 32nd place out of 119 countries for donations.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club has supported community programmes for over a century. In 2021-22, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust approved HK$6.6 billion and supported 292 charity and community projects.

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Next month it is launching the Philanthropy For Better Cities Forum, which it describes as “a platform for philanthropists, thought leaders, social entrepreneurs, policymakers, academia and NGOs from around the world to exchange views”. The concept is simple – countries and their people need to work together to solve global problems.

In the equine world, the CEO of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, is also chairman of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, the premier thoroughbred racing authority in the world, as well of the Asian Racing Federation, comprising 28 national racing authorities and organisations covering Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Oceania.

Jockey Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges at the Sha Tin racecourse on March 3. Photo: Kenneth Chan

Hardship can often create heroes, and one example that many of us are familiar with is the Crossroads Foundation, which was started over 25 years ago. Sixty per cent of its donations support people in need in Hong Kong, and the remaining is distributed across 90 countries worldwide.

To establish greater donor engagement and define new levels of understanding of the plight of many people affected by a disaster, Crossroads developed and curated simulated experiences on war, HIV/Aids, blindness, water shortage, hunger, poverty and more.

So significant was the impact that the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, invited the group to share its experience programmes, engaging with some of the world’s most high-profile business and government leaders. The foundation also assisted the United Nations in developing a bespoke service to match companies that want to help charities. This a powerful example of a local not-for-profit organisation making an impact on the global stage.

People take part in a simulation to experience some of the struggles and choices of people trying to survive on less than US$2 dollars a day, Struggle for Survival, by the Crossroads Foundation on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 21, 2015. Photo: EPA

Meanwhile, Suhanya Raffel, museum director of M+, has been appointed president of the International Committee for Museums and Collections of Modern Art, a global network of modern and contemporary art museum experts from 86 countries. Once again, this is a valuable global platform from which to promote the culture and heritage of Hong Kong.

Oxfam Hong Kong is another international success. It has collaborated with millions of economically disadvantaged people across more than 70 countries worldwide to combat poverty. The Oxfam Trailwalker is its signature fundraiser event, a 100km hike that has expanded from its beginnings in Hong Kong to cities around the world, raising awareness about poverty and injustice. By 2019, the Oxfam Trailwalker had expanded from its beginnings in Hong Kong to 13 events across eight other countries.

Hong Kong’s Asian Youth Orchestra is beautiful example of collaboration and engagement, with an ensemble of over 100 musicians selected each year from across Asia. Among the finest youth orchestras in the world, it has just completed an intensive European and Asian tour covering five countries, 11 cities and 14 concerts. For almost 35 years, they have inspired young musicians and enthralled audiences everywhere they tour.

In these uncertain economic times, public and private sector players must continue to provide their full support to the charities, NGOs or people selflessly supporting those in need, raising the profile and promoting our culture on the international stage as a caring, compassionate society.

Bernard Chan is a Hong Kong businessman and a former Executive Council convenor. He is also senior adviser of Oxfam Hong Kong, steward of Hong Kong Jockey Club, trustee of Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, and chairman of M+ Museum

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