HONG KONG — The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) said its Charities Trust has approved in principle a donation of HK$3 billion ($380 million) to support construction of a Life and Health Academic Research Building at the Northern Metropolis University Town.

The pledge follows Chief Executive John Lee’s annual Policy Address delivered Wednesday, in which he announced construction of an integrated teaching and scientific research building in the Northern Metropolis.

The facility will focus on education, scientific exchange, and nurturing research talent, and will provide shared facilities for tertiary institutions, the club said.

The initiative supports the National 15th Five-Year Plan and aligns with the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, according to the club.

“2026 marks the commencement of the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan, while 2027 will see the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,” HKJC Chairman Martin Liao said in a statement.

“As a patriotic world-class horse sports organization, as well as a charity institution deeply committed to our country and Hong Kong, the club is honored to work alongside the HKSAR government to support the long-term development, prosperity and progress of Hong Kong as it advances from stability to greater prosperity and success.”

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Situated in Hong Kong Park in the Hetao Co-Operation Zone, the building will provide more than 30,000 square meters of gross floor space to support life and health science research. Further details will be announced in due course.

The new building reflects the club’s longstanding commitment to nurturing cutting-edge talent and research, it said.

Its JC STEM Lab initiative, launched in 2021, supports state-of-the-art laboratories that attract leading researchers, nurture STEM talent, and translate scientific discoveries into solutions with societal impact.

In 2024, the club launched the JC STEM Early Career Research Fellowship for Translation and Application, providing early-career researchers with funding, capacity-building, and industry exposure.

Separately, the Jockey Club One Health Tower at City University of Hong Kong is advancing interdisciplinary education and research in veterinary medicine and life sciences.

Founded in 1884, the club funds its charity initiatives through a value creation model under which racing and wagering generate tax contributions, charity support, and employment opportunities.

In 2025/26, HKJC returned HK$39.3 billion to the community, including HK$30.7 billion to the HKSAR government in taxes and Lotteries Fund contributions, and HK$8.6 billion in approved charity donations. The club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer and one of the city’s major employers.