As is usually the case, last week was full of racing and other business engagements but I was pleased that I was still able to squeeze in a short trip to Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province, to attend the opening ceremony of the Sichuan University - Hong Kong Polytechnic University Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction (IDMR) HKJC Building last Tuesday and Wednesday. It was my first visit to Chengdu for over a year, and even though it seems like that is not a very long time, I had the feeling that the city has changed a lot.
It was very kind of the President of IDMR to give me a warm reception in Chengdu. He told me that as Chengdu will be the host city of the Fortune Global Forum in early-June, some of the CEOs of the world's top multinationals and enterprises, as well as leaders from China and other countries will be there to discuss the emerging world business trends and future development in China. Right now the people and the government departments there are making their final preparations ahead of this much-anticipated world-class event. As we passed through the busy streets in the city, I was impressed by their enthusiasm and I think this event will help boost positive energy among the people there.
As for the ceremony itself, the opening of this special institute marks the completion of all seven reconstruction projects sponsored by the Club after the massive earthquake in Sichuan in 2008. Over the years the Club has assigned representatives from our Club to be responsible for monitoring the progress and finances of these projects. Most of you will know that Sichuan was again struck by a strong earthquake last month, fortunately the Ya An HKJC Vocational College, which is located rather close to the epicentre, sustained no structural damage. The six other Club-sponsored projects thankfully were not damaged by that strong quake.
IDMR is one of the very few institutes in world that specialises in disaster management. What makes this project more special is its target for sustainability. Apart from giving support for the construction of the campus building, we also collaborated with the Sichuan University and Polytechnic University of Hong Kong, and part of the Club’s RMB200 million donation on this project will be used for the creation of new academic subjects, courses and programmes. Apart from studying in Chengdu, doctorate students of IDMR will also have the chance to come to Hong Kong and study at the Polytechnic University for two years, to conduct further study and research into the area of disaster management.
I learnt that the institute also provided immediate assistance to those affected in the province after last month’s earthquake. It’s pleasing that the Club’s work and mode of operation has helped those earthquake victims, and also others in the wider community. Hopefully it could be further extended nation-wide, and so help to minimise the impact of natural disasters and achieve sustainable growth in the future.
The idea of sustainability also applies to our racing in Hong Kong. From the changes at Sha Tin and Happy Valley racecourses in recent years, highlighted by the refurbishment and introduction of new facilities and events in both racecourses, one can see the massive efforts we have made in this area as we have evolved in line with customer needs in order to maintain horseracing as a top-class event and an even more popular sport for all in Hong Kong.
Racegoers can as usual soak up themselves in exciting race atmosphere at Happy Valley this evening. The sporting highlight of the evening is the Indian Recreation Club Challenge Cup which is run as a Class 2 over 1000m. Arrived Ahead from Gate 10, California Bounty from Gate 8 and Good Boy Boy from Gate 1 are strong pacesetter and with the pressure they put on each other, it will ensure a good to fast pace for the race. Shahjee, Sky Mascot and London China Town will compete for good spots just off the pace, which should enable Zac Purton on Simple from Gate 4 to find a good spot in midfield, likely behind Charity Spirit. Super Plus is at risk to be wide from Gate 12 with Touch Go and Windicator Star positioned at the back. Simple and California Bounty are my two favourites in this race. Both are working very well and California Bounty has proven he can handle the Valley track by winning a trial in a fast time here on 4 May. Good Boy Boy is working well too and I see him as a place chance. London China Town and Charity Spirit can both offer value place chances too.
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