Welcome Remarks

In his opening remarks, Martin Liao, Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, welcomed delegates to the fifth edition and 10th anniversary of the PBC Forum. He noted that, over the past decade, the Forum has engaged more than 10,000 participants and featured over 380 speakers from more than 40 countries and regions, making it a major global philanthropic gathering. Against a backdrop of complex social needs, demographic change, technological disruption and climate challenges, he emphasised philanthropy’s growing importance in mobilising communities, businesses and civil society alongside governments. He also highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a bridge between East and West, connecting ideas, capital and communities.

The Club’s Chairman explained that the 2026 Forum, convened by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust in association with the Institute of Philanthropy, would examine systems change, new approaches to capital and cross-sector collaboration. Discussions would cover impact capital, heritage conservation, healthy ageing, urban poverty, youth development, climate resilience and inclusive employment. Under the theme “Leaping for Impact”, the Forum draws on the Olympic and Paralympic values of excellence, friendship, determination and inclusion, while considering sport’s capacity to foster trust and social impact. Reaffirming the Club’s not-for-profit purpose, he noted that more than 90% of its operating surplus after tax is donated to the Trust. In 2025/26, the Trust approved nearly US$1.1 billion for 191 charitable and community projects. He also introduced the Trust’s inaugural Impact Report and the Commission on Asian Philanthropy’s interim report, intended to strengthen evidence, shared learning and practical action.

Guest of honour Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government, highlighted Hong Kong’s longstanding culture of compassion and giving. The city has more than 11,000 tax-exempt charities, with over 400 new charitable organisations recognised in the previous year, while approved donations exceeded US$1.5 billion in the 2024/25 assessment year. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to developing Hong Kong as a global philanthropic centre, supported by “One Country, Two Systems”, its transparent tax regime and its position linking Chinese and global capital.

He also pointed to Hong Kong’s strength in wealth management, noting that the city is home to more than 3,300 single-family offices and manages around US$5.4 trillion in assets. He concluded by urging delegates to collaborate in building a safer, brighter and more sustainable future.