All photos: HKUST
As reported in BUZZ in June this year The Hong Kong Jockey Club backed the launch of a new state-of-the-art undergraduate residence at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology with a donation exceeding HK$203 million. It was officially opened yesterday (5/11). Called the Jockey Club i-Village it will provide more than 1,500 hostel places, enabling the university to accommodate all first-year students while enhancing the city’s appeal to overseas scholars.
Designed by the world-renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, the sprawling complex comprises four multi-story residential blocks spanning over 35,000 square metres of construction floor area.
The opening ceremony on Thursday was attended by several prominent figures, including Jockey Club Deputy Chairman Lester Huang, HKUST Pro-Chancellor John Chan, HKUST Council Chairman Harry Shum, HKUST Court Chairman Andrew Liao, and HKUST President Nancy Ip.
Speaking at the launch, Huang explained that the completion of the residence hall represents the realization of a collaborative six-year vision involving the Hong Kong government, the Charities Trust, and the university.
He noted that the initiative aims to empower young scholars to follow their ambitions, ultimately cultivating the next generation of leaders who can drive Hong Kong’s economic progress and support national prosperity.
Beyond student life, the addition of these residential units will yield local community benefits by allowing all freshmen to live on campus, which is projected to significantly ease commuter traffic congestion in the surrounding Sai Kung and Tseung Kwan O districts.
The Jockey Club’s involvement with HKUST is deeply rooted, stretching back to the university’s planning and establishment phases between 1987 and 1992. Over the last four decades, the Charities Trust has funded more than 40 separate development projects across the campus.
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