The Student of the Year Awards, Growth Network and The Hong Kong Jockey Club – how do they all connect?
The new Growth Network initiative aims to expand the horizons of all nominees for the Student of the Year (SOTY) Awards 2024/25. The transformative programme opens doors to personal growth, academic success and future career opportunities. It is a shared journey where ambitious students can find inspiration, mentorship, resources and the support needed to reach for their dreams.
Curated by SCMP Learn and solely sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) – a world-class sports and charitable organisation celebrating its 140th anniversary – the SOTY Growth Network provides nominees with exclusive career exploration programmes, professional resources, and networking opportunities with past winners and accomplished leaders. Award nominees are not only competing for academic accolades but also finding an avenue to unlock their full capabilities.
The HKJC is committed to empowering Hong Kong’s young people to achieve their full potential, become active citizens and make a difference in society. Its Charities Trust is one of the world’s leading charity donors and has earmarked an additional HK$1.4 billion this year to support youth, including through initiatives to expand support for students’ career and life development. All of this is made possible by the HKJC’s unique integrated business model through racing and racecourse entertainment to generate tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong.
Guided tour of HKJC Racing Talent Training Centre
The SOTY Growth Network kicked off with a triumphant “And they’re off!” event. In late May, some Award nominees from 19 schools enjoyed an exclusive visit to The Hong Kong Jockey Club Racing Talent Training Centre (RTTC). Jointly hosted by SCMP Learn and the HKJC, this exciting event illustrated their commitment to bringing unconventional and inspiring experiences to young minds.
Inside the newly refurbished training centre, Amy Chan, HKJC Head of Racing Talent Training and Headmistress of the Apprentice Jockeys’ School (AJS), engaged the nominees by explaining the history of the AJS as well as the strict discipline, cutting-edge technology and medical sciences behind the competitive sport of horse racing. Chan, a long-standing SOTY judge of the Sportsperson category and a former badminton star, captivated nominees with her remarkable insights.
“Every morning, from 4.30am to 8.30am, around 1,300 horses undergo training in Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong and Conghua Racecourse on the mainland,” she shared, emphasising the dedication of the highly skilled professionals who keep the HKJC’s world-class facilities running smoothly.
The AJS adopts a Dual Education System, combining school-based learning with vocational training. This approach equips racing trainees with a diverse skill set, preparing them for a range of roles within the racing industry. The school offers systematic and comprehensive training programmes, many accredited by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ), allowing staff to tailor trainees’ education to their interests and goals at different stages of their careers.
The courses open pathways to a wide range of careers, from jockey to work rider, trainer, instructor and veterinary assistant. Other specialised positions include farrier and racing steward. “We offer the world’s only accredited course for horse racing instructors,” Chan said, adding that the staff could pursue further tertiary education at local universities, which recognise the credits obtained through the HKJC’s accredited programmes.
For more than half a century, the HKJC has provided top-tier racing training through the AJS. Its graduates have gone on to achieve extraordinary success. Among them is legendary jockey-turned-trainer Tony Cruz, who has excelled in many jurisdictions around the world, as well as champion trainers Ricky Yiu and Francis Lui and stand-out home-grown jockey Vincent Ho.
“For young people who enjoy the outdoors, sunshine and sports, this can be a good career path,” noted Chan, who also answered nominees’ questions about various duties at the RTTC. The annual recruitment drive for racing trainees is open now until July 4 for youngsters aged 15 or above who have completed Form 3 or higher education. No prior riding experience is required. Riding instructors at the AJS will conduct riding and fitness tests to select potential candidates for shortlisting and enrolment in an orientation camp. The top 25 applicants will then be selected to join the programme.
A senior instructor at the centre, celebrated former jockey Jack Wong, gave the nominees a glimpse into a jockey’s rigorous training regimen, while a trainee demonstrated some exercise routines and a riding simulator. Several brave nominees volunteered to try out the horse simulator and the strenuous balancing exercises atop a Bosu ball.
The nominees’ excitement was ratcheted up when they stepped into the RTTC stable. With the majestic horses looking on, they eagerly absorbed every detail about the stable’s daily routines and animal care. Later, the nominees were invited to approach the horses, their nervous excitement giving way to pure joy. The horses, calm and accustomed to human affection, responded with curious nudges and friendly whinnies. Laughter filled the stable as nominees treated the horses to carrots, a favourite snack.
More enriching experiences ahead
As the first-ever event of the SOTY Growth Network, the guided tour of the HKJC’s RTTC opened its stable as well as the young minds to the beauty of nature, the importance of care and the bond between humans and horses. The nominees left with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation of the potential of a career path in equine sports.
The SOTY Growth Network will continue to deliver experiential learning opportunities, including company visits, executive sharing and webinars, to enrich and inspire the nominees as they chart their futures.
