Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation and Sino Group Support Hong Kong's Innovation and Technology Development
Donation of HK$200 million to Encourage Local AI Research and Applications

The Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation (NTFCF) and Sino Group are dedicated to nurturing talent and cultivating a vibrant innovation and technology ecosystem in Hong Kong. To further this aim and encourage innovative technological applications, as well as to attract and retain more talent, NTFCF and Sino Group have announced a donation of HK$200 million to support the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center (HKGAI) under InnoHK Research Clusters initiative (InnoHK). This funding will facilitate the further development of locally created artificial intelligence (AI) tools for industry and public use to enhance daily life. The broader application and development of AI technology will nurture ‘new quality productive forces’ in the long run, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a leading international hub for innovation and technology.

InnoHK, spearheaded by the Innovation and Technology Commission, is the flagship innovation and technology initiative of the Hong Kong SAR Government to promote global research collaboration and cultivate talents in Hong Kong. Established in 2023 and with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) as the lead institution, HKGAI is the only centre under InnoHK specialising in generative AI technology, and recently launched Hong Kong’s first AI large language model, HKGAI V1, which is also the first in the industry to be based on the DeepSeek full-parameter fine-tuning research model.

The donation ceremony was attended by notable guests, including Mr Paul Chan, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Professor Sun Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Ms Lillian Cheong, JP, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Mr Ivan Lee, JP, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology; Professor Guo Yike, Provost of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Director of the InnoHK Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center; Mr Daryl Ng, SBS, JP, Director of the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation and Deputy Chairman of Sino Group; Ms Nikki Ng, Director of the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation and Director of Philanthropy of Sino Group; Mr David Ng, Director of the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation and Group Associate Director of Sino Group, among others. They joined to express support and hope for the continued development of AI technology in Hong Kong.

Mr Paul Chan, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation and Sino Group for their support. He said that currently, AI is undergoing rapid development, which is redefining the core competitiveness of economies and reshaping the medium- to long-term landscape of the global economy. During the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress and the third session of the 14th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee last week, Premier Li Qiang mentioned the need to continue advancing the “AI+” initiative in the Government Work Report, emphasising support for the extensive application of large-scale AI models, as well as the integration of digital technologies with our country’s manufacturing and market strengths. By fostering closer collaboration among the Government and the industry, academia, research and investment sectors, accelerating the development of AI as a core industry of Hong Kong, the city can be developed into an international exchange and co-operation hub for the AI industry.

Professor Harry Shum, BBS, Chairman of the Council of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, said, ‘We are immensely grateful to NTFCF and Sino Group for their generous donation to HKGAI. This support will undoubtedly accelerate the development of artificial intelligence in Hong Kong at a faster pace. As the home of HKGAI, we are proud of its achievements and firmly believe that, with the support of the Hong Kong SAR Government and society, HKGAI will continue to contribute positively to the advancement of AI.’

Professor Nancy Ip, SBS, BBS, MH, JP, President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, added, ‘Artificial intelligence is a key focus for our university. We are proud of HKGAI’s milestones and sincerely thank NTFCF and Sino Group for their support. We hope HKGAI can meet the high expectations of the community and continue to achieve breakthroughs. HKUST is committed to providing comprehensive support to advance HKGAI in the field of AI.’

Professor Guo Yike, Provost of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Director of the InnoHK Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center, stated, ‘This generous donation will provide tremendous momentum to our research and development efforts. While expressing our profound gratitude, we are deeply aware of the expectations from Hong Kong society and the responsibilities that lie on our shoulders. Having recently launched our new model HKGAI V1, we are currently fully engaged in developing and optimising this model as well as a series of applications. In particular, we are developing the “HKChat”, a locally developed AI chatbot service to be used by Hong Kong citizens. This donation has provided crucial support for this endeavour. We will strive to ensure our work meets and exceeds the expectations.’

Mr Daryl Ng, SBS, JP, Director of the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation and Deputy Chairman of Sino Group, remarked, ‘The Central Government and the Hong Kong SAR Government are committed to promoting innovation and technology while proactively enhancing strategies for AI advancement. Through collaborative efforts across sectors, the acceleration of “new quality productive forces” that leverage Hong Kong’s competitive edge can be achieved. We are pleased to foster the holistic development of the I&T ecosystem, nurturing talent and promoting the exchange and application of technology, and supporting the government’s goal of attracting and encouraging more international talent to Hong Kong. It is an honour to contribute to this significant milestone for AI development in Hong Kong, facilitating that locally developed AI platforms are accessible to both industry and the public. We are thankful for the opportunity to support the development of a more inclusive AI future that will benefit the lives of the people of Hong Kong.’

Sino Group has long promoted a diverse innovation and technology ecosystem, cultivating an innovative spirit from an early age and fostering a culture of innovation and technology. In 2014, the ‘Go Code’ programme was launched to provide free coding courses and robotics classes to over 6,000 underprivileged primary school students over five years. The annual Hong Kong Science Fair, inaugurated in 2021, has provided a platform for young inventors, and has received over 1,500 projects from primary and secondary school students and attracted nearly 70,000 attendees to date.

In addition, the Sino Inno Lab was established in 2018, to serve as a collaborative sandbox for start-ups, inventors, and technology companies from Hong Kong, Mainland China and overseas. This platform showcases proof-of-concept developments and fosters the co-creation of innovative solutions. Last year, Sino Inno Lab relocated to a strategic site in the Northern Metropolis, alongside the establishment of The Spark, which provides an open exchange platform and shared workspace for I&T talents. This initiative enhances collaboration between start-ups and technology companies, solidifying Hong Kong’s role as a vital link between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Mainland China and the global market, and thereby opening broader development opportunities for the local innovation and technology sector.

The Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation donates to 100 NGOs & religious groups in Hong Kong

The Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation (‘NTFCF’) will celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2025. The foundation’s philosophy is to support immediate relief to those in need, and to further empower individuals to enhance their skills and achieve upward mobility. Through collective efforts with various NGO partners, we strive to instill hope, dignity, and respect, enabling the underprivileged to help themselves and, in turn, others in the future. This year, NTFCF donated to 100 local charities and religious groups. This initiative expresses our gratitude for their unwavering support in areas such as elderly and youth welfare, education, mental health, community services, sports, arts and culture, and minority ethnic support. NTFCF is honoured to have Ms. Charmaine Lee, Director of Social Welfare, gracing the donation ceremony.

The Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation Recognises Each Member of Team HK with HK$100,000 Grants

Hong Kong athletes achieved outstanding results at the Paris Olympics. Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation recognises each member of Team Hong Kong for their excellent performance and achievements.

‘Sport has the power to bring people together, and inspires hope and positivity. My happiest congratulations to Team Hong Kong for the fantastic performances and amazing results.  Their hard work, stamina and sportsmanship embody the “never give up” Hong Kong Spirit, they have truly inspired all of us in Hong Kong.

We are delighted to have the opportunity to show our appreciation and support by giving HK$100,000 each from our Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation to members of the Team Hong Kong as a token of encouragement. We recognise and appreciate that each and every member of Team Hong Kong represents Hong Kong, and are trying their utmost best. We wish Team Hong Kong continued success at the Paris Olympics, and look forward to more incredible performances,’ remarks Mr Daryl Ng, Deputy Chairman of Sino Group and Director of Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation.

Sino Group and the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation Support Non-Chinese Speaking Children and Promote Social Inclusion
Partnership with Integrated Brilliant Education to Nurture Children of Different Ethnic Backgrounds

Sino Group (‘the Group’) and its philanthropic arm, Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation (‘NTFCF’), have joined hands with Integrated Brilliant Education (‘IBEL’), an educational non-government organisation (NGO), to provide support for students from different ethnic backgrounds in Hong Kong. With a shared vision to educate and empower children, this collaboration includes the provision of teaching resources for a new, inclusive kindergarten, which aims to enhance Chinese language proficiency from an early age and establish programmes designed to bridge educational and cultural experiences, fostering the integration of children with social and economic needs into the community.

Children from diverse ethnic backgrounds often experience educational difficulties, and language proficiency is crucial for overcoming educational challenges and facilitating social integration. IBEL is committed to empowering students from Non-Chinese Speaking (NCS) communities through Chinese language instruction and high-quality educational support, while also prioritising the development of social skills through interactive cultural activities, outings and events. IBEL’s learning centres in Jordan and Sham Shui Po, established in 2015 and 2018 respectively, have supported over 30,000 students.

Mr Manoj Dhar, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Integrated Brilliant Education and School Supervisor of IBEL Rusy and Purviz Shroff Charitable Foundation Kindergarten, said, ‘As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, IBEL enters a new chapter with the establishment of our first kindergarten in Hong Kong. This milestone serves as a testament to our dedication to providing equal learning opportunities and welcoming underserved children from all backgrounds, transcending cultural boundaries. Collaborations and partnerships play a vital role in realising our vision of fostering inclusive education. We extend our gratitude to Sino Group and NTFCF for their invaluable support, enabling us to sustain our transformative work in providing early childhood education. Through this work, we equip children with essential Chinese language skills and also empower the community to come together to make a lasting difference.’

The newly-established IBEL Rusy and Purviz Shroff Charitable Foundation Kindergarten (‘the kindergarten’) has obtained its licence and commenced operations in April 2024, with new recruitment to come in the approaching academic year. To support the acquisition of teaching resources for the kindergarten, NTFCF has donated a total of HK$1.5 million over a span of three years.

In addition to education, Sino Group and NTFCF have been supporting IBEL’s families since 2021 including the provision of care packs, children’s masks and donations during COVID. The organisation’s services have extended past the norm to also include culturally immersive experiences for their children as well, to deepen their understanding of Chinese culture and strengthen their sense of identity in Hong Kong. The experiences include in-depth explorations of the rich traditions and cultural heritage of the Lantau fishing village through visits to the Tai O Heritage Hotel and its surroundings, engaging festive workshops at The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel during Chinese New Year, and educational visits to the CORAL REEFStoration Centre at Ocean Park.

Ms Nikki Ng, Director of Philanthropy of Sino Group and Director of the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation, said, ‘Promoting social inclusion is an important element of our sustainability principles. We have actively supported organisations that share our vision of empowering minority communities. We greatly appreciate IBEL’s unwavering dedication to serving the non-Chinese speaking community in Hong Kong over the years. We are delighted to work together to foster children’s understanding of Hong Kong and Chinese cultural values in an interactive and enjoyable environment. Personally, I had the pleasure of participating in activities with IBEL’s students, and it was truly heartwarming to see the joy on their faces. It reminds us that even small efforts can have a positive impact in helping these children adapt, foster friendship across diverse backgrounds, broaden their horizons, and feel a greater sense of inclusion.’

Sino Group is committed to embracing diversity and promoting social inclusion, as outlined in its Sustainability Vision 2030. As part of this commitment, Sino Group has collaborated with local NGOs and community partners, including The Islamic Union of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Islamic Youth Association, Khalsa Diwan (Sikh Temple) of Hong Kong, The Kowloon Mosque, WEDO GLOBAL, and The Zubin Foundation, among others. From 2022 – 2023, Sino Group’s efforts have benefited over 25,000 less-resourced elderly, children, youths, and 5,800 families, including those from diverse ethnic backgrounds, through 460 activities. Since 2013, we have been supporting NCS groups through various initiatives. For instance, during the holy month of Ramadan this year, NTFCF reached out to over 2,300 members of Hong Kong’s Muslim community with Iftar meals and also extended support to 40 ethnically diverse students by providing them with eight months of free math tutorials at the Sikh Temple and Wanchai mosque.

Hung Hom Community Living Room

The Government launched the first Community Living Room in December 2023 at Fuk Wa Street, Sham Shui Po. Sino Group and Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation continue to participate in the Pilot Programme on Community Living Room in 2024, supporting the Hung Hom Community Living Room Project (“the Project”). The Project continued to adopt the strategy of tripartite collaboration among the Government, the business sector and the community. Sino Group and Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation provide the venue and fitting out for the Project, and the Community Care Fund provides funding to commission Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council to operate the Community Living Room, providing targeted support to sub-divided unit households in the district.

The Project located at Room A, 1/F, Sunshine Plaza, 17 Sung On Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, will offer shared living spaces, including a pantry, dining room, shower room, living room, study room for students, and self-service laundry, among others. Additionally, it will provide service users with learning tutorials, group activities and referrals to social welfare services, among others. The Project, which lasts for three years, commences operation in July 2024. It will run until the end of June 2027.

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok Ki, officiated at the Hung Hom Community Living Room Opening Ceremony on 11 July 2024.

The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun; the Archbishop and Primate of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui, The Most Reverend Andrew Chan; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council Board of Directors and Executive Committee, Dr Donald Li; the Vice-Chairman of the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council Board of Directors and Executive Committee, The Reverend Canon Peter Douglas Koon; the Director of the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation and the Director of Philanthropy of the Sino Group, Ms Nikki Ng; and the Executive Director of the Sino Group, Mr Victor Tin, also officiated at the ceremony.

The Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation Donates 20 Million RMB to Restore the Great Wall at Yanqing, Contributing to the Inheritance of Chinese Culture

The Great Wall of China is an important world cultural heritage site that embodies the indomitable spirit and patriotic perseverance of China. To protect this cultural heritage, the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation (the Foundation) has donated 20 million RMB to the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau for the restoration of the Yanqing section of the Great Wall.

The ‘Love My China, Restore My Great Wall’ ceremony for the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation’s Great Wall restoration project was held at the foot of the Badaling ancient Great Wall in Beijing. Guests in attendance included Mr Chen Mingjie, Director of the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau, Mr Zhao Hongsheng, Director of the Committee for Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Overseas Chinese and Foreign Affairs of the CPPCC Beijing Municipal Committee, Mr Yan Weiqun, Party Secretary of the Beijing Returned Overseas Chinese Federation, and Mr Daryl Ng, Deputy Chairman of Sino Group and Director of the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation. In addition, 38 student members from the ‘Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation’ in Hong Kong not only visited the Great Wall to witness the monument unveiling ceremony, but also outlined the inscription in gold on the monument. Their participation demonstrates the younger generation’s commitment to preserving and passing down China’s cultural heritage.

Mr Chen Mingjie, Director of the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau, stated that the China Great Wall Museum is also currently under construction and will become an important platform for promoting the spirit of the Great Wall in the future. He expressed gratitude for the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation’s generous donation of 20 million RMB for the restoration of the Great Wall at Yanqing and noted that the Foundation has also made substantial contributions to the restoration of the Forbidden City, Confucius Temple, and other cultural relics, demonstrating their love for Chinese culture and determination to carry on its legacy, which is worthy of recognition and respect. He believes that with the joint efforts of all sectors, we will be able to better protect this important world cultural heritage.

Mr Daryl Ng, Deputy Chairman of Sino Group and Director of the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation, stated in his speech that the Foundation was established by the family to commemorate their ancestor, Ng Teng Fong. Among the many charitable projects undertaken by the Foundation, the restoration of the Great Wall is one of the most meaningful, and they hope to contribute to the inheritance of Chinese culture through this project. He also expressed respect for the local people at the foot of the Great Wall, commending their determination to guard and pass down the culture of the Great Wall.