Hong Kong, China – The iconic Happy Valley Racecourse recently served as the prestigious backdrop for a pivotal event in the global fight for sports integrity. On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) hosted the inaugural International Symposium on Sports Governance and Integrity, bringing together over 160 esteemed sports leaders and world-renowned experts. This high-profile gathering underscored Hong Kong's steadfast commitment to fostering fairness, transparency, and anti-corruption measures across the international sporting landscape.
The symposium, a full-day event, was meticulously organized by the newly established Hong Kong Sports Governance and Integrity Alliance. This powerful coalition comprises the HKJC, The Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute (HKCGI), the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), and the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC). The collaborative effort highlighted a unified front against threats to sports integrity, aiming to position Hong Kong as a vanguard in sports governance and ethics.
A Unified Call for Ethical Sportsmanship
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, emphasized the foundational importance of ethical values in sports. "The core values of fairness, honesty and playing by the rules are essential not only to the success of sports, but the future of communities," he stated. His remarks resonated throughout the symposium, reinforcing the idea that integrity is not merely a regulatory concern but a societal imperative. He also proudly noted that Hong Kong racing is globally recognized as one of the cleanest and best-regulated jurisdictions, positioning the Club as a credible leader in this drive.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government, Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, further elaborated on the government's perspective. She highlighted that a robust governance framework is crucial for ensuring that critical decisions are made and properly checked, and that national sports associations consistently act in the best interests of athletes and the sport itself. Law expressed gratitude to the HKJC and HKCGI for responding to the government's call to strengthen corporate governance within the sports sector, anticipating that this partnership will significantly benefit athletes and elevate Hong Kong's standing in global sport.
International Collaboration and Local Initiatives
The symposium boasted an impressive roster of speakers, including representatives from Sports Integrity Australia, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Hong Kong Sports Institute, and Kai Tak Sports Park. Their diverse perspectives enriched discussions on a wide array of topics pertinent to upholding and enhancing sports integrity globally.
A significant aspect of the initiative is the long-term commitment, backed by a substantial donation of over HK$31 million from the Club's Charities Trust. This funding supports not only the annual symposium, which serves as a centerpiece, but also other key initiatives such as the Jockey Club Capacity Building Programme for Sports Governance and the Jockey Club HKCGI Sports Governance Programme. These programs are designed to equip national sports associations (NSAs) and sports organizations' board members and executives with essential governance skills through localized certificate courses, incorporating the HKJC's extensive expertise in racing ethics and integrity management.
The collaboration extends to practical training, with the Club's Security, Integrity and Information Security Division providing workshops, resource materials, and online content focused on global sports governance and integrity best practices. This holistic approach aims to train 1,200 professionals in sports governance across all 85 NSAs in Hong Kong, ensuring a widespread adoption of elevated standards.
Tackling Modern Threats to Integrity
While the symposium covered broad aspects of governance, the underlying threat of illegal betting and match-fixing was an implicit, yet crucial, theme. The HKJC has consistently been at the forefront of combating these issues, which pose significant risks to the integrity of sports and serve as funding pillars for organized crime. The involvement of the UNODC at the symposium further highlighted the international dimension of these challenges and the need for concerted global efforts.
The ultimate goal of these concerted efforts, as outlined by the HKJC, is to elevate operational standards and cement Hong Kong's reputation as a leader in sports governance. This, in turn, is expected to foster increased and sustainable investment in the sports sector, ensuring a vibrant and ethical future for sports in the region and beyond. The symposium, held during the highly anticipated LONGINES Hong Kong International Races week, served as a powerful platform to showcase Hong Kong's commitment to both premier racing events and the rigorous governance that underpins their integrity.
The International Symposium on Sports Governance and Integrity at Happy Valley represents a significant milestone in Hong Kong's journey to safeguard the integrity of sports. By fostering collaboration, investing in education, and championing ethical practices, the HKJC and its partners are building a stronger, more transparent, and ultimately more credible sporting environment for all.
