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.

Transitional Housing ‘Wellness Lodge’ Alleviates Short-term Housing Needs and Enhances Well-being Supported by Sino Group and Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation

Wellness-Oriented Design Fosters Physical and Mental Health
Bursary Promote Diverse Development Opportunities

Transitional housing project ‘Wellness Lodge’ located at Castle Peak Road – Tsing Lung Tau, Tsuen Wan is funded by the Government under the ‘Funding Scheme to Support Transitional Housing Projects by Non-government Organisations’. Under the leadership of the Housing Bureau, the project was launched with support from Sino Group and the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation with the leasing of the land at Tsing Lung Tau to the operating organisation Pumen Foundation Limited, at a nominal rent and the provision of subsidies for its construction and operation. ‘Wellness Lodge’ also offers various facilities that integrate elements to promote physical and mental wellness, as well as bursaries to children of residents to foster diverse development opportunities. The first batch of residents progressively moved in since January this year. Today, Mr. Lee Yuet-man, MH, Chairman of Pumen Foundation accompanied Ms. Winnie Ho, JP, Secretary for Housing, and Ms. Nikki Ng, Director of the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation, to visit residents and tour the facilities, including the multi-functional activity room incorporating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) elements and the farming area that is a part of Sino Group’s integrated green community project ‘Farm Together’.

Ms. Winnie Ho, JP, Secretary for Housing said, ‘In recent years, the Government has been actively promoting the enhancement of living conditions to uplift the well-being of public housing residents, and has visited different districts to understand residents’ needs and expectations in the hope of enhancing their sense of well-being in the areas of living, design and neighbourhood. I am delighted to visit Wellness Lodge today and interact with residents. The project emphasises the physical and mental well-being of the residents in its environment and design. The serene surroundings, green living elements, inclusive facilities, unique shared spaces, and activities all enhance residents’ quality of life. They encourage mutual communication among residents and foster relationships within the neighbourhood, paving the way for a journey towards a happy community for residents.’

Mr. Daryl Ng, SBS, JP, Director of the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation said, ‘Wellness Lodge embodies the project’s vision of enhancing the living environment for 2 underprivileged families while caring for their physical and mental well-being. It aims to provide resident families and their children with the opportunity to experience a healthy and happy life. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government for initiating this policy that provides support to underprivileged families with urgent housing needs. We also appreciate the leadership of the Task Force on Transitional Housing under the Housing Bureau and the collaborative effort of our partners, Pumen Foundation, and the project team, in bringing this meaningful project to fruition.’

Mr. Leung Che-cheung, SBS, BBS, MH, JP, President of Pumen Foundation said ‘Transitional housing endeavours to enhance the living environment and quality of life of those in need. Wellness Lodge is a beautifully landscaped project that emphasises wellbeing and the environment while also striving to address the needs of resident families to the best of our ability.’ Mr. Lee Yuet-man, MH, Chairman of Pumen Foundation said, ‘We are very grateful to the Housing Bureau and the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation for the funding subsidy for construction and continuing operations, to Sino Group for providing the seaside land at a nominal rent and for the invaluable assistance of its professional teams, to the Housing Bureau for their facilitation, and to other government departments and local organisations for their support. Only with such concerted effort are we able to advance the project efficiently and deliver essential services to families in need, alleviating their urgent housing needs and cultivating a harmonious neighbourhood where residents can improve their lives in various aspects.’

‘Wellness Lodge’ is located at a seaside lot in Tsing Lung Tau, Castle Peak Road, with a site area of approximately 19,000 sq. ft., enjoying panoramic views of the Kap Shui Mun Bridge and promoting a healthy lifestyle. The project commenced phased occupancy in January 2024, accommodating eligible families and initiating its services. Built using modular integrated construction (MiC), the three-storey project provides 85 units ranging from 125 to 190 sq. ft. suitable for one to three-person families. Each unit comprises an open kitchen, a private bathroom, and a living and dining room equipped with an air conditioner, washing machine, water heater, exhaust fan and induction cooker.

The ‘Wellness Lodge’ provides a wide range of green facilities and services promoting physical and mental well-being. These include a multi-functional activity room integrating STEAM elements, a planting area under the ‘Farm Together’ project, and free Wi-Fi network services. Volunteers from ‘Sino Caring Friends’ will also visit resident families to offer care and support. Moreover, children of resident families are eligible for an additional HK$5,000 bursary per child per academic year to encourage the exploration of talents beyond academics.

Sino Group and the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation Donated 10 Millions for the Construction of Putian Sports Park

Constructing the sports parks is one of the key initiatives of development of public fitness facilities in the national 14th Five-Year Plan. Sino Group (the ‘Group’) and the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation (‘NTFCF’) donated
10 million RMB to support a philanthropic project, the construction of the Putian Mulanxi Sports Park. The park is located in the southern core area of the Yuhu New City in Putian, Fujian, with the Yuhu Lake to the north, the Mulanxi River to the south, and a picturesque view of the Hugong Mountain. The park provides a green and inclusive space for leisure, recreation, and fitness activities for thousands of residents in the surrounding areas, adding a distinctive and vibrant landmark to the city’s development.

On the opening ceremony of Mulanxi Sports Park, Lei Chunmei, the President of Fujian Province Charity Federation, extended warm congratulations to the opening of Mulanxi Sports Park and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the NTFCF, the Group, and the Putian Municipal Committee and Government for their concern and support for the construction of the park. She said, ‘Taking this opening as an opportunity, Putian will continue to adhere to Xi Jinping’s ecological civilization ideology, inherit and promote the governance concept of Mulanxi, bear in mind the entrusted mission, be grateful and strive forward, and fully work towards building a green, high-quality development-oriented city. It is hoped that Putian will vigorously promote the spirit of patriotism, inclusiveness, charity, and the willingness to strive for victory, and build a new platform that can unite overseas Chinese, gather their wisdom, harness their strength, and safeguard their interests.’

Ms. Wong Yeuk Hung, the representative of the NTFCF and General Manager of China Business of the Group, said, ‘I remember when we conducted our survey here a year ago, this place was still barren land. Now, what we see before us is a beautiful environment with lush trees and blooming flowers, accompanied by amenities such as leisure trails, children’s play areas, small sports fields, stations, and resting pavilions. The Mulanxi Sports Park is one of the seven parks within the ten-mile scenic belt of the Mulanxi River. It serves as a crucial node in the comprehensive management of the river and is not only a project that benefits the people but also a place to promote the sports and cultural spirit of Putian. The NTFCF is honored to be involved in the construction of Putian’s “Green Living Room”, which represents the city’s natural ecology.’

Sino Group and the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation Spread New Year Festive Joy and Warmth with Colleagues and Volunteers to Nearly 2,000 Underprivileged Individuals in the Community

Sino Group (the ‘Group’) and the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation (‘NTFCF’) spread festive joy to those in need. The volunteer team, Sino Caring Friends, visited less-resourced families, the elderly living alone, and residents in cubicles and rooftop apartments to celebrate the Lunar New Year. They also joined hands with community partners to organise celebrations for ethnic minority families at the Group’s hotels. Additionally, both ethnic minority and local primary school students were invited to participate in volunteer services, promoting the spirit of giving and sharing, and fostering friendship and harmony within the community. These efforts continue to uphold the values of festive joy, compassion, and inclusivity.

Sino Group continues to serve the elderly with its ‘Hearty Soup Delivery Programme’ for 13 consecutive years. Sino Hotels has served over 52,000 bowls of hot soup to senior citizens during the cold winter over the years. Hotel chefs prepare freshly made, nutritious soup, which is then distributed to those in need by dedicated volunteers in collaboration with community partners. Since November 2023, volunteers have delivered soup to over 1,000 elderly individuals who live alone or in pairs across various community districts, including Sham Shui Po, Yuen Long, Tai O and Sai Wan Ho, to share warmth and care during the cold weather.

Ms Nikki Ng, Director of the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation, said, ‘Sino Group and NTFCF continues to commit to caring for and serving the community, with volunteering being an integral part of our culture. We hope to join hands with people from all walks of life to promote inclusivity within our community. The Lunar New Year holds great significance for the Chinese people, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my volunteer colleagues for sharing the joy of this festive period and traditional cultural customs with the elderly, underprivileged families, ethnic minority friends, and student volunteers. Together, we strive to embody the spirit of inclusion as we extend our warmest greetings during the Spring Festival.’

Founded in 2008, Sino Caring Friends has been building strong ties with community welfare organisations to understand the needs of underprivileged families and extends its care through synergetic partnerships with charitable organisations and non-governmental organisations to offer care and support for those in need. During the period from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023, Sino Caring Friends organised 460 activities, with 1,770 volunteers participating in services for over 25,000 less-resourced elderly, children and youths, and more than 5,800 families. Sino Caring Friends was honoured to receive two awards at the Hong Kong Volunteer Award 2023, included ‘Top 10 Highest Volunteer Hours Award’ and the ‘Corporate Award (Volunteer Hours) – Excellence Gold Award’, in recognition of the efforts of the volunteer team in serving the community.