Press Release

 “InterGen@HS” Officially Launched
Unveiling Joint Forces of HKHS and PolyU Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation
in Promoting Intergenerational Solidarity

The Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) held the InterGen@HS Launch Ceremony and Jat Min Chuen Intergenerational Play Space Opening Ceremony today (7 February).  The event marks HKHS’s commitment to embracing “intergenerational solidarity” in its core business, opening a new chapter in sustainable development.  Debuting at the event is Hong Kong’s first purpose-built Intergenerational (IG) Play Space, jointly developed by HKHS and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s (PolyU) Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation (J.C.DISI).  With earlier funding from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to J.C.DISI for the design of the play space, the public space at Jat Min Chuen (JMC) in Shatin has transformed into an engaging playground that fosters intergenerational connections and enhances residents’ sense of well-being.

Officiating at the ceremony, the Deputy Secretary for Justice Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan said, “the Housing Society is an important partner of the Government in advancing housing policies and addressing the community’s housing needs.  The Government attaches great importance in fostering intergenerational harmony in communities, a vision that aligns closely with the Housing Society’s mission.  Jat Ming Chuen serves as a key pilot project for the Housing Society to create Hong Kong’s first ‘Intergenerational Play Space’, integrating fitness facilities for all ages to encourage fun interactions across generations, a concept that deserves strong support and promotion.  I am confident that the new play space will bring great enjoyment to residents.”

HKHS Chairman Prof Ling Kar-kan said, “In recent years, the Housing Society has extended its long-standing commitment to ageing-in-place by creating intergenerational living environments and communities.  The inauguration of the ‘Intergenerational Play Space’ not only provides a fresh gathering spot for the elderly, middle-aged, youth and children in JMC and its neighbouring communities, but also marks the official launch of the ‘InterGen@HS’ campaign, generating from the core concept of ‘A Bit More Care‧A World Better Connected’.  The Housing Society is committed to holistically integrating the concept of ‘intergenerational harmony’ into all business segments, including housing development, property management, social and elderly wellness, and commercial leasing, while building a distinctive intergenerational brand to leverage its role as the ‘housing laboratory’”.

Prof Ling continued, “Heartfelt gratitude to The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for its generous funding support to Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation which has enabled the conceptual design of the ‘Intergenerational Play Space’ at Jat Min Chuen of the Housing Society.  From 2022 to 2024, the Housing Society and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation, together with its design consultants and partner organisations, have engaged residents of all ages throughout the process through site visits, interviews and co-design workshops, channelling a well-planned programme with enthusiastic response from participants.  It is a testament of the combined effort across generations in creating a safe, fun, simple and convenient play space together for people of ages.  This collaborative process shaped Hong Kong’s first purpose-built ‘Intergenerational Play Space’, which is also a pioneering ‘co-design’ project, a community-level innovation worth prompting across the city.  I hope the industry will take reference from this model and further advance the concept of intergenerational solidarity to benefit more Hong Kong citizens at large.”

PolyU President Prof Jin-Guang Teng said, “The ‘Intergenerational Play Space’ exemplifies PolyU’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative solutions.  Led by PolyU’s Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation and drawing on the expertise of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Nursing, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Design, and the PolyU-NAMI 3D Concrete Robotic Printing Research Centre, the project has successfully translated research outcomes into tangible facilities that truly benefit the community.  This is a testament to PolyU’s mission of leveraging impactful research to serve society.  I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Housing Society, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and residents of Jat Min Chuen for their trust and support.  PolyU will continue to promote interdisciplinary research and innovation, proactively addressing the challenges of an ageing population.  We remain committed to working with stakeholders to create new possibilities for the development of Hong Kong’s communities.”

Jackson Woo, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club said, “The new facilities blend elements of play and exercise, encouraging seniors to stay active, engage in social interactions and practice ageing in place.  These facilities also create more opportunities for interaction between the elderly and children, demonstrating how sports can serve as a bridge to foster intergenerational engagement and strengthen connections between older adults and the community.  The Club will continue to promote cross-sector collaboration to encourage people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to participate in sports, enhancing physical and mental well-being while fostering community cohesion.”

Situated at the public open space opposite Ming Yiu Lau at JMC, the new “IG Play Space” is the collective effort of HKHS, PolyU’s J.C.DISI and various non-governmental organisations.  Residents of different age groups were invited to share their visions and ideas for JMC’s public space and its facilities, shaping the design blueprint for the transformation.  Following a complete makeover, the space has been revitalised into a colourful and vibrant intergenerational hub that integrates fitness, recreation and social functions.  The estate’s English name “JAT MIN” has also been incorporated into the design of several fitness features, including a user-friendly arm wheel and air walker, children’s trampolines, rope course, and an exercise bicycle that converts pedal power into electricity, enticing residents of all ages to play and interact together.

JMC has long been HKHS’s pilot estate for promoting intergenerational harmony.  In 2021, HKHS launched the “Intergenerational Solidarity Programme”, transforming its public spaces into dedicated zones for emerging sports suitable for residents of all ages, such as Nordic Walk, Molkky and Rouliqiu.  The newly launched “InterGen@HS” campaign represents HKHS’s official commitment to embracing intergenerational harmony across its business portfolios.  A highlight is “KEyPoint”, Hong Kong’s first intergenerational-themed shopping mall, scheduled to open in 2027.  Through spatial design, tenant mix, and diverse activities, “KEyPoint” aims to create an inviting atmosphere for all generations and become a new landmark for community gatherings and interactions.

In addition, HKHS launched the “InterGEN Biz-net ∙Youth Start-Up Programme” last year, offering four retail premises in its rental estate shopping malls, including Healthy Village in North Point and Ka Wai Chuen in Hung Hom, to support young people in starting their own businesses that blend commercial creativity with the concept of intergenerational harmony while pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams.  These shops have gradually commenced operations since last November, and the outstanding entrepreneurial teams may be granted the opportunity to set up pop-up stores at “KEyPoint” in the future.

For housing initiatives, HKHS adopts an “integrated development model” in new projects.  One example is “Casa Sierra” in Fanling, a Dedicated Rehousing Estate that incorporates Subsidised Sale Flats, rental units and Senior Citizen Residence Scheme units, along with a shopping mall and a care home.  This integrated approach caters to the housing and living needs of all age groups. “Casa Sierra” also earns the honour of being the first development in Hong Kong to attain the “Elderly-friendly Building” Certification last year, setting a benchmark for creating intergenerational communities for all ages.

To further promote “intergenerational harmony”, HKHS has specially designed a set of mascots, the “IG Family”, for the “InterGen@HS” campaign.  Two of the six family members, “Grandma” and “Grandson”, debuted at the event with others to be unveiled at future HKHS events and programmes, engaging the public to promote intergenerational harmony.