It was rare to see hundreds of regulators, financiers and executives of listed companies – including chairmen and CEOs – come together in Central on Sunday morning without striking deals. Instead, they were taking part in a charity run, raising HK$9.7 million (US$1.2 million).
The top bosses of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX), JPMorgan, DBS Hong Kong, Standard Chartered Bank, KPMG and Wharf (Holdings) were among those who had put on their running shoes to compete in relay races over 388 metres and 188 metres at Victoria Harbour to raise funds for The Community Chest.
The Community Chest HKEX Gong Run, co-organised by the bourse operator and the charity organisation, was aimed at encouraging listed companies and financiers to become more involved in philanthropy. The event’s title was a reference to the symbolic batons, which are the mallets used in gong-striking listing ceremonies.
“Hong Kong financiers and listed companies have benefited from the stock market rally and the strong performance of the IPO [initial public offering] market this year,” said Paul Chow Koon-ying, group chief sustainability officer at HKEX, in an interview. “It is a good time to host the first Gong Run, which allows executives to raise funds to give back to society.”
“This event reinforces HKEX’s role as a superconnector by bringing together market participants and stakeholders to foster growth and progress for the benefit of society,” said HKEX chairman Carlson Tong Ka-shing at the opening ceremony.
A highlight was the All-Stars Challenge, featuring the who’s who of Hong Kong’s financial sector, with the HKEX Foundation donating HK$88,000 each on their behalf.
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