New Office Opening Ceremony
HKJC Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention
New Office Opening Ceremony
香港大學香港賽馬會防止自殺研究中心新辦公室開幕典禮
22/4/2025
On April 24, 2025 (Thursday), The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention (CSRP) celebrated its relocation to the eleventh floor of T.T. Tsui Building with a New Office Opening Ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the Centre’s development. The Ceremony was officiated by Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Hong Kong; Ms. Elsie Leung, Chairwoman of the CSRP International Advisory Committee; Ms. Imelda Chan, Head of Charities of HKJC; and the Centre Director, Professor Paul S. F. Yip. Many of the Centre’s collaborators, community partners, and donors were also in attendance. Together, they reaffirmed the Centre’s legacy of excellence in both research and practice and looked forward to its continued commitment to drive innovation and collaboration in the field of suicide prevention in both Hong Kong and beyond.
Prof. Paul YIP, Centre Director of CSRP, said “The new office offers a panoramic perspective, empowering CSRP to expand its outreach and engage a broader spectrum of stakeholders in its impactful work. We are extremely grateful for the support of the collaborators, donors and the University’s support,” “CSRP is everyone’s Centre as we all care for those in need and vulnerable. We are very concern of our young generation, the future of Hong Kong. CSRP looks forward to continuing its excellence, forging ahead with unwavering dedication to suicide prevention, research, and community impact. Pushing Boundaries and building Bridges. We all can make a difference.” |  |
Hi-res photos from the CSRP New Office Opening Ceremony are available here.
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 Professor Xiang ZHANG President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Hong Kong | Twenty-three years ago, this Centre began as a vision. A vision to confront one of the most complex and heartbreaking challenges of our time. Suicide does not discriminate… it affects families, friends, and communities across all walks of life. Today, the relocation is not just a new address… but a renewed promise. Suicide remains a pressing concern in Hong Kong, yet this Centre continues to shine a beacon of hope—a place where science meets compassion…where questions lead to answers… and where every step forward is a step toward saving lives. By leveraging new opportunities and innovative technologies such as AI, I am confident that the Centre will continue to make a lasting impact to mankind. |
 Ms. Elsie LEUNG, GBM, JP Chair, CSRP international Advisory Committee | It is my honour and privilege to serve as the chair of the international advisory committee since its establishment in 2002, I am pleased to witnessing impact of the centre in saving lives, for example, little prince is depressed website, restriction of means of charcoal in Cheung Chau, etc. and I am particularly impressed by the devotion and compassion of the staff in CSRP who are committed in saving lives and helping the young people. |
Celebrating a New Chapter for the Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention at HKU On behalf of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, we are delighted to congratulate the Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention (“CSRP”) at HKU on its relocation. This exciting step forward reflects the Centre’s growing impact and dedication to building a mentally healthier Hong Kong. May I express our gratitude to Professor Paul Yip, our dear friend and partner, whose visionary leadership and tireless efforts have made CSRP a beacon of hope in suicide prevention and mental health advocacy. Over the decades, Paul’s work has touched countless lives, and we are truly grateful for your passion and commitment. We are proud to stand alongside CSRP as our valuable partner, and we look forward to deepening our collaboration in the years ahead. Together, we will continue to spearhead impactful and evidence-based programmes for the betterment of our community. Wishing CSRP every success in its new home — may this next chapter bring even greater opportunities to create positive change! |
Ms. Imelda CHAN Head of Charities (Positive Ageing & Elderly Care; and Healthy Community) The Hong Kong Jockey Club |
Mr. CHEUNG Kin-chung, Matthew, GBM, GBS, JP Former Chief Secretary of Hong Kong SAR Government, serving as an honorary professor in the Faculty of Social Science | Moving into this new office for the University of Hong Kong’s Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Protection (CSRP) is more than a relocation exercise. It is a strategic move with special significance. Let me explain. First, this new office lies at the core and heart of HKU’s main campus. It is within a stone’s throw from Loke Yew Hall – a historic landmark and emblem of Hong Kong’s higher education. It is close to the Main Library and Faculty of Social Sciences. This not only enhances CSRP’s visibility and accessibility but also interdisciplinary collaboration and networking. Second, moving into the eleventh floor of T.T.Tsui Building from its former low-rise premises in Sassoon Road truly represents a physical elevation and scaling new heights. This upscaling enables CSRP to have a panoramic view in furthering its noble mission and reaching out to its wide spectrum of stakeholders. CSRP has been, is and will remain a beacon of hope and centre of excellence. Its well-proven success in suicide prevention and academic research is widely known and recognised. It is a shining example of actionable and applied social sciences as well as synergy between gown and town. It brings the academia close to the grassroots. It is, indeed, an icon of HKU. By moving into T.T.TSui Building, CSRP has become not merely a beacon of Compassion, Salvation, Resilience and Passion (or Professionalism) but also a bastion of Tenacity, Trust and Togetherness. I have no doubt that CSRP at T.T.Tsui will continue to forge ahead and fly high in the decades to come for the common good of Hong Kong and beyond. |
I have been a long term supporter and partner of the CSRP for about a quarter of a century! My first encounter with Paul and CSRP could date back to 2001 when I was Deputy Secretary responsible for elderly services policy. Prevention of elderly suicide was top on my priority list then. We have witnessed significant improvements since then thanks to the professional and dedicated efforts of colleagues in CSRP under the able leadership of Paul, amongst others. I have worked very closely again with Paul and his team when I was Director of Social Welfare. I am a staunch supporter of evidence-based policy making and intervention. Funded by the Lotteries Fund and collaborated with Social Welfare Department, CSRP has done a marvellous job in implementing a community-based suicide prevention programme in response to the emergence of a suicide cluster in Hong Kong in 2010. The intervention was very timely, evidence-based and very effective in reducing the suicide rate. I was very delighted to see CSRP moving into the TTT Building in the “Core Zone” of HKU, which reflects the importance attached to the mission and work of CSRP! I look forward to seeing CSRP to continue serving as an important platform connecting academics, NGOs, government, and various important stakeholders in the community on the research and evidence-based intervention work for suicide prevention! I wish the CSRP every success and scaling new heights ! |
Mr. Patrick NIP Tak Kuen, GBS, JP Former Principal Official, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government Adjunct Professor, HKU Department of Politics and Public Administration |
Mr. Raymond SIU Chak-yee, PDSM, PMSM | 近年精神健康問題受到社會關注, 特別是關乎年青人, 因為大家察覺到年青人有自殺或企圖自殺個案有所上升。 個人認為, 年青人自殺問題成因很多, 每個個案背後的的原因也多可能不只一個。有見及此, 要改善情況, 必須集合衆持份者的專業知識及努力, 再結合詳細探究相關問題, 才可收「一加一大於二」之效果！ 感恩有葉兆輝教授帶領的「香港大學防止自殺研究中心」在這方面的深入探究及與不同持份者合作, 包括來自世界各地的專家學者, 我有信心相關情況必定有所改善。 |
| It has been my honour to be involved with the HKJC CSRP at HKU, initially as Dean of Social Sciences and more recently as a research collaborator from Lingnan University. I have seen firsthand the tireless efforts of all the staff and students to bring positive change to Hong Kong and the region while maintaining the highest academic standards. We all look forward to the next exciting chapter in the CSRP story that awaits! |
Professor William HAYWARD Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences, Lingnan University |
Mr. Stephen LIAUW Ka-kei District Commander (Wan Chai District) Hong Kong Police Force | On behalf of the Police Negotiation Cadre (PNC), I extend our heartfelt congratulations to the University of Hong Kong and the Centre’s team for this pivotal step forward in safeguarding lives. The PNC is deeply committed to supporting the Centre’s mission. Through our frontline experiences in crisis intervention, we will contribute by analyzing the root causes of suicide incidents, providing detailed case insights to enrich research, and collaborating to bridge theory with real-world practice. Additionally, our cadre will conduct school talks to share actionable strategies in crisis management, empowering educators and youth with the tools to navigate challenges. Suicide prevention demands collective action. By merging academic rigor, community engagement, and operational expertise, we can foster hope, save lives, and build a society rooted in empathy and resilience. To the Centre—your work will light the path forward. The PNC stands proudly beside you in this critical endeavor. Thank you, and congratulations on this new chapter. Together, we can surely make a difference. |
| Witnessing the inauguration of the HKU JC CSRP two decades ago, Professor Paul Yip and his team has made miracle after miracle. Through his policy research, he was able to change charcoal selling in supermarkets and reduce cases of charcoal burning as a means of suicide in Hong Kong. His creative innovations such as use of social media to engage high-risk youth. The moving of CSRP will mark a new beginning of more exciting research and interventions to come. Congratulations. |
Professor Cecilia L.W. Chan |
Dr. LAM Ching-choi, SBS, JP Chairman of Advisory Committee of Mental Health (ACMH) | I support CSRP because the Centre supports ACMH very well. We are well aligned in our strategies emphasizing on evidence-based and prevention. |
It’s a real pleasure to congratulate on the opening of the new office for the CSRP. Our Centre on Behavioral Health (CBH) has worked closely with this incredible team for many years, and we’re both passionate about improving wellbeing in our community. CBH uses the arts to help people heal and grow. Together with CSRP, we’ve shown and will continue to show how combining creativity with solid research can make a big difference in people’s lives. We’re excited to keep working together to build a healthier, happier community. Congratulations on this new chapter, and here’s to all the great work ahead. |
Professor Rainbow HO Director of Centre on Behavioral Health |
Ms. May CHAN Suk-mei, SBS, JP Director (News and Public Affairs) Hong Kong Commercial Broadcasting Company | Thank you very much for inviting me to join the grand opening of the HKJC CSRP new office. My heartfelt congratulations to you and your team for your success in saving lives. Your Centre serves as a shelter for the frustrated youths and help them to rebuild sound mental health so as to lead meaningful lives. You and your team have been giving confidence to the youths to face challenges ahead. Your Centre have been empowering those who seek your help and advise them on how to lead healthy lives. We are grateful to you, your team and the Centre for building a harmonious society for Hong Kong and enlightening the paths for those in need to see the beauty of lives with positive attitudes. Actually, I feel stronger to face challenges and my mental health is sound since I learnt from you and your Centre twenty years ago on how to build positive attitude in dealing with different issues in everyday lives. Thank you very much and congratulations again for what you and your team have done. I am sure that with the effort and hard work of the Centre, you and your team, our society will be a better place to foster our citizens in the years ahead. You are well deserved for our great appreciation. Thank you very much. |
It is very encouraging to see CSRP is expanding and moving to the new office. The tremendous amount of good and quality works, programs and research made be the Centre, help the community to understand more about the causes and prevention associated with suicide. Furthermore, I highly appreciate your collaboration with local and international partners involving with our Project WeCan so to promote good mental health and social well-being in the communities and let our WeCan students know what they should do if they encountering emotional situation. Like the title of the small painting that I gifted for the new office opening – “ It’s OK to be not OK “which is about kindness, compassion, empathy and understanding Wishing all the best for the new CSRP office and keep making good work for our community. |
Mr. Ricky Wong, MH Managing Director of Wheelock Properties (Hong Kong) Limited |
Ms. LAW Chor-wan Vice-Principal of Kowloon True Light Secondary School | It is my great honor to extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to CSRP on this special occasion. Over the past seven years, I have had the privilege of witnessing the profound impact CSRP has had on our school community. They have provided us with a comprehensive curriculum that systematically teaches our students how to manage their emotions and build strong interpersonal relationships. In addition, CSRP has offered invaluable training for both student leaders and teachers, empowering our entire school community to champion mental wellness across our campus. I am thrilled to share some exceptional news: according to this year’s APASO survey, our students have achieved the highest scores in Hong Kong for meaning in life, life satisfaction, and a sense of belonging to the school, with a remarkable score of 116. This outstanding achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support and dedication of CSRP. Looking to the future, we are excited about CSRP’s plans to extend their support to include parent education. We eagerly anticipate another fruitful collaboration, which will undoubtedly enrich our community even further. As a token of our deep appreciation, our students have lovingly crafted a commemorative gift for CSRP—a logo made from roses. The fragrance of the roses symbolizes CSRP’s ability to spread positivity and bring light and energy to countless lives. |
