“BOC Life Wild in the City Orienteering Challenge 2027” Debuts in Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing Integrating Hakka Patterned Band Weaving to Connect Community Stories

BOC Group Life Assurance Company Limited (“BOC Life”), in partnership with The Hong Kong Award for Young People (“AYP”), announced today the launch of the “BOC Life Wild in the City Orienteering Challenge 2027 (“Wild In the City”), which will take place on Sunday, 24 January 2027 in the Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing districts and is now open for public registration. Supported by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau of the HKSAR, Wild in the City has been a highlight event of youthfest@HK for three consecutive years. Under the theme “City Weaver”, this year’s challenge uniquely integrates intangible cultural heritage into city orienteering, inspiring participants to explore local history, culture, and community stories.

Mr. Wilson Tang, Chief Executive of BOC Life, remarked, “BOC Life has long partnered with AYP for years, from the ‘Rogaine Charity Race’ to ‘Wild in the City’ series. We have witnessed young participants build confidence, unleash potential, and strengthen communication skills and resilience through teamwork — qualities that align perfectly with our commitment to holistic youth development. By expanding the challenge to Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing for the first time and innovatively incorporating intangible cultural heritage such as Hakka patterned band weaving, we hope to deepen young people’s appreciation and sense of belonging toward Hong Kong’s culture while cultivating resilience and team spirit. Through cross sector collaboration across government, business and community, we are committed to creating more opportunities for youngsters to learn, explore and grow into a confident, visionary, resilient and collaborative generation.”

Ms. Joyce Chan, Director of AYP, said, “Wild in the City is AYP’s vital fundraising event in young development work, with all proceeds being used to support youth development projects in Hong Kong. In close alignment with the vision and strategic direction of the HKSAR Government’s Youth Development Blueprint, the event aims to promote orienteering while fostering positive thinking among young people, strengthening teamwork, and driving whole-person development. We also hope to encourage young people to embrace challenges, unlock their potential, and grow through adversity, which directly echoes AYP's philosophy of nurturing the holistic development of youth."

Ms. Janet Kung, Event Ambassador, Ice Climbing Athlete, and Ten Outstanding Young Persons Awardee, supported AYP orienteering races for years and will attend in-person this year. She shared: “Participating in AYP trained my resilience and problem-solving skills, and I also learned to persevere in moving towards my goals and pursuing my dreams. AYP taught me a vital approach to life: how to make choices, balance priorities, and weigh trade-offs. These principles share similarities with ice climbing, Cheung Chau bun scrambling, and team orienteering. I believe this event will encourage more young people to learn this mindset, equipping them to face future challenges.”

“Wild in the City” is a city-wide team orienteering event that blends urban exploration with outdoor adventure. Participants navigate local architecture, historical landmarks, and Hakka cultural sites on foot or via public transport (excluding taxis) to uncover neighborhood stories and memories. It is designed for participants of all levels, from beginners and experienced orienteers, and welcomes enrollment from family, friends, or corporate teams. Upon completing the challenge, participants can enjoy post race booth activities and intangible cultural heritage workshops to experience the unique charm of traditional Chinese craft. This year’s programme also features exclusive collaborations with local small business eateries across Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing, providing participants with special dinning offers. These initiatives encourage local consumption, foster community integration and promote sustainable development.
 

Mr. Wilson Tang, Chief Executive of BOC Life, highlighted the company’s long-standing partnership with AYP, emphasising their shared commitment to helping young people foster self-confidence and resilience through the orienteering challenge.

Ms. Joyce Chan, Director of AYP, noted that the "Wild in the City” puts participants' strategic planning, decision-making, and agility to the test, while seamlessly blending urban exploration across trending hotspots, heritage sites, scenic landscapes, and cultural landmarks.

Ms. Janet Kung, Event Ambassador, Ice Climbing Athlete, and Ten Outstanding Young Persons Awardee, shared her desire to motivate youth through her personal journey of pushing boundaries. She encourages participants to fearlessly embrace future challenges.