Martin Liao

Martin Liao is a barrister, policy adviser, and public servant whose career spans over four decades across Hong Kong’s legal, political, and community institutions. Appointed Chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) in August 2025, he now leads the organization at a time of growing cross-border collaboration and strategic development in the Greater Bay Area.

Major Achievements

Early in his career, Martin presided over the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (Financial Institutions) Review Tribunal.

He received the Golden Bauhinia Star in 2019 for his strong commitment to serving the community and the Great Bauhinia Medal in 2024 for contributions to national security legislation and sustained public service.

Martin Liao was elected as the 27th Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club in 2025. 

In the business world, success and survival depend on the ability to adapt and evolve. Martin’s leadership helps Hong Kong’s racing community development stay on the cusp of modern racing changes. The best horses need the best conditions and treatment, which means a focus on welfare and racing operations.

Career Highlights

Martin was first called to the Bar in England and Wales in 1984. He quickly followed this up by being admitted to the Law Societies of Hong Kong and Singapore in 1985 and 1992, respectively.

This led to early appointments as a member of the Hong Kong Copyright Tribunal (2001-2005), and he also served on the Executive Committee of the Hong Kong Bar Association.

Subsequently, Martin presided over the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (Financial Institutions) Review Tribunal and served on the University of Hong Kong’s Business Committee.

In 2008, Liao was elected a Deputy to the 11th National People’s Congress. This was to be the beginning of a 15-year tenure that spanned three consecutive terms until his departure in 2023. 

At the same time, he also served on the 10th and 11th Shanghai Municipal Committees of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Later, he would join the Standing Committee of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, a position he holds to this day. 

Martin gained a seat on the HK Legislative Council in 2012, backed by the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce. He was elected unopposed and has retained his seat through multiple election cycles.  

From 2016, he served as Convenor of the pro-establishment camp, playing a pivotal role in legislative coordination and policy alignment within the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. In this role, he has chaired several influential bill committees, including the National Anthem Bill Committee and the 2021 Comprehensive Electoral System Reform Committee. 

In November 2016, he was appointed to the Executive Council by then Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and has since served under successive administrations. He was reappointed in July 2022 and continues to advise on legal, commercial, and constitutional affairs. 

Associated With the HK Jockey Club Since 1988

Martin’s association with the Hong Kong Jockey Club has been long and illustrious, dating back to 1988. He assumed the HKJC leadership in August 2025 as Martin Liao, Hong Kong Jockey Club Chairman, a role in which he takes great pride.

He now finds himself at the helm of an organization that requires both vision and innovation to promote community development and showcase racing excellence. Ultimately, Martin’s intention is to further advance Hong Kong’s racing industry.

Martin and his wife have maintained a strong presence in Hong Kong racing syndicates since the 1996–97 season. His involvement in Club governance deepened with his appointment as Vice Chairman in 2023, culminating in his election as Chairman in 2025. 

As Chairman, he now oversees the Club’s transformation agenda, international brand positioning, and its integration with the equine industry in the Greater Bay Area.

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