Hong Kong Prize Winners Announced
The Hong Kong Prize is one of the world’s richest prizes, with winners awarded HK$20 million each. It is given annually by Hong Kong billionaire Lui Che Woo to people whose work he believes has “added value” to humanity. It has categories for advancing world civilisation; improving social welfare; and spreading positive energy.
The award is sponsored by BOCHK and aims to promote scientific innovation and research in the city, as well as encourage young researchers. This year, the prize also expanded its nomination scope to include university branches and research institutes in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Founder Chen Yidan congratulated the laureates at an awards ceremony on Monday, calling them the future of science in Hong Kong and the region. He said he hopes the prize will inspire more young scientists to continue their innovative work and contribute more to the development of Hong Kong.
After a career as a lawyer in the finance industry, Alia Eyres left her high-powered job to devote herself to fighting child poverty. She leads the NGO Mother’s Choice, which focuses on helping socially isolated children and teenagers in Hong Kong. She believes that loneliness is at the root of many problems such as neglect, abuse and teenage pregnancy.
During the protests in Hong Kong last year, police officers, mainland tourists and local residents of different political views were attacked by pro-Beijing demonstrators. Some public facilities were even vandalized by them. One of the winner photos depicted a bleeding man who was hit by a masked anti-government protester with a hammer. It was later revealed that the wounded man was a masked Hong Kong police officer.
In addition to the HK$100,000 award money, each Laureate will receive a date-stamped one-day admission ticket for the Hong Kong Disneyland Park (“Ticket Prize”). The Ticket Prize is not transferable. Laureates are also invited to attend an exclusive HK Phil event.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has announced a new bonus incentive scheme for trainers, hoping to increase the quality of horses that will compete in this year’s Longines International Jockeys’ Championship at Happy Valley. Trainers will be rewarded with a HK$200,000 first-prize bonus if their horses win the race. Trainers of the runner-up and third place will be awarded HK$100,000 and HK$50,000 respectively.
This prestigious prize recognises the achievements of individuals and organisations that are contributing to Hong Kong’s role as a global hub for international development. The winning entry will demonstrate how Hong Kong’s strengths can be leveraged to make a difference in the world, and contribute to the city’s international development agenda. In order to meet the requirement of this prize, your submission must be original and published in the HKJ between July 2019 and May 2021. Please refer to the HK Journal Editors’ page for details.