The Hong Kong Prize 2019 Winners Announced
The hongkong prize is an award that honors students for their academic achievements. It was established by friends and students of Professor John Young to honor his passion for Hong Kong history. It also recognizes his belief that an education should include a comprehensive knowledge of local history. The competition is open to research postgraduate students who take at least 48 credits in History and achieve exceptional results. It is sponsored by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
This year, the prize saw record applications by HKUST researchers across all fields of science and technology. Artificial intelligence, life and health, new materials and energy, advanced manufacturing and FinTech were particularly well represented. HKUST scientists who win the prize will receive funding to further develop their innovative research ideas. The results will be announced in November 2023.
In the visual arts category, artist Sameen Agha won the $30,000 Grand Prize for her sculpture A Home is a Terrible Place to Love. Carved out of red marble, the work depicts a crumbling house with the windows and doors closed. The piece is meant to convey the sense of loneliness and abandonment that many immigrants feel in their adopted cities. It will be displayed at the Hong Kong Museum of Art until May 2020.
The winner of the best actress award was Tse Yi-yuen for her performance in the drama about student suicide and family trauma, Time Still Turns the Pages. It was directed by Nick Cheuk, who also won the award for best new director. The film was nominated for 11 awards at this year’s Hong Kong Film Awards, including best picture and best actor for Aaron Kwok and Jessie Li.
In other categories, the FILM OF THE YEAR award went to the wartime period piece Ten Years by Mabel Cheung and William Kwok. Its nomination was controversial in China, with state-run media describing it as “totally absurd” and a “virus of the mind”. The film was only released in a handful of cinemas and had a short general release. Some major Chinese television channels pulled their broadcasts of the awards.
The government strongly urged these foreign governments to respect the rule of law and international law, and refrain from interfering in Hong Kong’s internal affairs. It is important that these countries recognise the value of Hong Kong as a global hub for international trade, innovation and law-based governance. In addition, it is essential that the Mainland fully recognises Hong Kong’s independent and sovereign status, and that the freedom and rights of every citizen are respected. Ultimately, this will benefit the people of the Mainland and Hong Kong. Moreover, the government urged these foreign governments to take appropriate measures to address their concerns in a reasonable manner. This will not only contribute to the mutual interests of both parties but also help to maintain peace and stability in our region.