Hong Kong Prize is an annual competition for young talent in a wide range of disciplines, including science and technology, the arts and sports. Its mission is to provide outstanding young people an opportunity to showcase their talent, gain a global reputation and build professional networks. Winners are also awarded a cash prize, travel expenses and other perks in various fields.
This year, the HK Prize has attracted record numbers of applications from students across all academic disciplines, with the areas of artificial intelligence, life and health, new materials and energy, advanced manufacturing and FinTech being especially well represented. The winners of this year’s prize have demonstrated that achieving excellence in their research work is not only possible but also critical to building careers here in Hong Kong, serving their nation and contributing globally.
The award ceremony was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, attended by Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki and Gabriel Leung, executive director of charities and community of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which solely sponsors the awards. The winners gathered on stage to receive their awards and were addressed by Lee, who congratulated them on being shining examples of Chinese people who have shown Hong Kong in a positive light around the world. He encouraged them to continue to nurture local and global talents, foster global humanistic exchanges and drive synergistic regional development.
Winners of this year’s HK Prize included young activists fighting for freedom and democracy – some even facing jail time as they fight to protect their home; a student who has built a blockchain platform to help people with money management; and an art gallery that provides a safe haven for homeless adults. They all showed how the spirit of humanity triumphs, even under duress.
Among the 10 award categories, the HK Art Prize has attracted the highest number of entries to date, with nine shortlisted artists from Hong Kong, representing the greatest representation ever in the history of the prize. Almost two-thirds of the shortlisted artists are women, a first for the prize’s history.
The 16th You Bring Charm to the World Awards, sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, was held on Friday. The ceremony celebrated six remarkable Chinese people who have made significant contributions to Hong Kong and the world, showing that the spirit of Hong Kong – “where the youth thrives, the nation thrives” – is a source of pride for all.