The hongkong prize is awarded for scientific research of outstanding significance that has had significant impact on a variety of science and business applications. It is intended to attract global top scientists, nurture forward-looking science talent, and together strengthen Hong Kong as a world-class science and technology innovation hub.
The winner is expected to present their research results and demonstrate their innovative spirit at a public lecture in Hong Kong. The Prize also aims to foster closer collaboration between Hong Kong researchers and scientists of other countries, as well as enhance the profile of Hong Kong internationally.
Each year, the prize is presented to one Hong Kong-based scientist who has made a significant contribution in the area of science and technology. The Prize is a flagship project of the Bank of China Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Fund, with the mission of “Boosting Hong Kong and Serving the Country through technology”. The Prize is endorsed by the International Academy of Astronautics, the International Society for Nanomedicine, and the International Association for Philosophy of Chemistry.
It is the highest honour given by the society and it is considered as the most prestigious award in Hong Kong. The award was established in memory of the late Prof. Wang Gungwu, a leading scholar in the field of Chinese history and former Vice-Chancellor of The University of Hong Kong. The money for the award was donated by the Gungwu family.
In a ceremony held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Mr Adriel CHAN, Vice Chair of Hang Lung Properties, delivered opening remarks via video conference. This year, HLMA attracted more than 70 secondary school teams to participate, who underwent an intense three-step review process. Under the guidance of their teachers, each team decided on a mathematics topic, designed and conducted a research study, and submitted a research report. The top 15 teams were invited to continue the research and presented their work at the Oral Defense stage in front of a Scientific Committee of renowned scholars.
The first place winners will receive HK$100 million, while the second place winner gets HK$60 million. The remaining two places have no prize money. However, in the event that there are no first-place winners this year, a jackpot reserve of about HK$100 million will be created and will be added to next year’s prize pool.
The organisers of the prize say they do not intend to politicize it and aim to honor scientific achievements in Hong Kong that have a positive impact on society and the economy. However, the prize has raised hackles in mainland China, with the state-run Global Times newspaper describing the selection as a “virus of the mind”.