The Hong Kong Prize is an international award that recognizes scientists whose research has had a substantial impact on society. It is open to researchers worldwide and selected through an impartial process without sponsorship or committee influence. Winners are awarded monetary prizes and have their work showcased globally. This year, HK Prize is celebrating its fifth anniversary with a special US$100,000 top prize.
The 2019 HK Prize was awarded to two scientists for their work in the fields of life science and medicine. Thein Swee Lay and Stuart Orkin’s research into sickle cell disease found that changing the BCL11A protein with gene editing could reactivate fetal haemoglobin production, and provide an alternative to blood transfusion. This work has led to new treatment approaches for patients and improved therapies for the condition.
HK Prize also recognised Michael Hui, the legendary actor who shaped Hong Kong comedic cinema with his performances in classics such as The Private Eyes and Security Unlimited. The prize was a fitting tribute to his life and legacy.
Hong Kong has a wealth of talent in filmmaking, and it is no wonder that the city continues to win accolades from around the world. Last year alone, a handful of films won a slew of awards at the Hong Kong Film Awards, including action thriller Raging Fire. The movie swept up awards for acting, music, and action choreography – making it one of the most highly decorated movies at the event.
Another big winner was the documentary film The Last Mile, which won the prize for best short film at the 68th Berlin International Film Festival. The film follows the life of a refugee family in Hong Kong. It was the first time a Hong Kong film won an Oscar in the Documentary Feature category, and it is also the first Asian documentary to receive such an honour.
This year’s HK Prize exhibition runs until 14 January 2024 at the Goethe-Gallery and Black Box Studio, Goethe-Institut Hong Kong. All exhibited works are available for purchase, with proceeds from sales going towards the organisation’s charitable refugee protection work and the Hong Kong Prize Fund.
The hk prize is an excellent opportunity for local writers to build up their writing portfolio and gain exposure in the literary community. The competition is free to enter and the prize money is attractive. However, it is important to read the rules and regulations carefully before participating. For example, there are some contests that require applicants to be over 18 years old in order to submit an entry. Others may limit submissions to a certain genre or require a minimum length. Then there are those that only accept entries submitted by a specific group of people, such as students. Lastly, many contests have age and gender restrictions. So, before you decide to participate in a hk prize contest, be sure to check the requirements. Otherwise, you might end up wasting your time and money.
