The Hong Kong Prize and Other Awards

hongkong prize

The annual Hong Kong prize is awarded to outstanding scholars in different fields. It aims to recognise their achievements and influence on the transformation of R&D outcomes in Hong Kong. The Laureates will each receive a sum of HK$ 2 million sponsored by the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited.

Among the five winners, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics awardee Chai Yang developed disruptive in-sensor computing paradigms to enable information processing directly within sensors, Life and Health awardee Ng Siew Chien pioneered noninvasive tests for early diagnosis of gastrointestinal tract diseases and autism spectrum disorders, New Materials and New Energy awardees Zhang Hua and Chen Shih-chi developed advanced phase engineering of nanomaterials and 3D micro- and nanofabrication technologies, while Advanced Manufacturing and Fintech awardees team of Prof. AU Man Ho Allen and Prof. LUO Xiapu Daniel utilised multi-disciplinary approaches to develop advanced and high-performance materials for innovative applications.

In the world of sport, the HK prize has also been awarded to top local athletes. Athletes who win medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics will be rewarded with extra cash prizes. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Eric Chan Kwok-ki, announced the increase of cash incentives at a flag-presentation ceremony for the Games on Tuesday.

One of the main objectives of the HK prize is to inspire young people to excel in their studies and to pursue their passion for science. This year, the HK Prize will support HKUST with a donation of HK$ 2.5 million for its biennial Hang Lung Mathematics Awards to encourage students to explore beyond boundaries and realize their full potential.

Besides the HK prize, a number of other awards have been awarded to Hong Kong people and organisations for their contributions in various fields. The Nobel Peace Prize, for example, was awarded to Jimmy Lai, Chow Hang-tung, Lee Cheuk-yan, and Gwyneth Ho, all of whom were nominated by Global Scholars for Hong Kong.

Several other Hong Kong people have been recognised by the prestigious Yidan Prize, which is dedicated to creating a better world through education. John Lee Ka-chiu, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, gave an online speech on Sunday to honour the achievements of the prize’s laureates and congratulated them on their success. He said that the work of the prize’s laureates is helping reshape the future of education globally and paving the way for students to fulfil their potential. He added that the HKSAR Government remains committed to supporting the development of quality educational opportunities for all children, including disadvantaged ones. A total of HK$ 2.1 billion has been allocated for education in the 2018/19 financial year. A total of HK$ 1.8 billion has been earmarked for the 2020/21 academic year. The remaining HK$ 1.3 billion will be used for various other purposes, including capital projects and scholarships. The first round of nominations for the 2020/2021 academic year will close on 30 March. The second round of nominations will open on 18 April.