hk prize aims to recognise individuals who make a positive difference in the world. Its creator Lui Che-woo hopes the award will encourage young researchers to follow their passions and broaden their perspectives. It also aims to promote Hong Kong’s scientific research culture, which has produced many Nobel laureates over time. Previous winners have included selfless volunteers helping homeless people and scientists who developed liquid biopsy technology for faster cancer diagnosis.
The HK Prize is one of Asia’s premier science awards, with the potential to strengthen Hong Kong’s competitiveness and international standing. Besides the hefty monetary prize, winners are granted access to Hong Kong’s top research facilities. The winner is chosen by a panel of experts and awarded in an annual ceremony. This year, the prize was dedicated to six individuals who are working for human rights, social progress, and environmental protection.
In the news writing category, the Post’s production editor Matt Haldane won a merit for his piece on the 1967 riots and reporters Dylan Butts and Xinmei Shen won second for their articles about the typhoon. Moreover, the Post’s copy editor James Cook won second runner-up for his article In the Green Fast Lane. Lastly, reporter Yvonne Lee won the fourth runner-up for her story about the challenge of boosting Hong Kong’s electric car adoption.
Joshua Wong, who led a 79-day protest movement against China’s erosion of democracy, and fellow activists, including Zeng Jinshu, who is serving a prison sentence for organizing vigils to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Tiananmen Square, have been nominated for a Nobel peace prize. US lawmakers compare them to other persecuted freedom fighters, such as Hitler critic Carl von Ossietzky, Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, and Polish politician Lech Walesa.
The Hong Kong prize was created to honor the achievements of scientists in their fields, but it has expanded to include other individuals who advance world civilisation and inspire others towards creating a harmonious society. The symbol of the prize, which is incorporated into its logo and trophies, juxtaposes two precious elements: a pearl and a pierced jade amulet. This symbol has happy connotations in both Chinese and Western cultures and embodies the spirit of Hong Kong. The Prize is also supported by a network of prominent individuals from all over the globe. The judging committee for the prize will be announced in September. It will be made up of scholars and academics from various institutions in Hong Kong. The prize is open to all enrolled secondary school students in the territory. Interested students must be nominated by their teachers to enter. They can submit artworks online before the submission deadline. There are prizes for both the student and the nominating teacher. Winners will receive a monetary prize of HK$20,000. The prize’s trophies are designed by award-winning artist Chan Yue. The inscription “Hong Kong Prize for Youth” is written on the base of the trophy in both Chinese and English. The trophy’s design reflects the city’s diversity and its unique blend of East and West.