The Winners of the 2018 Hong Kong Prize
The Hong Kong Prize is a multi-award scheme to promote scientific research. It provides a platform for scientists to showcase their work and connect with industry partners to advance science in Hong Kong. Scientists working in the areas of biomedicine, artificial intelligence and robots, life sciences and healthcare, new materials and energy, advanced manufacturing and FinTech are eligible for nomination. Winners receive a cash award, a certificate and a trophy. In addition to that, the winners also get the chance to attend a forum to showcase their work to local and international leaders from the development sector.
The award was created in 2022 by Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited with the mission of attracting world-class scientific talent to form an active innovation and technology hub in Hong Kong. The judging process is independent of any political, commercial or other considerations. Candidates are evaluated by an independent Review Committee and Compliance Oversight Team based on their scientific research achievements, their application or transformation, and the social or economic benefits they bring to society. No more than five persons should be awarded each year.
In his speech, the chairman of the HK Prize Advisory Board said each winner was “a shining example that the Chinese people have excelled in various fields around the world and shown the world how proud we are as a nation.” He added that the HK Prize is an important platform to further promote scientific research in Hong Kong, adding that the Prize has “ignited a fire within us to be better than ever before”.
During the ceremony, physicist Samuel Ting Chao-chung was presented with the first prize. He said he was “awed and honoured” to be recognised by the Prize. He said he hoped his contribution would inspire young people to pursue the path of science and become leaders of tomorrow.
Other winners included cyberneticist Qian Xuesen, architect Ieoh Ming-pei, malariologist Tu Youyou and novelist Louis Cha Leung-yung. In the film section, director Zhang Yimou won a special achievement award.
The 8th Hong Kong Students Prize was awarded today at a ceremony held at the Hong Kong Museum of History. The competition aims to encourage students to explore diverse aspects of Hong Kong’s culture and history, and investigate the relationship between historical developments and changes in society. Students must be nominated by their teachers to participate in the competition.
The HK Prize will be launched in October this year, with a two-day forum and a series of workshops. It will be supported by the government. Each organiser of the five award categories is responsible for drawing up and administering the rules of the respective awards, publicising the competition, inviting entries and conducting a preliminary evaluation. Overall coordination of the HK Prize is provided by an Organising Committee, chaired by the Deputy Director-General of Trade and Industry.