The Bank of Hong Kong Innovation Prize is open to any field of science and technology innovation including Artificial Intelligence & Robotics, Life & Health, New Materials & New Energy as well as Advanced Manufacturing. Each winner in each field will receive HK$2 Million plus certificates and trophies; only one person or team may win per award category.
Judging was conducted by an expert panel. Judges assessed entries based on relevance of theme, systematic use of collected materials, objective analysis, citation of bibliography and footnotes and overall quality assessment. Outstanding teams were then invited for interviews with panel members to present their submission. Wong Shiu Chi Secondary School won first prize with their submission titled “The Development of Hong Kong Pig Farming Industry during 1967 Riots”, second place went to Tak Oi Secondary School with “The Canton-Hong Kong Strike”, third prize went Carmel Pak U Secondary School with “Frontier Restricted Area and Relationship Between China and Hong Kong”.
Kahon Chan and Natalie Wong from The Chinese Daily Hong Kong Edition earned a merit award in journalism for their coverage of protests opposing passage of Hong Kong’s contentious national security law in March last year, as well as Sammy Heung being honored with praise for her series on scientific innovators in Hong Kong.
This year, an unprecedented record number of entries from both English and Chinese newspapers were submitted, totalling 617 shortlisted entries – nine from Hong Kong were selected – with two-thirds consisting of women; this represents the highest proportion ever in prize history.
In addition to receiving this prestigious award, winners of the Hong Kong Prize also benefit from taking part in activities designed to foster professional development and connect them with media industry professionals. Furthermore, prize money may serve as seed funding for future research projects.
Prof. Fan Zhiyong of Hong Kong was honored as this year’s sole recipient from Hong Kong and has already secured over $23 Million in research grants from both Mainland China and Hong Kong. He hopes that winning this HK prize will encourage other scientists in HK and China to seek external research support.
Organised by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC), this annual ceremony recognizes both professional and amateur artists for their achievements, providing an opportunity for artists to showcase their talent and promote art in Hong Kong. One highlight was director Yuen Wah’s short film “The Last Song”, featuring actors Lam Suet, Lam Chun and Wong Leung-sing along with music producer Tsui Wah composing its soundtrack which will later be released for general viewing.