hk prize The Hong Kong Prize is an esteemed award honoring those in Hong Kong who work toward improving society. Nominees can be individuals or organisations and are judged based on their contributions in categories including activism, entrepreneurship, social justice and community service. The winning nominee receives both a monetary prize as well as an honour certificate as well as the opportunity to meet key development stakeholders of their community.
On May 17, this year’s winners were revealed. Pakistani artist Sameen Agha won the Grand Prize with her sculpture A Home is a Terrible Place to Love, depicting how homes are being disassembled by nature’s forces. Michelle Fung and Demet were shortlisted with their mixed media works Red Bean Stalk and Paint Palette Emulation respectively.
Hong Kong-based artists made up the bulk of the shortlist with nine represented; mainland China and the US also featured prominently.
In 2022, Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited established the BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize with an aim of recognising scientific research of global significance as well as encouraging young scientists to continue exploring the frontiers of science. Since its introduction, this competition has received extensive support from universities and researchers around Hong Kong, becoming a prime source of scientific inspiration in Hong Kong.
A panel of distinguished scholars and experts will review applications, evaluate applications, and select winners based on how the research has been applied and transformed in real world applications, and its overall societal impacts. The competition is open to applicants from Southeast Asia, mainland China and international entrants; prizes will be distributed at an awards ceremony.
This year’s finalists included activists fighting for freedom and democracy – some even at great personal risk – as well as community service initiatives, like providing care and support for adults at homeless shelters. Given this year’s pandemic outbreak, this award’s theme of caretaking resonated deeply.
This year marks the second awarding of the Hong Kong Prize and gives students an opportunity to showcase their skills and commitment to community service. Winners have an opportunity to travel to Hong Kong and learn from some of its premier experts in fields like education, art, technology and business. Students interested can visit the World of Winners splash page beginning March 1 to see more competition details. Southeast Asian and mainland Chinese students can enter this competition free of charge; international students can submit an application online. Honorable mention certificates will still be awarded and participating in masterclasses or concerts hosted by HK Prize will still be possible; winners are subject to decisions of the Jury who require all winners to support Basic Law principles as well as uphold professional ethics in accordance with the requirements set out by them.