Hong Kong’s scientific and technological innovation prize is open to all fields, including Artificial Intelligence & Robotics, Life & Health, New Materials & New Energy, Advanced Manufacturing and FinTech. One person (or team) per field should be awarded annually; should an awardee violate any provisions of their Charter BOCHK reserves the right to withdraw prize money, certificates and trophies without recourse; all personnel involved with award work are bound by confidentiality obligations.
The winner of the HK Prize for Young Scientists will receive a cash prize of HK$200,000, along with certificates and trophies. Their team will also be invited to attend the prize-giving ceremony in October and their school will receive an amount of up to HK$5,000 to support student development.
As well as receiving a financial award, winners will also enjoy an unprecedented opportunity to interact with peers from diverse academic disciplines and industries during a two-week training programme in the USA. This programme gives young scientists a platform on which they can show off their talents while exchanging thoughts with leading experts from their respective field.
Hong Kong has accomplished considerable successes over the last two years despite an ongoing pandemic, according to Lee. To promote Hong Kong’s developments on both mainland China and overseas markets, he added. Lee encouraged local media outlets to highlight these positive developments, hoping that prizes awarded could further raise Hong Kong’s visibility as a place of excellence across multiple fields.
The South China Morning Post emerged as the winner with 12 awards, including first prize for its report on illegal structures being built on luxury properties. Ed Wong noted that this award reflected their dedication to upholding professionalism and preserving freedom of expression in Hong Kong. He encouraged journalists worldwide to remain committed to maintaining professional integrity and independence when combatting protectionism or hegemony around them.
Joshua Wong, Nathan Law and Edward Chow were honored with this prize for their courageous fight to defend democracy in Hong Kong against Beijing’s efforts to influence its elections for leadership positions. Their movement led by Wong, Law and Chow resulted in massive demonstrations involving one million people last year alone. Through writings, speeches and political activism they consistently upheld the ‘one country, two systems’ principle of Hong Kong’s Basic Law while never faltering from their peaceful commitment to maintaining Hong Kong democracy; inspiring world audiences by doing so they truly deserve this prize award.