The Hongkong Prize is an annual award that recognizes students for their research projects on local history. Established by friends and students of John D. Young – who believed a comprehensive understanding of Hong Kong’s past was integral to understanding present day living – in 1996, its purpose is to recognize student researchers for their efforts on local history research projects. Prizewinners receive both cash awards as well as access to Hong Kong research facilities.
Applicant have the unique opportunity of receiving invaluable advice and consultation from some of Hong Kong’s most experienced quality experts, and will receive a trophy and certificate as recognition – this will undoubtedly assist them with career and business expansion in future years.
Hong Kong artists made history this year when their representation on this year’s shortlist reached an all-time high – it was more represented than ever! Pakistani artist Sameen Agha received the grand prize with her work entitled A Home Is Terrible Place To Love depicting a home collapsing like a cardboard box and winning both cash prize and commission for Four Seasons hotel in Hong Kong.
Noormah Jamal from Hong Kong won an acrylic-on-canvas painting titled Did the Seed Grow? with two figures sitting on a brick wall near fire. The judges commended its use of color and “delicately drawn lines” as an effective way of communicating its subject matter.
The Hong Kong Prize Scholarship Contest is one of Asia’s premier scholarship competitions for high-achieving secondary school students. Each year, thousands of applicants compete and winners travel to Hong Kong to study at their chosen university – as well as receiving a generous monetary award and the chance to conduct research at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology laboratories as well as making connections with international scientists.
Previously, the Hong Kong Prize has recognized innovative solutions such as an ultra-stable lithium metal battery with 3D nanostructured anode and a firm-to-soft intelligent floor mat for elderly fall injury prevention. HKUST was honored this year with seven Gold and nine Silver medals for technologies with immense social significance, such as an award-winning flexible circuit board which can be folded over 100 times without losing functionality and an ultra-stable lithium-ion battery that can be recharged up to 1,000 times. The HK Prize has also been utilized to advance research on cancer, artificial intelligence, new materials and energy; with HKUST researchers participating across its various aspects — from basic science through applied technology and industry. They have also worked closely with companies and universities from around the United States, Europe and Asia to realize their research ideas. Over time, the HK Prize has become an internationally acclaimed platform for scientific exchange. THE PRIZE is supported by both the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and an alliance of over 50 companies and universities, overseen by an esteemed board comprising representatives from industry, academia and media. The board’s main tasks are suggesting important scientific research fields for THE PRIZE competition as well as overseeing review procedures and compliance issues.