The HK Prize and the Nobel Peace Prize

The Hong Kong Prize is an internationally renowned education award that honours leaders who advance education in an ever-evolving world. Recognising individual or team contributions in areas of research and development, leadership, policy/public affairs issues or philanthropy as part of its criteria. Laureates receive an unrestricted project fund and cash prize of HK$15 Million or HK$10 Million depending on whether their nomination was as an individual or team respectively, in addition to an engraved gold medal as recognition for their efforts.

This week saw the inaugural 2024 Hong Kong Prize awarded to a team from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Their project uses artificial intelligence to assist visually impaired students by using computer programs to scan texts into speech for reading aloud. They are currently developing an app to enable these visually impaired readers to read a book with sound; anticipated release is late this year.

Even during recent political upheaval in Hong Kong, horse racing industry managed to maintain momentum through increased prize money for three major horse races: BMW Hong Kong Derby, Longines Hong Kong International Races and FWD Champions Day will receive combined increases of up to HK$37.7 million to reach an unprecedented total prize pool of HK$220 million; these increased purses will then be distributed among jockeys, trainers, stables as well as owners whose horses placed among the top three positions at each race.

Patrick Tse, 85-years-old matinee idol and veteran actor from Time won best actor at Hong Kong Film Awards this year for his performance as a hitman-turned-noodle maker in black comedy Time. It was his inaugural win at this award show, receiving a standing ovation.

US lawmakers have nominated five Hongkongers for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing their “fervent dedication” in protecting freedoms in Hong Kong and pursuing democracy. Jimmy Lai, Chow Hang-tung, Lee Cheuk-yan, Gwyneth Ho and Joshua Wong were each acknowledged for their “proven commitment to peace and humanity’s future” after taking part in peaceful protests against China’s crackdown of freedoms in their city.

BOCHK SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION PRIZE will operate professionally, impartially, and fairly according to its charter. Decision-making for the prize will be left up to its review committee, compliance oversight team and secretariat. No individual or organization may exert undue influence over the review process, while members of the review committee must abide by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Basic Law as well as uphold high professional ethics. The Hong Kong Prize will be determined through an independent review process, with final decisions of the Board being binding. Winning entries will then be publicly recognized at an award ceremony held each year. BOCHK SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Innovation Prize is administered by Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation (the “Hong Kong Alliance”). Established in 2017, this non-for-profit organisation’s Board will determine award results after conducting an impartial and in-depth review process.