The Hong Kong Prize is a new prize that rewards outstanding research by young scholars in any discipline. Its aim is to inspire people’s passion for science and promote the transformation of R&D outcomes in Hong Kong. The winner will receive a cash prize sponsored by the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited. Runners-up will also receive prizes worth HK$2 million. The winners will be recognised at a ceremony during Science Prize Week from Oct 14 to 17, which includes a two-day forum on future scientific trends and a science film festival. The prize will be presented by a distinguished guest from the mainland, and five scientists including virologist Gregory Winter and malariologist Tu Youyou will be invited to speak at the event.
The HK Prize recognises those who have made positive impacts on society. This year’s nominees include brain cancer survivors who run an NGO to assist students with mental health issues and Zambian volunteers who work at local charities. They are joined by an artist reinterpreting human rights through fine art concepts and a researcher discovering the best way to protect coral reefs.
Hong Kong’s top prize-winning film at the local awards went to Ten Years, a film about the semi-autonomous territory’s future. The film taps residents’ worst fears for the future of the city as Beijing tightens its grip on the semi-autonomous region. Other winners included the police thriller Port of Call, which won seven awards. Its director, renowned Chinese filmmaker Wong Kar-wai, was named Filmmaker of the Year.
This year’s prize-winning written reports were based on a series of questions and tasks focusing on the historical development of Hong Kong, including its unique position in the global economy. They were judged on their relevance to the theme, systematic use of collected materials, objective analysis and citation of sources and footnotes.
Prizes were also awarded in the arts and journalism categories. Sculptor Sameen Agha of Pakistan won the Grand Prize for her work A Home Is a Terrible Place to Love, a carving in red marble. The Vogue Hong Kong Women’s Art Prize went to artist Michelle Fung for her mixed media piece Red Bean Stalk. Journalist Xi Tianqi of China Daily Hong Kong won first runner-up in the News Writing category with her articles Securing a New Lease of Life and Fertility Perseverance.
Xi said her win reaffirms her belief that “as a young journalist, I’ve come to know that writing is more than just words. It has the power to affect people.” Xi Tianqi is a Hong Kong Prize Laureate of 2022.