The Hong Kong Awards for Industry (HKAI) is a series of award competitions that recognise the outstanding achievements of local enterprises in enhancing their competitiveness. The HKAI is supported by the Government and is a platform for the community to promote Hong Kong’s economic success at the global level and enhance its role as a key international development centre.
The HKAI comprises five separate award categories, each organised by a dedicated organising body responsible for drawing up the rules and administering the competition, publicising the competition, inviting entries and conducting a preliminary evaluation of applications. The organisers work closely with the Government to provide professional services in support of the development of the local economy.
Among the winners this year are two life scientists who found a way to cure two blood disorders that affect 20 million people worldwide. The Shaw Prize in Life Sciences and Medicine went to the American pair, Thein Swee Lay and Stuart Orkin, for their research into the genetic differences between sickle cell disease and beta-thalassaemia.
A Hong Kong artist and a US-based sculptor were also named this year’s Art Prize winners. This was the second time that a Hong Kong artist had made it onto the shortlist of this award, which is supported by the government and the private sector. The winner was Noormah Jamal, whose piece, Did the Seed Grow?, depicts two figures with vacant expressions on a brick wall.
Five of Hong Kong’s most prominent democracy activists have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Jimmy Lai, Chow Hang-tung, Lee Cheuk-yan, Gwyneth Ho and Joshua Wong have been nominated for their fervent dedication to protecting freedoms in the city and campaigning for democracy. The nominations were submitted by Global Scholars for Hong Kong.
A record number of HK$20 million will be awarded in the 2017-18 race season, with extra money being given to PPs (Premier Partnership) and PP1s (Premier Partnership for One). The additions to prize money are part of a wide-ranging package of measures designed to improve the overall quality of the horse population and increase Hong Kong’s competitiveness at the global stage.
The Board of BOCHK SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION PRIZE is responsible for reviewing and interpreting the articles of THE PRIZE Charter; suggesting important scientific research fields for THE PRIZE; setting requirements for the Review Committee and Compliance Oversight Team; and verifying and approving the final review results. The Board is composed of experts in the areas of law, finance, auditing and management.
The HK Prize is an annual research and innovation award presented by The Bank of China to honour individuals or teams for their outstanding contributions in the areas of science and technology, including social and economic benefits. The Prize is open to all Mainland and Hong Kong researchers and universities, as well as industrial-educational-research centres and institutes set up by Hong Kong higher education institutions in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The selection process is independent and impartial. The judging panel is a group of leading academics, industry professionals and senior managers.