The Hong Kong Prize is a merit-based award to recognise and reward individuals or institutions that have contributed significantly to the development of science, technology and innovation in Hong Kong. It is hosted by Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation and sponsored by Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited. The Hong Kong Prize was established in 2012 and has since awarded a total of 30 prizes to over 200 research teams and individuals, as well as to more than 80 organisations.
The shortlist for this year’s hk prize has been announced, and the city is well represented, with nine artists on the list. Two-thirds of the shortlisted artists are women, a first in the prize’s history. The winner, which will be announced on September 30, will receive HK$40,000 and an engraved trophy. The prize will be presented to the artist at the 2019 Hong Kong Art Fair. Proceeds from the auction will help bolster the Make It Better programme, which runs expressive arts workshops in Hong Kong’s disadvantaged communities.
Veteran actor, martial artist and director Sammo Hung has won a lifetime achievement award at the 40th Hong Kong Film Awards. The 85-year-old, who has been active in the industry for more than 70 years, received a standing ovation for his performance as a flamboyant con-man in black comedy Time. He is the oldest winner of this prize, previously won by fellow acting legends Tony Leung and Benny Chan.
Another star to pick up a lifetime achievement award was veteran director and screenwriter Stephen Chow, who has helmed some of the world’s most successful films. He was honoured for his contribution to the Hong Kong film industry and his dedication to promoting Chinese culture worldwide. The other winners included crime thriller Ten Years, which won the best picture award and earned nods for its script, cinematography and action choreography. Its nomination raised hackles in Beijing and led to some cinemas refusing to screen it, while major mainland-based TV channels pulled their broadcasting rights.
Paralympic gold medallist Wong Chi-wai was also crowned the recipient of this year’s Hong Kong Sports Star award. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu congratulated the swimmer, saying that she was a source of pride for Hong Kongers. The government will provide an additional HK$200,000 in cash vouchers for every medal won by an athlete at the 2024 Summer Paralympics, while property developer Sino Group will offer a free lifetime travel pass to athletes who win more than one medal.
The hk prize was founded in 2012. It is open to all enrolled secondary school students in Hong Kong, and they must be nominated by their teachers. Each nominated student may submit up to three artworks online before the submission deadline on 16 September. Judges will select the top 20 student works for the final judging and award the Judges Prize to the most outstanding. The public will also be invited to vote for the Public Vote Prize and the winning school will get HK$10,000.
