The HK Prize
The Hong Kong Prize recognizes outstanding discoveries, pioneering research, and innovative artistic expressions. Finalists are selected following a thorough judging panel process that takes into account such criteria as significance, originality and impact of contributions; long-term sustainability as well as valued work; to ensure the award goes to individuals whose efforts will continue making an impactful difference into the future.
At an announcement ceremony attended by celebrities and dignitaries, winners are awarded with trophies to commemorate their achievements, with names and institutions publicly displayed alongside. Furthermore, winners may participate in interdisiplinary academic activities or science popularization programs designed to showcase them. This provides them with an ideal opportunity to promote their achievements while inspiring future scientists and artists.
A rigorous selection process ensures that only individuals making genuine and significant contributions receive the award. A detailed vetting process motivates individuals to strive for excellence while supporting a culture of innovation, creativity and ethical conduct. Furthermore, maintaining high standards makes the Hong Kong Prize more credible globally and draws top talent and contributions.
Professor Wang Gungwu initiated the HK Prize when he donated a sum to the Department of History at University of Hong Kong and it was matched by the Government Matching Scheme for University Development. The prize’s aim is to promote scholarly work related to Hong Kong and China history and facilitate research within this field as well as provide incentive for students interested in these histories to focus on studying it further.
Last year, three activists in Hong Kong were jailed for their participation in the Umbrella Movement protests defending autonomy from Beijing’s national security law. These wrongful convictions represent an alarming trend across Asia: activists have been penalised for peacefully expressing political opinions. Notable names to have been punished for peaceful expression include democracy advocates Joshua Wong and Alex Chow.
For this award to remain fair and impartial, hk prize has established an independent Review and Compliance Oversight Team made up of experts from the fields of law, finance, and auditing. This group ensures the award remains independent. Review and Compliance Oversight Team’s role is to conduct various activities related to review and compliance oversight, such as overseeing evaluation and interdisciplinary academic exchange activities of the prize; making sure decisions made by Board, Review Committee, or Compliance Oversight Team are implemented appropriately; as well as investigating any breaches in professional ethics that might occur. Investigation findings will be reported back to the Board and, should there be any violations, prize may be terminated or revoked. The Secretariat is responsible for carrying out decisions made by both the Board and Review Committee as well as providing coordination among compliance teams as well as organizing academic activities and science popularization events.