The Hong Kong Prize is an award that recognises the contributions of outstanding scientists and research teams to the development of scientific and technological innovation in Hong Kong. It is a non-governmental merit-based award that is co-hosted by the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited and the Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation. It is open to scientists and research teams in any field, including but not limited to Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Life and Health, New Materials and New Energy, Advanced Manufacturing, FinTech, and other fields that have made significant contributions to the advancement of science and technology in Hong Kong.
The prizes for the winners are valued at HKD 2 million each. The winner is chosen by a committee of judges.
This year’s shortlisted works included a film about two primary school friends travelling 20 years into the future, and a drama that explores the challenges faced by migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong. Other works include an essay by a Chinese emigrant about life in Hong Kong, and a short story written by an American author describing the experiences of a displaced family living in the city.
One of the judges was Professor Alain Aspect, a Senior Fellow at City University of Hong Kong and a former Head of the Institute for Advanced Study. Aspect is a leading expert in the field of quantum physics, and has published many books on the subject.
A second judge was a scientist with expertise in the field of energy and the environment. He was a consultant on China’s first ever carbon trading scheme and is the director of the Center for Sustainable Development at the University of Hong Kong.
He was also a consultant to the World Economic Forum on climate change, as well as an advisor to the Chinese government on energy policy. He was also a member of the Executive Council of the United Nations.
The finalists were selected by the jury, which consisted of a selection of academics and professionals in the fields of science and technology. The jury members were invited to participate in a weeklong seminar where they met with the shortlisted scientists.
In order to be eligible for the Hong Kong Prize, a candidate must be a resident of Hong Kong and have completed a full-time postgraduate programme in Hong Kong. In addition, the applicant must have been a resident of Hong Kong for at least five years prior to the nomination date.
This prize was established in 1959, and has been awarded annually since then. It is a non-reimbursable, merit-based prize, and awards are based on the recommendation of the Society for Hong Kong Studies, which votes in a televised competition to select the winning entries.
The judging process for the Hong Kong Prize is conducted by a panel of international judges. This is a highly rigorous review process that focuses on the quality of submitted submissions and on the significance of their contributions to the advancement of science and technology in the region. Applicants must also demonstrate that they are committed to the aims of the Hong Kong Prize.