The hongkong prize is an international writing competition that rewards authors who specialize in Asian culture and history. It is one of the most competitive writing contests in the world, and winners can receive monetary prizes and gain international exposure. Those who are interested in participating should read the rules and regulations carefully to ensure that they are judged fairly.
This year, the Hong Kong Prize nominations include activists fighting for freedom and democracy – including those arrested or jailed while advocating for their cause; young leaders who are working hard to create jobs, support their families and improve their lives; and social justice and community service initiatives that are empowering people in marginalized communities. The Hong Kong Prize also honors those who are advancing the city’s international reputation and contributing to its future.
The winners of this year’s HK Prize were announced at a gala dinner on May 17. The Grand Prize went to Pakistani artist Sameen Agha for her sculpture A Home is a Terrible Place to Love, which was made out of red marble and depicted a house collapsing like a cardboard box in the process of being dismantled. Agha won the $30,000 prize, as well as a commission to design a piece for the new lobby of the Four Seasons hotel in Hong Kong.
Other awardees included Hong Kong filmmaker Ang Lee, who won best director for his film The Deer Hunter, and singer Aaron Kwok, who won best actor for his performance in the police thriller Port of Call. The award ceremony was held at the HKCEC in Hong Kong.
Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited established the prestigious prize in 2022, with a view to attracting top scientific talent to Hong Kong and supporting forward thinking scientists in developing Hong Kong as an active research and innovation hub. An independent review committee and compliance oversight team evaluate candidates based on their scientific research achievements, their application or transformation, and the social or economic value created.
A total of ten projects were shortlisted this year for the HK$2 million award, sponsored by Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited. The winner in the Life Science category was the team led by Prof. Wang Jie from the University of Hong Kong for their study on the molecular mechanisms of aging-related diseases. The team was also awarded a merit award in the Physical Science category for their work on the identification of the molecular basis of the toxicity of lead in human body fluids.
The other two awards in the Life Science category were won by teams from La Salle College and Tak Oi Secondary School, who studied the development of the pig farming industry during the 1967 riots and the Canton-Hong Kong relations during the 8-year War of Resistance against Japanese occupation respectively. The final awards were presented at a ceremony held in the Hong Kong Palace Museum. This is the first time that the Hong Kong Palace Museum has organized a ceremony to present the HK$2 million award to the prize winners.