The Hong Kong Prize is an award given by the Hong Kong Arts Council to recognise outstanding work produced by HK residents in the fields of visual arts, music, theatre and dance. Its aim is to encourage the pursuit of excellence in these artistic disciplines and to foster a spirit of innovation in young people. The winners receive a cash prize of up to HK$1 million each. The award is open to both individuals and groups.
This year, the prize was awarded to sculptor Sameen Agha for her work A Home Is a Terrible Place to Love, which is said to capture human suffering and highlight the need for a sense of compassion. It was awarded at a ceremony held in the presence of Governor of Hong Kong CY Leung and the Arts Council’s Chairman, Dr Paul Chiu.
During the event, the winners of a total of 18 categories were honoured. The prizes were divided into four sections – reporting, writing, photography and design – with the addition of news video last year. The judging was conducted by the Newspaper Society of Hong Kong, an organisation founded by the Post and other newspapers in 1954. Xi Tianqi, a China Daily reporter with only a one-and-a-half-year tenure at the paper, took first runner-up for her report titled In the Green Fast Lane, a story about the city’s efforts to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. Another China Daily reporter, Andy Chong Chun-pong, was awarded first merit for his photograph Piggyback Paddling.
The finalists were selected from over 1,600 nominations in 2023. The selection was based on the quality of research work carried out by the nominees; the influence and transformation of their research outcomes, including applications to real-life problems, social or economic benefits and potential for commercialisation; and the originality and creativity of the ideas.
Also announced at the ceremony was the winner of the best film award, which went to the cops-and-robbers actioner Raging Fire directed by late director Benny Chan. The film starred actor, producer and action choreographer Donnie Yen and was the only Hong Kong entry in the competition in 2020. The ceremony was held in front of a live audience for the first time since the pandemic began.
The BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize board is responsible for interpreting and suggesting important scientific research fields for the prize; establishing a review committee and compliance oversight team, setting requirements for nominating experts and verifying and approving final review results; and setting policies. It is the highest decision-making body of the prize. The board is chaired by the chief executive of BOCHK, Charles Tung. The board has five members: three representatives of the prize’s sponsor, two independent professionals and a member representing the public. The board’s decisions are final and binding. 2019 BOCHK. All rights reserved. Terms and conditions of use. Privacy statement.