Ying-ying, from TWGHs Li Ka Shing College, was the winner in the youth category.

She started volunteer work in primary school and has spearheaded many social service activities at secondary school, including anti-drug campaigns and visits to child-care centres. In the 2001-2002 academic year, Ying-ying contributed more than 700 hours of social service.

She continues to devote her time to those in need as she prepares for her A-levels.

As a former cancer patient and a guitar teacher, Au Sing understands the healing powers of music.

The winner under the open category founded the Healing Musical Club upon his recovery in 1999, to perform for the elderly in old-age homes and hospitalised patients on public holidays.

Special inspiration award winner Yu Chui-yee lost a leg to bone cancer at 11. Instead of giving up on life, Ms Yu channelled her energies into fencing.

She is now one of the top-ranking female wheelchair fencers in the world. Her awards list includes the recent Wheelchair Fencing World Cup in Poland and the World Championships in Hungary in July.

Optimistic and easy-going, Ms Yu is also a keen volunteer.

She is the ambassador to the Children's Cancer Fund for the Chinese University of Hong Kong and enjoys sharing her experiences with others.

The award is the first organised by the Chinese edition of Reader's Digest.

Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan will choose their own winners under the three categories. Their results have yet to be announced.