Hong Kong’s ‘can-do spirit’ embodied in 26 award finalists
In the fourth annual Spirit of Hong Kong Awards, organised by the South China Morning Post, 26 finalists have been chosen for their remarkable achievements and contributions to society
Twenty-six outstanding individuals have been nominated for the South China Morning Post’s Spirit of Hong Kong Awards this year, the fourth of the annual series to honour the work of well-known as well as unsung heroes who make a difference in this city.
Over the next few weeks, the Post will run stories about these nominees, ranging from a teenager on a relentless eco-quest to a strong-willed mother single-handedly changing lives, a blind technologist with a noble vision, and a septuagenarian who refuses to let age stop her bringing sunshine into people’s lives. They are all impressive in different ways, but what links them together is how they embody the “spirit of Hong Kong”.
“Hong Kong faces much economic uncertainty and social turmoil this year, but there is also plenty of hope when we look at the individuals who, on their own or though their organisations, contribute so much to this city,” Post Editor-in-Chief Tammy Tam said. “There are unsung heroes as well-recognised figures among them, all demonstrating the spirit of Hong Kong.
“This year the Post will once again seek out and pay tribute to the people who succeed against all odds, sacrifice personal gain to help others, blaze new trails in their fields, and make this city a better place for everyone.”
“Hong Kong people have always had that spirit to make it happen; make something out of nothing; make the impossible possible,” he said.
There will be one award for each of seven categories: cultural preservation, innovation for good, compassion ambassador, community contribution, overcoming personal challenges, corporate citizen and Lion Rock entrepreneur. In addition, readers can also vote for their favourite finalist in the People’s Choice Award, starting from July 4. Results will be announced in late July.
MTR Corporation chairman Frederick Ma Si-hang, former secretary for commerce and economic development, will continue to chair the 10-member judging panel.
As the sponsor of the awards, Sino Group executive director Daryl Ng Win-kong sees it as an honour to support the celebration of the city’s heroes and their contributions to society.
“Whether by making extra efforts to help others, or overcoming personal difficulties to reach for the stars, or spreading love and warmth to those in need, these wonderful individuals epitomise the Lion Rock spirit in their own and unique way, and together, they weave the fabric of the Hong Kong story,” he said.
