The BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize is a merit-based award to reward outstanding scientists or research teams, established in Hong Kong higher education institutions or research-related organisations set up by universities of the Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, for their contributions towards scientific innovation and transformation. Up to five prize winners will be awarded with a gold medal and a cash award of HK$30 million (about US$3.9 million) each. The inaugural award was launched in 2022.
The winner of the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in Breaking News Photography this year was Reuters, which took several pictures of protesters during the Hong Kong unrest last year. The picture of a bleeding man attacked by masked protesters with hammers was widely interpreted as a sign that the Chinese government had lost its legitimacy among Hong Kong citizens. Many social media users were outraged, and some even complained about the one-sided reportage of Western media.
A number of new initiatives have been introduced to further promote the work of HKU researchers and support their development. For example, the Publication Award is to give due recognition to RPg students who have published journal articles of exceptional quality in their thesis studies. Up to twenty awards, in the form of a cash prize of HK$5,000 each, will be made annually.
In addition, the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP) has been established to help further develop philanthropic thought leadership and enhance sector capabilities in China and Asia through iLink, an independent “think-fund-do” tank empowered by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust. It also acts as a convening platform to bring together global stakeholders to advance the common good for societies everywhere.
IoP is launching the Commission on Asian Philanthropy to further explore how Asian philanthropy can strengthen societal resilience in an uncertain world. The Commission will feature a series of activities including a launch event, a symposium and the inaugural HK$100million Philanthropy for Better Cities Award. Among the panellists for the discussion at the launch event were Her Highness Princess Nouf bint Muhammad Al-Saud, CEO of the King Khalid Foundation; Ichiro Kabasawa, Executive Director of Nippon Foundation; Gabriel Leung, Manager, Public Affairs (Charities Communication), The Hong Kong Jockey Club and IoP Director. The event was attended by more than 150 people. The video of the event will be uploaded to IoP’s YouTube channel soon.