The HK Prize is a merit-based award hosted by the Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation. Sponsored by Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, it rewards outstanding scientists and research teams in Hong Kong or research-related institutions set up by higher education institutions in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area for their significant achievements in scientific innovation and transformation. The Charter is designed to promote scientific and standardized management of THE PRIZE and ensure the objectivity and fairness of the review process.
HK Prize 2024 winners were announced at a ceremony in the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong on 17 May. The Grand Prize of $30,000 went to Pakistani artist Sameen Agha for her sculptural piece A Home Is Terrible Place to Love. Hong Kong-based mixed media artist Michelle Fung won the Vogue Women’s Art Prize, while Demet from the Philippines took the Public Vote Prize for her work Paint Palette Emulation. The lifetime achievement award went to Hong Kong actor Michael Hui, who shaped Hong Kong comedy with such hits as Private Eyes (1976) and Security Unlimited (1981).
Submissions for the HK Prize are evaluated based on their clarity, innovation and research. In addition, consideration is given to whether the submission aligns with Hong Kong’s unique strengths and resources. Finally, the submission should demonstrate its potential to help people at lowest cost and greatest benefit, valuing all people equally. Submissions should be free of personal information, such as names and affiliations, to guarantee a blind review.
The first prize for the HK Prize is HK$100,000 and is awarded to one winner in each category. The winner will receive a certificate and a trophy. The winners of the HK Prize will also be invited to attend an awards ceremony held by Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation. The winners will be honoured by representatives of the government and the award sponsors.
In addition, the winning team will be provided with an opportunity to participate in a training programme on how to develop and commercialize science-based inventions in Hong Kong. This includes networking opportunities with a wide range of business partners in Hong Kong and around the world. The programme is funded by the Government of Hong Kong and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
In the event that there are no winners of the 1st prize, the prize money will be added to a jackpot fund for the next draw. In such cases, the prizes can build up to an amount of around HK$100 million. This is a record high for the HK Prize.
