The Hongkong Prize is an academic scholarship presented annually to outstanding members of the Academy. Its main purpose is to foster scientific research in Hong Kong and its winner will receive both a gold medal and cash prize of HK$25,000. First established in 2022 to foster scientific development within Hong Kong as well as enhance technological innovation climate within Hong Kong itself and attract scientific researchers both locally and abroad, this prize aims to attract talent in order to further its objectives.
Hongkong Prize finalists for 2017 have been announced, with Ng Siew Chien receiving the Life and Science award for her groundbreaking noninvasive tests to detect gastrointestinal tract disorders and autism spectrum disorders. Zhang Hua, Chen Shih-chi, and Wang Cong were honored with an Engineering and Technology prize for their accomplishments in nanomaterial phase engineering, 3D micro- and nanofabrication techniques, as well as innovative data and AI security technologies.
This year’s competition attracted over one thousand entries from all around the globe. A panel of judges narrowed it down to 10 submissions for exhibition at Hong Kong Museum of Arts; “A Home is a Terrible Place to Love,” by Pakistani artist and sculptor Sameen Agha was the winning piece; depicting a house which appeared to be collapsing like an overfilled cardboard box, it ultimately won.
Hong Kong stands out among Asian racing venues as having one of the highest prize pools, making it an attractive racing venue. Not only are top three finishers in individual events eligible for higher payouts; even non-medal winners receive large payments; for instance a kitesurfer from Singapore placing fifth to eighth will receive up to HK$750,000 while swimmers who come sixth through ninth place receives up to HK$500,000 payout.
Hongkong Prize’s prize fund has reached over HK$100 million for the first time ever this year, with second and third prizes more than doubling from previous years. This milestone has created widespread excitement within the betting industry and several betting shops on Mable Street in North Point have been pointed to as potential sources of lucky tickets – likely pushing its jackpot back up past 100 million again!