A group of nine lawmakers in the US has nominated Hong Kong’s pro-democracy activists to receive the Nobel peace prize. In a letter to the Nobel committee released on Wednesday, the legislators across party lines praised the activists’ courage in face of Beijing’s crackdown on dissent. The letter says more than two million people took to the streets on 16 June, making it one of the world’s largest mass protests against a government.
HK Global Development Prize is open to all individuals and organisations that can share innovative ideas on establishing an Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme in Hong Kong, with the aim of contributing to the city’s international development efforts. The winning submission will be awarded a HK$5,000 cash prize, as well as an opportunity to present their ideas to key stakeholders in the development sector.
In the journalism categories, photographer Andy Chong Chun-pong won first merit with his work Piggyback Paddling in the Best Photography (News) category, and copywriter Edmond Tang Wing-on won second runner-up with his innovation piece In the Green Fast Lane for a story on Hong Kong’s green transport initiatives. The news video team also reached new heights, with editor Charles Schencking’s work titled Taking the Lead winning first prize in the Best News Video category, and producer James Cook taking second runner-up for his report on the city’s effort to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.
This year’s competition, which is organised by the Hong Kong Museum of History and the Hong Kong Institute for Promotion of Chinese Culture, is themed “Honour and Disgrace: The Historical Development of China and Hong Kong”. Participants are expected to learn actively outside class and examine the relationship between historic developments and changes in society.
Prize money for Hong Kong’s racing has risen by nearly 90% over the past 10 years, with Group 2 races up 5.6 per cent to HK$5 million and Group 3 events up 5.4% to HK$3.9 million. Meanwhile, prizes in Class One races have jumped by 4 per cent and those in Classes Four and Five are up by 4.7 per cent.
The 25th Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is offering a record high prize money of HK$100,000 to local runners under the ‘Special Incentive Award for Marathon’. Permanent residents who finish the race within three hours (sub-3) for men and under three and a half hours (sub 3:30) for women will receive the bonus. More details can be found here.