‘Shaw Award’ Winners’ Forum held in Hong Kong
An international award known as Asia’s Nobel Prize… Awards in astronomy-life science-mathematics categories, etc.
Government invests $5.1 billion in business development… Expansion of innovative technologies such as bio-artificial intelligence
The Hong Kong government invited science and technology scholars from around the world and announced its ambition to become ‘Asia’s science and technology hub.’ He declared that he would not spare any support in fostering innovative technologies (I&T) based on science and technology while fostering science awards comparable to the Nobel Prize. The will for international cooperation was also expressed. In recent years, with the Chinese government’s efforts to foster science and technology becoming more prominent, Hong Kong has established itself as a bridgehead between China and the rest of the world.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Laureates’ Forum (HKLF) held at Hong Kong Science Park from the 13th to the 18th, “Hong Kong is proud to be the home of a prestigious international award (the Shaw Award),” and added, “The Shaw Award winners’ outstanding achievements.” “The achievements were a great help in holding this forum, and Hong Kong will develop into an international I&T center,” he said.
Key figures from Hong Kong attended the opening ceremony of the ‘Hong Kong Laureates’ Forum (HKLF)’ held at Hong Kong Science Park on the 13th. From left, Martin Lee, Chairman of Henderson Land, John Lee, Hong Kong Chief Executive, Timothy Tong, Chairman of HKLF Foundation, and Raymond Chan, Dean of the College of Science at City University of Hong Kong. Hong Kong = Donga Science HKLF is the official side event of the ‘Shaw Prize’, which is called ‘Asia’s Nobel Prize’. It was first planned in 2019, but was held for the first time this year after being postponed for several years due to the novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19). This event, inspired by the ‘Nobel Prize Dialogue’, a side event of the Nobel Prize, was created to raise the status of the Show Prize in international academia. Shaw Sang was founded in 2002 by Hong Kong businessman Ren Run Shaw. Awards are given in three categories: astronomy, life sciences and medicine, and mathematics. The prize money is 1 million dollars (about 1.3 billion won).
HKLF receives full support from Hong Kong’s political and business circles. For this inaugural forum, the Hong Kong government took the lead in inviting speakers and attendees. The cost of the event was fully sponsored by the Li Jiaoji Foundation, established by Li Jiaozi, former chairman of Hengji Group (Henderson Land), who was considered one of Hong Kong’s two richest men.
Martin Lee, chairman of Henderson Land, Li Jiaozi’s second son, said in his congratulatory speech at the opening ceremony, “Over the past few years, the Li Jiaozi Foundation and Henderson Land have supported scientific research at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Hang Seng University, and University College London (UCL) in the UK.” “We are honored to sponsor this exchange, which has been prepared for a long time to bring about high-level innovation and scientific breakthroughs,” he said.
World-renowned scholars also responded to this event, which was jointly prepared by the Hong Kong government and businesses. Renowned scholars include Professor Emeritus Reinhard Genzel of the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), who received the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics, Professor Peter Hegemann of Humboldt University in Germany, winner of the 2021 Lasker Prize in Basic Medicine, and Dr. Gerd Paltings, winner of the Fields Medal in 1986. Scientists gathered together. According to the organizers, about 200 scientists from 30 countries were invited.
Scholars who attended the forum said that this forum served as an opportunity for Hong Kong to increase its presence in the international science and technology community. Roger Blandford, a professor at Stanford University and winner of the 2020 Shaw Award in the astronomy category, said, “It was very encouraging that the head of Hong Kong attended the forum in person. I felt that the government has a strong commitment to the field of science and technology, and the government’s efforts “As such, Hong Kong’s influence in the science and technology world will expand in the future.”
Young science students also showed positive views. Lee Yong-jin, who graduated from his undergraduate degree in Korea and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Illinois, said, “I was able to have the opportunity to meet scholars in various fields. If these events continue, Hong Kong’s science will be promoted to young scientists around the world.” “It will help demonstrate our commitment to fostering technology,” he said.
The Hong Kong government’s efforts to secure competitiveness in science and technology are expected to become more active in the future. Andy Wong, head of I&T at the Hong Kong Investment Board, said, “In recent years, we have invested $5.1 billion (approximately KRW 6.6 trillion) in more than 30 science and technology venture companies in various fields such as biotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI),” adding, “In the future, the I&T field will expand significantly.” “We will continue to expand investment,” he emphasized.
They are also active in talent development. Chief Executive Lee said, “In order to maintain Hong Kong’s scientific and technological competitiveness, the government is making efforts to foster, attract and retain talented people. Recently, more than 50 world-class scientists have established themselves as professors and researchers in Hong Kong, and they will continue to work in the future.” “We plan to secure dozens more,” he said.
Hong Kong = Donga Science
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.