27 people, groups named finalists for 14th Spirit of Hong Kong Awards

Twenty-seven individuals and groups have been named finalists for the 14th Spirit of Hong Kong Awards, which recognises the unsung heroes of the city who have made major contributions to society.

This year’s shortlist for the awards, co-organised by Sino Group and the South China Morning Post, is divided into nine categories: community, culture, innovation, sustainability, perseverance, teamwork, youth, nurturing and entrepreneurship.

“The self-effacing yet extraordinary efforts of these wonderful individuals have made positive differences on the lives of others, making our beloved city a more compassionate, vibrant and special place,” said Daryl Ng Win-kong, chairman of Sino Group.

“These wonderful people have worked tirelessly with humility, resilience and professionalism, and some of their solutions have gone international, being used outside Hong Kong. Their work deserves to be valued, celebrated and held in our hearts with gratitude.

“One act of love can inspire many more. Let’s build a better Hong Kong together.”

Paulo Pong Kin-yee, founder and managing director of Altaya Group and chairman of this year’s judging panel, said: “We were asked to look at fortitude, impact and inspiration. Hong Kong still depends on labour that is taken up elsewhere, and on labour that never leaves the street where it began.”

Some innovation entries have taken scientific research from the laboratory into agriculture, medical screening and other real-world applications. Sustainability finalists are working on areas including coral restoration, local farming and greener production.

Community finalists are addressing needs such as mental health, support for young people with cancer, and nature education.

Culture entries range from large organisations to individual practitioners and educators, with work covering music, heritage, teaching, research and creative practice.

The perseverance category includes people living with serious illness, as well as others who have overcome difficult personal circumstances and gone on to work in healthcare and science.

Teamwork finalists include volunteer networks and groups working in patient support, education and social services.

Finalists in the nurturing category work with children and young people, including those with special educational needs or facing difficulties at school or at home. Youth finalists include young Hongkongers pursuing projects in science, community service and social causes.

Entrepreneurship entries use business, research and technology to address social, medical or environmental needs.

The awards were established in 2013 to recognise society’s unsung heroes and organisations whose work might escape public attention.

Nine winners will be selected by the judging panel, while readers will be able to vote online for the Lion Rock People’s Choice Award. Results are due to be announced at a ceremony in December.

Profiles of the finalists will appear in the SCMP and on the awards website in the coming weeks. Public voting starts this month.