For more than 40 years, the Mark Six lottery has given hope and many benefits to Hong Kong people. It has raised more than HK$70 billion for society through the government’s Lotteries Fund and lottery duty, and has helped the city build itself into a world-class financial hub. It has also provided hope and financial support to those with cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, leukemia, or mental health issues. And for those who have won a 1st division prize, the amount of money they can claim is up to HK$100 million, thanks to a special jackpot feature.
The BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize 2024 was awarded to five scholars at Hong Kong universities today, each of them pocketing HK$2 million sponsored by Bank of China (Hong Kong). The prize carries the mission “Boosting Hong Kong and Serving the Country through Technology,” with a view to attracting global top scientific researchers, nurturing forward-looking scientists in Hong Kong, and together building the city into an international innovation and research hub.
The ceremony was held in the presence of Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, CY Leung. It was hosted by the HK Alliance of Technology and Innovation and the BOCHK. The prestigious award, established in 2022, recognises the pioneering research achievements of a Hong Kong scientist or team in the fields of artificial intelligence and robotics, life and science, new materials and new energy, advanced manufacturing, and fintech. The symbol of the prize, expressed both in its award logo and trophies conferred on winners, juxtaposes two precious elements – a pearl and a pierced jade amulet. It reflects the idea that scientific research is like a treasure hunt, with rewards that can be shared with the community.
The award is administered by the BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize Board, which is composed of a Review Committee, a Compliance Oversight Team, and a Secretariat. The Board is responsible for reviewing and interpreting the Charter; suggesting important scientific research fields for THE PRIZE; appointing members of the Review Committee and Compliance Oversight Team; setting requirements for nominating experts; verifying and approving the final review results; and overseeing all award activities. Its decisions are final. If any awardee is found to have violated the provisions of the Charter, the Board reserves the right to terminate the award and withdraw the prize money and trophy. The BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize Board has a code of conduct for its members to follow, which stipulates that members should be transparent in their work and adhere to the highest professional standards. More information about the Prize is available here.