Canto-pop star Kelly Chen Wai-lam has been selected as one of this year's Ten Outstanding Young Persons for her achievements in the entertainment field and for charity work.
Chen, 29, said she was surprised to win the award and hoped her selection would encourage youngsters to brave the difficulties brought by the economic downturn.
'It [the award] is a commitment. I will continue to work hard for my job, participate more in charity work and help promote Hong Kong's tourism,' she said.
Chen has been a singer and actor for seven years and has received several local and international awards. She has often topped the list in popularity surveys.
Besides acting as ambassador for several charities and helping to promote various campaigns, she set up the Kelly Chen Children Education Fund in July.
Other awardees are Eva Chan Hing-wan, Dr Ho Pak-cheong, erhu player Hsin Hsiao-hung, Dr George Lau Ka-kit, Stephen Lee Chi-kong, violinist Leung Kin-fung, Dr Leung Tung-yeung, film-maker and actress Barbara Wong Chun-chun and Professor Vivian Yam Wing-wah.