Controversial pair among recipients of Gold Bauhinia Star

Some eyebrows may be raised by the inclusion of two controversial public figures in this year's honours list.

Eight people - including former Urban Renewal Authority chief Billy Lam Chung-lun and former Applied Science and Technology Research Institute chairman Allan Wong Chi-yun - have been honoured with the Gold Bauhinia Star.

Mr Lam was the subject of fierce criticism from residents affected by clearance projects when he was director of the authority.

Dr Wong lost the chairmanship of the research institute last year after an Audit Commission report highlighted management deficiencies including the spending of HK$181,000 on fung shui consultations.

According to the protocol division, Dr Wong is being recognised for his 'efforts in promoting the technology upgrade of local industries', while Mr Lam is being recognised for having laid 'a solid foundation for the URA's future work'.

Composer Peter Kam Pui-tat, Cantonese opera actress Chan Ho-kau, filmmaker Eric Tsang Chi-wai, singer and television host Maria Cordero and singer Alan Tam Wing-lun are among 74 awarded the Medal of Honour.

Cordero said she was surprised by the news.