Hong Kong award winners announced: Carrie Lam receives top civic medal

Hong Kong’s second highest-ranking official has been awarded the SAR’s top civic honour in its annual awards. Chief Secretary Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor is one of seven prominent figures from the political, business, and community services sectors to be granted the Grand Bauhinia Medal. More than half of the recipients of the highest honour come from the business and professional sectors. Joining Lam are pro-Beijing businessman Chan Wing-kee, respected entrepreneurs Hu Fa-kuang and Dr Victor Lo Chung-wing, scientist Professor Tsui Lap-chee and solicitor Moses Cheng Mo-chi. Veteran lawmaker Tam Yiu-chung, of the leading pro-government party Democratic Alliance for Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), has also received the top honour. Government number two Lam is chair of the honours committee but took no part in the decision, the government’s Protocol Division said. This year sees the largest number of Grand Bauhinia Medals handed out since 2010. Meanwhile, firefighters Thomas Cheung, 30, and Samuel Hui Chi-kit, 37, who were killed battling the mini-storage facility blaze in Ngau Tau Kok last week, have been awarded posthumous gold medals for bravery. A day of remembrance and tribute for Hong Kong firefighter killed in blaze Cheung and Hui were praised for having “shown the most conspicuous courage, selflessness and gallantry of the highest order” and hailed for having “demonstrated the noblest qualities of a public servant”. A total of 310 people have been given awards this year in recognition of their contributions to the society. Among the officials and pro-government politicians to receive awards are a staunch supporter of Leung, Leonie Ki Man-fung, lawmakers Chan Kam-lam and Vincent Fang Kang. Hong Kong Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, media tycoon Liu Changle, businessman Tung Chee-chen – brother of former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa, are on the list of 18 to receive the Gold Bauhinia Star. Former civil service chief Paul Tang Kwok-wai was awarded a Gold Bauhinia Star. He had been abruptly removed by Leung last July amid speculation that the chief executive was unhappy about his performance. The citation states Tang’s “loyal and distinguished service to the government” and his “exemplary contributions in the areas of labour and welfare, as well as civil service”. Canto-pop singer, actor and film producer Andy Lau Tak-wah is awarded the Bronze Bauhinia Star. The DAB’s Tam said: “I feel honoured and I like to thank all those who have given me support during the so many years.” Tam, who is not going to seek another term, laughed off suggestions that it is a “consolation prize” for his retiring from the local politics. “I am not quitting politics. If needed, I shall be very much willing to continue playing a role in nurturing young political talents.” Modelled on the British system, the Hong Kong honours awards is designed to recognise people who have done good work for the community but has been criticised as a system for distributing prizes to allies of the government. 2016 Honours List Source: Protocol Division, HK government Grand Bauhinia Medal 1. Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, chief secretary for administration 2. Tam Yiu-chung, legislator, Democratic Alliance for Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong 3. Chan Wing-kee, permanent honorary president, Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong 4. Victor Lo Chung-wing, chairman, Gold Peak Group 5. Hu Fa-kuang, founder and honorary chairman, Ryoden Development Group 6. Moses Cheng Mo-chi, consultant, P C Woo & Co 7. Tsui Lap-chee, president, Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong Gold Bauhinia Star 1. Lai Tung-kwok, secretary for security 2. Wong Kam-sing, secretary for the environment 3. Chan Mo-po, secretary for development 4. Chan Kam-lam, legislator, Democratic Alliance for Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong 5. Vincent Fang Kang, legislator, Liberal Party 6. Mr Justice Anthony Yo Kwai-fung, judge of Court of First Instance of the High Court 7. Tung Chee-chen, chairman and president, Orient Overseas (International) 8. Anissa Wong Sean-yee, permanent secretary for the environment 9. Richard Yuen Ming-fai, permanent secretary for food and health 10. Annie Tam Kam-lan, permanent secretary for labour and welfare 11. Leonie Ki Man-fung, executive director, New World Development Company 12. Pang Yiu-kai, chief executive, Hongkong Land 13. Charles Yeung Chun-kam, chairman, Glorious Sun Enterprises 14. Liu Changle, chairman and chief executive officer, Phoenix Satellite Television Holdings 15. Lo Man-tuen, chairman, Wing Li Group (International) 16. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, chief executive officer, Hong Kong Jockey Club 17. Lam Kwong-siu, vice-chairman, BOC International Holdings 18. Paul Tang Kwok-wai, former secretary for the civil service Gold Medal for Bravery 1. Thomas Cheung (posthumous), senior station officer, Fire Services Department 2. Samuel Hui Chi-kit (posthumous), senior fireman, Fire Services Department Some highlights of other recipients: Silver Bauhinia Star 1. Starry Lee Wai-king, chairman, Democratic Alliance for Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong 2. Lai Man-hin, director of fire services 3. Michael Li Hon-shing, executive director, Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners 4. Fanny Cheung Mui-ching, pro-vice-chancellor and vice-president, Chinese University of Hong Kong 5. Pui Kwan-kay, vice-president, Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China 6. Richard Lloyd Pontzious, founder and artistic director, Asian Youth Orchestra 7. Peter Nguyen Van-tu, retired High Court judge Bronze Bauhinia Star 1. Tony Yue Kwok-leung, vice-president, Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China 2. Michael Wu Siu-ieng, managing director, Gray Line Tours of Hong Kong 3. Andy Lau Tak-wah, founder, Focus Group Holdings 4. Johnny Mok Shiu-luen, barrister 5. Lo Chung-mau, head, department of surgery, University of Hong Kong 6. Raymond So Wai-man, dean, school of business, Hang Seng Management College 7. Joseph Yu Shin-gay, chairman, Roseville Group of Companies 8. Vincent Marshall Lee Kwan-ho, chairman, Tung Tai Group of Companies 9. Thomas James Mehrmann, chief executive, Ocean Park 10. Leung Tin-wai, head, department of journalism and communication, Shue Yan University 11. Stark Chan Yik-hei, director, Bull B Tech 12. Chan Yuen-ting, head coach, Eastern Sports Club