John Lee Celebrates Shaw Prize Laureates at 2026 Award Ceremony in Hong Kong

Speech by CE at Shaw Prize 2026 Award Presentation Ceremony

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Shaw Prize 2026 Award Presentation Ceremony today (November 10):

Dr Raymond Chan (Chair of the Shaw Prize Foundation), Professor Kenneth Young (Chair of the Shaw Prize Council), Professor Reinhard Genzel (Chair of the Board of Adjudicators of the Shaw Prize Foundation), esteemed laureates, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. It is a great pleasure to be here, with you, on this grand occasion - the 23rd Shaw Prize Award Presentation Ceremony. This year, we celebrate the seminal achievements of seven laureates in three disciplines: astronomy, life science and medicine, and mathematical sciences.

I am honoured to congratulate each one of you on your pioneering work and consequential discoveries. In advancing the sciences, you contribute to the evolution of civilisation. You light the way for the next generation to follow - to discover their own bright way.

Your work reflects a deep commitment to science and the pursuit of knowledge. Hong Kong shares that commitment, and we are turning it into action. In Hong Kong's inaugural Five-Year Plan, launched in September, we place high priority on developing a large area of Hong Kong land called the Northern Metropolis. More than a new economic engine, the Northern Metropolis will promote the integrated development of education, industry, and research and technology.

We are developing three university towns, covering an area of more than 1 000 hectares. Each will have its own focus. One will focus on medicine, life and health technology, AI, robotics, microelectronics, and emerging industries. Another will be a centre for applied post-secondary education in smart manufacturing and for cultivating global talent. The third will emphasise the arts and blue-and-green development elements.

These university towns will attract and welcome scholars and students from around the world, together with interdisciplinary research institutes, joint laboratories and other centres. These will bring academia, research and industry together.

The Shaw Prize celebrates curiosity, rigour and discovery. Those are also the qualities behind our investment in the university towns. The Government believes in a future centred on science. We believe in the rewards that knowledge brings to us all.

Ladies and gentlemen, I know you will enjoy this very special evening here in Hong Kong, Asia's education city. Once again, congratulations to the 2026 Shaw Prize laureates. Thank you.

Source: AI-found images

Speech by CE at Shaw Prize 2026 Award Presentation Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by CE at Shaw Prize 2026 Award Presentation Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Source: AI-found images

DESIGN@HKG 2026 sponsored by CCIDA launches today

Sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, DESIGN@HKG 2026 was officially launched today (November 10). From today until November 24, the organiser, the Hong Kong Design Centre, collaborates with over 80 local and international partners to present more than 40 thematic events across various districts in Hong Kong, extending the creative atmosphere to every corner of the city.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Miss Drew Lai, remarked that DESIGN@HKG is a new brand launched this year as the city programme of the annual design flagship event, Business of Design Week. More design-themed district activities are hosted to promote cross-sectoral and cross-regional exchanges and collaborations, further demonstrating Hong Kong's innovative strength as Asia's design capital.

A series of DESIGN@HKG 2026 events will take place around the territory, including the Peak, Central, Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei, Sai Kung, etc, encompassing interactive installations, guided tram tours, design exhibitions, workshops and sharing sessions, which will allow the public and tourists to experience and discover the infinite possibilities for and charm of integrating design into everyday life. For more information about DESIGN@HKG 2026, please visit designathkg.com.

DESIGN@HKG 2026 sponsored by CCIDA launches today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DESIGN@HKG 2026 sponsored by CCIDA launches today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases