OHKF Announces “The InnoStars Award” Winners

Six Innovative Leaders Recognised for Outstanding Achievement

(21 March 2018, Hong Kong)  To recognise the outstanding achievements of today’s leaders in the field of innovation and to inspire the city’s new generation to continue the legacy of  local pioneers, Our Hong Kong Foundation (“The Foundation” or “OHKF”) is proud to organise the first-ever “The InnoStars Award”. A total of six innovative leaders are presented in a ceremony officiated by HKSAR Chief Executive Mrs. Carrie Lam, with OHKF Chairman Mr. Tung Chee-hwa and OHKF Vice Chairman Dr. Victor Fung who is also Chair of the judging panel. The Foundation also invited Professor Michael Spence, recipient of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, to speak at the ceremony. 

With the theme “Reaching for the stars above and beyond Hong Kong”, the award opened for nominations in January 2018, and more than 70 nominations were received from a variety of industries. The winners are (in alphabetical order of Chinese family name): Alex Kong, Founder and Chairman of TNG FinTech Group; Joe Lee, Founder of Kuaidi Dache and Chairman of Weyao Holdings Limited; Li Zexiang, Professor of Electronic & Computer Engineering at HKUST; Steven Lam, Co-founder and CEO of GOGOVAN; Professor Dennis Lo, Professor Li Ka Shing Professor of Medicine at CUHK; and Simon Loong, Founder and CEO of WeLab. 

Theses six innovative leaders have broken the traditional boundaries with their innovative business models, bringing better products and services to Hong Kong and beyond. In addition, they have demonstrated the strength of Hong Kong companies in the area of innovation and creativity locally, regionally and globally. 

The award’s judging panel consists of reputed community leaders, including Dr. Victor Fung, Professor Tsui Lap-Chee, Mrs. Fanny Law, Dr. George Lam, Mr. Neil Shen, Professor Tony F Chan, Ir Dr. Andrew Chan, Dr. Frank Tong and Mr. Y.K. Pang.

“All of the nominees have accomplished outstanding achievements as innovative entrepreneurs across many different fields, showcasing a bright future for innovation and creativity in Hong Kong. As such, it was a difficult decision to select the winners,” said Dr. Victor Fung, chairman of the judging panel. “The six winners fought off tough competition by showing their unique contribution to the community, as well as their efforts to promote the city as a global creative leader.”

Dr. Fung highlighted their drive in combining originality and creativity and in overcoming all kinds of adversities and challenges. “The winners not only made the best use of modern technology but also developed their own technology to enhance the quality of our lives, substantially changing the ecosystem and business model of the industry and creating new economic opportunities and social values. These tireless explorers and innovators never hesitated to walk the extra mile and go beyond the traditional way of thinking, setting the perfect example for all of us.”

“Innovation and technology have always been two key forces that propel advancement and development in our modern society. They are also the key to Hong Kong’s relevance and competitiveness as a sustainable innovation centre,” said OHKF Executive Director Mrs. Eva Cheng. “As well as celebrating outstanding innovative entrepreneurs who have contributed to the development of Hong Kong’s innovation landscape, The InnoStars Award also aims to inspire the city’s new generation to continue the quest to innovate locally and globally, and carry forward the rich legacies left behind by early innovators, further promoting the development of innovative ideas in the long run,” she added.

The award is organised by OHKF in collaboration with The Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Institution of Science and Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences. Supporting organisations include Innovation and Technology Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government and Education, Science and Technology Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR. The strategic partners are Cyberport, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong and Federation of Hong Kong Industries. Hong Kong X Foundation is the sponsor for the award presentation ceremony.