Spirit of Hong Kong Awards: John Lee hails ‘role models’ as firefighters feted

Hong Kong firefighters have been honoured for their heroic response to November’s deadly Tai Po fire – the city’s worst in decades – at the 13th Spirit of Hong Kong Awards, which celebrates unsung heroes who contribute to the community or inspire others through stories of resilience and perseverance. The Fire Services Department received an appreciation flag at the awards co-organised by the South China Morning Post and Sino Group at the Conrad Hong Kong, where 10 winners were selected from 27 finalists. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu paid tribute to the winners, describing them as “role models for Hong Kong” whose optimism and firm determination have made a lasting impact on the city. “They are ordinary people who, through their selfless and painstaking efforts … make an extraordinary difference for Hong Kong, our home,” Lee said. “We call them ‘unsung heroes’. But tonight, we are here to sing their praises.” Lee highlighted that while the evening was a celebration of individual achievement, it also reflected the wider community’s commitment to mutual support. He noted that from volunteers delivering meals to the elderly, to citizens cheering on athletes late at night, a spirit of mutual support was visible everywhere. “Such is the quiet, persistent strength of Hong Kong – a community that uplifts one another not because it is asked, but because it is who we are,” he said. “Central to the spirit of Hong Kong is dedication, resilience, empathy and, above all, unity.” Sa’diyya Nesar won the Lion Rock People’s Choice Award – chosen by the people of Hong Kong – for her work in promoting disability inclusion. A published author and TEDx speaker living with myopathy, a muscular condition, she uses writing and public speaking to foster empathy and break down disability barriers. Nesar thanked her family, her nominator and the organisers of the awards. “Your trust made a difference. Perseverance, in the end, is about showing up despite the unknown,” she said. “I’m here not just as a person with a disability, but as a Muslim woman of South Asian origin, humbled to represent Hong Kong, our home. This award is not mine alone; it’s the fruit of a community.” Tammy Tam, publisher of the SCMP and judging panel member, noted that the event had been postponed from December due to the fire. “The spirit of Hong Kong also showcases the courage to face adversity head-on, and the resilience to bounce back, stronger than ever,” Tam said. “We saw this spirit in action through the immediate and collective support given to those impacted by the fatal Tai Po fire in November.” The city’s deadliest blaze in decades killed 168 and displaced nearly 5,000 when it tore through seven of Wang Fuk Court’s eight blocks. Presenting the flag to the firefighters, SCMP chairman Joe Tsai said: “There’s nothing that makes me more proud than standing up here at the beginning of this event, holding up that banner to give the award to the chief of the Fire Services Department.” Tsai, who is also the co-founder and chairman of mainland China’s e-commerce giant Alibaba Group – the owner of the SCMP – added that the Tai Po tragedy brought out Hong Kong’s resilience. “Everybody chipped in, and everybody helped us, helped Hong Kong to bounce back. And for that, I’m extremely proud for Hong Kong and of Hong Kong.” Judging panel chairman Paulo Pong Kin-yee paid special tribute to the Fire Services Department and hailed the bravery of its firefighters as “an inspiration to all”. Pong, the chairman of Ocean Park, also said the awards celebrated individuals and organisations that exemplified courage, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the community. David Begbie received the community award for running immersive simulations at the Crossroads Foundation that help participants experience life on the margins and foster empathy. Marisa Yiu was honoured with the culture award for co-founding Design Trust, which connects people and ideas through projects in overlooked urban spaces. The entrepreneurship award went to Rosie Chan Man-wai, who developed a black soldier fly larvae system that turns food waste into fertiliser and animal feed. Edwin Chan Ho-yin won the innovation award for his biotech start-up, Rare Power, which develops treatments for rare brain diseases. The nurturing award was given to Chan Yik-yeung, who co-founded Dream Compassioneers to help students learn compassion and leadership. John Loung, who won Paralympic gold in boccia after two decades of training, snatched the perseverance award. The Endeavour Environmental Education Foundation was given the sustainability award for running programmes that promote sustainable living at its centre in Kwu Tung. Empower by The Amber Foundation received the teamwork award for its volunteer network that empowers ethnic minority women. And Nikita Kuwadekar, who founded Busy Brew – Hong Kong’s first plant-based canned coffee brand – at the age of 19, was given the youth award. Sino Group chairman Daryl Ng Win Kong said the partnership with the SCMP provided an opportunity to honour Hong Kong’s unsung heroes. “These ordinary yet extraordinary people epitomise the Lion Rock spirit of care, courage and dedication that has made Hong Kong, our home, a compassionate, vibrant and special place,” Ng said. Other members of the judging panel were Eliza Chan Ching-har, Grace Chan Man-yee, Mathew Gollop, Joanna Hotung, and Nikki Ng Mien Hua. Founded in 2013, the awards are supported by corporate partners Bank of Singapore, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks, Manulife Hong Kong and Ocean Park Hong Kong.

Spirit of Hong Kong Awards: John Lee hails ‘role models’ as firefighters feted

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Sa’diyya Nesar wins the Lion Rock People’s Choice Award for her work in promoting disability inclusion

Sa’diyya Nesar wins the Lion Rock People’s Choice Award for her work in promoting disability inclusion