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Hong Kong society
Opinion
SCMP Editorial
SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Spirit of Hong Kong Awards a celebration of city’s unsung heroes

In addition to the inspiring winners in 10 categories, the awards this year honoured the city’s firefighters

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Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu greets finalists and guests of the Spirit of Hong Kong Awards at the Grand Ballroom of Conrad Hotel in Admiralty on February 24. Photo: Eugene Lee
SCMP Editorial
The worst of times can bring out the best in people. They are the ultimate test of the spirit of Hong Kong – the resilience and mutual support in adversity for which the city is renowned. If any evidence were needed that it prevails, it was to be found at the annual celebration of some outstanding examples – the 13th Spirit of Hong Kong Awards co-organised by the South China Morning Post and Sino Group. The awards recognise unsung heroes who contribute to the community or inspire us with stories of resilience and perseverance.
Barely three months after one of the worst times in the city’s history – the Wang Fuk Court fire that claimed 168 lives and displaced about 5,000 people – the city’s firefighters were honoured at the awards night for their heroic response with an appreciation flag. The city is forever in their debt. SCMP chairman Joe Tsai said he was proud to present the flag to the firefighters, and of the fact that “everybody chipped in, and everybody helped us, helped Hong Kong to bounce back”.

But the Spirit of Hong Kong Awards ceremony also belonged to the 10 winners selected from 27 finalists. As Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said: “They are ordinary people who, through their selfless and painstaking efforts … make an extraordinary difference for Hong Kong, our home. We call them ‘unsung heroes’. But tonight, we are here to sing their praises.” Lee said the celebration of individual achievement also reflected wider community commitment to mutual support. “Central to the spirit of Hong Kong is dedication, resilience, empathy and, above all, unity.”

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Sa’diyya Nesar won the Lion Rock People’s Choice Award 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 lower disability barriers.

Judging panel chairman Paulo Pong Kin-yee said the awards celebrated individuals and organisations that exemplified courage, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the community. The awards honoured contributions to Hong Kong’s culture, community, entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainability, perseverance, teamwork, youth and the nurturing of compassion and leadership.

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