Movie star Andy Lau Tak-wah, veteran actor Bowie Wu Fung, golfer Taichi Kho and fencer Vivian Kong Man-wai were among the 502 named in this year's honors list.
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Five people were awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal, the highest award under the city's honors and awards system: veteran pro-establishment legislator Martin Liao Cheung-kong, pro-Beijing think tank consultant Lau Siu-kai, renowned geotechnical engineer Lee Chack-fan, Henderson Land Development chairman Peter Lee Ka-kit and Hong Kong Federation of Fujian Associations honorary chairman Lam Shu-chit.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu praised Liao for his long-term active participation in public service. "He has been committed to coordinating and uniting [Legislative Council] members to support the government, as well as enhancing Legco operations," Lee added.
Lau was awarded for his insightful advice on strengthening the practice of one country, two systems and maintaining Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, as well as helping the public correctly understand the stance of the central and SAR governments.
"I have made the study of Hong Kong issues my lifelong career and I will continue to engage in this area of research, regardless of whether there are awards in the future," Lau said.
Peter Lee was honored as an eminent entrepreneur with a passion for community service, who contributed land and vacant units to provide short-term accommodation to grassroots families in urgent need and those who have been waiting for public rental housing for years.
He thanked society for their support and committed to "work with all sectors of the community to fully support the country and Hong Kong to achieve better development and build a better home."
The government commended Lam for leading a number of clansmen organizations over the years and Lee Chack-fan for his contribution to the development of arts and culture.
Among the 12 people awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star, lawmaker Priscilla Leung Mei-fun expressed gratitude to the government, saying that the honor belonged to her team.
Receiving the Silver Bauhinia Star with 23 others, Andy Lau told the media that he would "continue to do [my] best in contributing to society."
Actor Wu, one of the 40 Bronze Bauhinia Star awardees, said his contribution to Hong Kong was minor compared to others and encouraged the younger generation to keep learning and work hard.
Another Bronze Bauhinia Star awardee, retired badminton gold medalist Amy Chan Lim-chee, said the honor was not a recognition of her personally but of all elite athletes.
Eleven medalists at last year's 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou were among the 105 who received the Medal of Honor, including fencer Kong. She said the honor reminds her to serve the community with her passion in fencing.
Fourteen people received Distinguished Service Medals and 46 received Meritorious Service Medals for their work in the Disciplined Services and ICAC, 86 received the Chief Executive's Commendation for community service and 170 received the Chief Executive's Commendation for government/public service.
A government spokesman said: "The Chief Executive expresses gratitude and extends congratulations to all award recipients and hopes that they will continue to excel in their own fields and serve the community."
The presentation ceremony will be held later this year.
