The prestigious 2024 Leader of the Year awards, organized by Sing Tao News Corporation, honored five individuals and groups for their outstanding societal contributions to Hong Kong on Friday night (Jun 20) at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong.

In a congratulatory letter, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu praised Sing Tao’s awards for recognizing outstanding talent across key sectors who are helping drive Hong Kong’s integration into national development and seizing global opportunities.

Speaking at the gala as guest of honor, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po highlighted Sing Tao’s efforts to promote positivity in society. He praised the success stories of local leaders and encouraged sharing them widely to inspire others.

On the economy, Chan cited the stock market’s strong performance in 2025: the Hang Seng Index rose 15 percent, trading volumes more than doubled in the first five months, and Hong Kong ranked first globally in IPO fundraising at nearly HK$90 billion.

Chan outlined three factors behind this market success: “stability inspires confidence,” “technology leads the way,” and “innovation drives growth.” He pointed to strong performances in tech and biotech sectors and increasing foreign investment.

Finally, he acknowledged challenges in traditional sectors like retail and food, but noted all industries are seeking fresh strategies. Regardless of field, he said, success lies in solving pain points, creating value, and offering new experiences.

Sing Tao News Corp chairman Kwok Ying-shing emphasized that only when Hong Kong is strong can the nation grow stronger; only when Hong Kong thrives can the nation thrive even more.

Kwok noted business challenges amid global instability, especially declining sales, and stressed the need for resilience and self-reliance from both the Hong Kong government and local enterprises.

Sing Tao News Corp chairman Karson Choi Ka-tsan stressed that being named a Leader of the Year is not just an honor but also a responsibility, and that truly outstanding leaders must have vision and the wisdom to turn crises into opportunities.

Amid a turbulent global landscape, China’s leaders have firmly declared that the country will never yield to military and diplomatic bullying or trade protectionism, steadfastly upholding its role as defenders of global peace and stability, Choi noted.

Choi called on all sectors of Hong Kong society, especially outstanding political and business leaders, to unite, take action, and contribute to building a prosperous and stable future for the city.

As the city’s most prolific and influential media organization, Sing Tao has embraced change proactively. He highlighted the success of the group’s digital transformation, with its Sing Tao Headline app at the core of its thriving new media business.

Initiatives like Sing Tao Probe and Praise Quest have also gained widespread popularity, serving as bridges between the government, businesses, and the public while injecting positive energy into society.

Addressing the persistent smear campaigns by some foreign media, which have led to misconceptions about Hong Kong overseas, Choi revealed that Sing Tao’s English newspaper The Standard and its website are undergoing a comprehensive revamp.

The goal is to leverage the 76-year-old media platform, with its established global readership, to tell authentic Hong Kong stories more widely and powerfully and in a more relatable manner to English-speaking audiences worldwide.

Choi stressed the importance of “telling the authentic stories of Hong Kong. Whether it is a leader or a news outlet, integrity is essential.”

He said Sing Tao remains committed to its principles of “professionalism, truth-seeking, and full credibility,” ensuring readers can trust its coverage of Hong Kong, China, and global affairs without needing to fact-check.

2024 Leader of the Year winners:

Paul Chan: ‘Innovate and capitalize on opportunities’