Watson's executive Ed van de Weerd among 80 honoured at Hong Kong Police Good Citizen Awards

Eighty citizens were commended at the Hong Kong Police Good Citizen Award Presentation Ceremony on Saturday in recognition of their bravery, civic responsibility and willingness to help those in need.

Speaking at the ceremony, Commissioner of Police Joe Chow Yat-ming remarked that every split-second decision in daily life to offer assistance can turn the tide of a crisis, much like pivotal moments in blockbuster movies that shape the entire outcome. 

He added that the awardees hail from all walks of life and age groups across the community, with every single case worthy of deep admiration. 

Among the 80 awardees, Leung received the Good Citizen of the Year Award for rescuing three people during Super Typhoon Ragasa last September. He and his father steered their small boat near Chai Wan to save drowning victims.  

Ed van de Weerd, Chief Executive Officer of Health and Beauty Europe Continental Europe of AS Watson, was also presented with the Good Citizen Award for bravely rescuing a woman who fell into the sea at Hung Hom waterfront during a business trip in Hong Kong last year. He traveled to the city specially to accept the honour today, recognising his bravery and civic compassion.

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The incident took place at around 11 pm on November 19 last year, when the temperature hovered at just 13 to 16 degrees Celsius. Visiting from the Netherlands for a corporate meeting, Ed witnessed the woman fall into the sea near his hotel and struggle while calling for help. 

Although bystanders threw a lifebuoy, she could not grasp it and was in grave danger. Without hesitation, Ed jumped into the water, pulled the woman to safety and helped bring her ashore. Paramedics later transported her to the hospital.

Describing the rescue, Ed said it was purely instinctive. “There was no time to think — I acted purely on instinct to help. I firmly believe that anyone who can swim would make the same choice in the same situation, because when a life is in imminent danger, no one can stand idly by,” he said. 

Deeply moved and grateful, Ed said he was only doing his duty and wished the victim a full recovery, hoping his act would show that small kindnesses can save lives.

Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, noted that commended Ed for his unhesitating bravery during the crisis, noting his sincerity and courage have earned heartfelt admiration from the entire group. 

“Ed’s actions truly reflect our core values — care for the community and grow as one. This spirit is not a slogan, but a belief we strive to put into practice every day,” she said.