From China to the world: best of the best

Staff reporter

Celebrities from different sectors were honored at the 17th World Outstanding Chinese Award presentation at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on Sunday.

Winners were University of Hong Kong president Zhang Xiang; emeritus professor at HKU Rosie Young Tse-tse; the chairman of Early Light International (Holdings) Ltd, Francis Choi Chee-ming; delegates of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Ko Wing-man, So Cheung-wing and Kenneth Fok Kai-kong; as well as the vice-chairman of Emperor Group, Alex Yeung Ching-loong. They received the World Outstanding Chinese Award for their significant contributions to society and the country.

Officiating guests were National People's Congress Standing Committee member, Tam Yiu-chung; CPPCC Standing Committee member and the chairman of Sunwah Group, Jonathan Choi Koon-shum; the chairman of Emperor Group, Albert Yeung Sau-sing; the founder and chairman of Four Seas Group, Stephen Tai Tak-fung; and CPPCC delegate Tang King-shing.

Tam said he hoped the award winners would promote unity and encourage more Chinese people to love their country, push for harmonious development and progress of the country and people in other countries, as well as to tell China's story well, and be proud of being Chinese.

Francis Choi was unable to attend the ceremony and his daughter, Carmen Choi Ka-man, who is vice-chairwoman of Early Light International (Holdings) Ltd, received the award on his behalf.

In his acceptance speech, Francis Choi said: "I'm honored to receive the World Outstanding Chinese Award. In the future, I will do my job well as always, and make contribution to society at the same time."

Francis Choi, known as the "Toy King," has been working in the toy industry for four decades. He and his family spare no effort in taking part in charitable work. In 2009, he was awarded the Golden Bauhinia Star.

In February, Francis Choi was ranked 11th in Hong Kong's 50 Richest by Forbes with US$8.1 billion (HK$63.1 billion) net worth. He was fifth among Hong Kong's richest real estate and industry people.

The awards presentation ceremonies of the World Outstanding Chinese Artist Award, the World Outstanding Chinese Youth Entrepreneur Award and the World Outstanding Chinese Youth Award were also held at HKCEC on Sunday.