Chinese achievers from various fields celebrated

Staff reporter

The 18th World Outstanding Chinese Award Ceremony was held yesterday to honor Chinese individuals who have excelled in various fields, including Hong Kong martial arts icon Donnie Yen Ji-dan and acclaimed Chinese film director Zhang Yimou.

Jointly organized by the World Chinese Business Investment Foundation and the United World Chinese Association, the ceremony took place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.

Notable guests included Early Light International chairman Francis Choi Chee-ming and chairman of Emperor Group Albert Yeung Sau-shing.

The World Outstanding Chinese Award was established in 2003 to honor exceptional Chinese individuals across various sectors. Carl Cheng Men-ky, chairman of the United World Chinese Association, said the ceremony recognizes individuals who contribute to their country and the global community, aiming to promote harmony and progress between China and the world.

Yen, Zhang Yimou, Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong president Wingco Lo Kam-wing, renowned clinical ophthalmologist Dennis Lam Shun-chiu, Chinese actor Zhang Guoli and Hong Kong actress Kara Wai Ying-hung were among this year's award recipients.

Yen received the award from Choi and Hong Kong Trade Development Council chairman Peter Lam Kin-ngok. "The award has a huge weight and meaning to me, and I feel so honored to receive it," Yen said.

Another winner, Zhang Guoli, said: "We Chinese have the largest population, and there are so many outstanding talents. This motivates me to work harder."

Yeung, who is also the Life Honorary President of the United World Chinese Association, said he felt honored to be one of the award presenters this year.

The 73-year-old Zhang Yimou was the only Chinese filmmaker to win the highest prizes at the Cannes Film Festival, Venice Film Festival, and Berlin International Film Festival, with notable works including Full River Red, House of Flying Daggers, Cliff Walkers, and The Flowers of War.

Additionally, Zhang was the director of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 and the Beijing Winter Olympic Games in 2022.