Plenty of praise to go around

Staff reporter

"No act of kindness is small," said Sing Tao News Corp chairman Karson Choi Ka-tsan at the group's Praise Quest event honoring more than 100 students for positive energy.

A ceremony was held for them as part of the Praise Quest campaign's Most Commendable Students Award Scheme, which encourages Hongkongers to praise others.

Launched in March, it recognized the contributions of more than 100 individuals and groups for acts of goodwill, including district care teams delivering community support and such specific instances as elderly care center staff saving a child's life through cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

In the event at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Choi emphasized that the scheme's mission is to foster a culture of appreciation and promote positive energy in the city.

"A simple 'thank you,' a smile, or a thumbs-up carries recognition, affirmation and encouragement," he said.

"Everyone deserves praise if we see and feel with our hearts."

The event was attended by administration officials such as Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen and Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui as well as celebrity Kimbee Lau Chan Hoi-wan, also a trustee of The Joseph Lau Luen Hung Charitable Trust and chief executive of Chinese Estates.

Some 45 primary schools were invited to join the scheme last year in a pilot trial but the response exceeded expectations as more than 100 schools expressed interest in participating and many celebrities sponsored scholarships.

More than 120 schools are expected to participate this academic year, with 240 students set to receive awards.

A related online survey, "Spreading Positivity: Have You Praised Someone Today?," drew over 8,800 responses.

Choi said the survey found that nearly 60 percent of the respondents rarely initiated praise for fear of being seen as insincere, awkward or having a hectic lifestyle.

Yet 96 percent agreed praise strengthens relationships, boosts happiness and builds confidence, he added.

Choi urged award recipients to serve as "ambassadors of praise" to weave a "more positive Hong Kong," noting the campaign's unexpected success reflects growing public enthusiasm for recognizing everyday acts of kindness.

Detailed survey results will be published across Sing Tao's platforms.

Mak said the scheme evaluated students based on positive values such as national identity, sense of responsibility, commitment and law-abiding awareness.

"The initiative aims to recognize students excelling in holistic development, encourage self-affirmation and promote a culture of praise in society," she said.

Law praised the scheme for commending students who proactively help others.

She expressed hope that young people could cultivate compassionate and grateful hearts from an early age, adding that widespread adoption of the campaign's ethos would create a "positive, joyful and harmonious atmosphere" across the community.