Four athletes honored as 'Outstanding Young Persons'

Henry Siu

Four local athletes have been honored as part of this year's "Ten Outstanding Young Persons," including fencer Shawn Cheung Siu-lun and ice climbing champion Janet Kung Tsz-shan.

They are joined by wushu athlete Juanita Mok Uen-ying and retired tennis player Lynn Zhang Ling, along with three distinguished doctors: gastroenterology and hepatology specialist Loey Mak Lung-yi, neurology expert Gary Lau Kui-kai, and ophthalmologist Wong Oi-man.

The remaining awardees include Mark Mak Hin-yu, founder of the robotics company Roborn, climatologist Amos Tai Pui-kuen, and Solomon Yung Sze-hon, the youngest senior district director at AIA International Hong Kong.

During the award ceremony held yesterday, Cheung, a 39-year-old former member of the Hong Kong fencing team, noted the growing interest in fencing in recent years and welcomed the government's plans to construct fencing halls, signaling improvements in the sports infrastructure.

Kung, 30, who triumphed in the Cheung Chau Bun Scrambling Contest in both 2019 and this year, said her family did not initially support her ice climbing journey, which began at age 17. However, she persevered, believing in her ability to carve her own path to success.

Climatologist Tai encouraged individuals to pursue their passions, saying that while he could have followed a medical career, he chose to follow his interests, which led him to become a climate expert.

Hosted annually by The Junior Chamber International Hong Kong since 1970, this year's theme for the "Ten Outstanding Young Persons" selection is "Outstanding Young Persons - Keep Striving."

The awardees were selected from five categories - civil and social services, commerce and industry, education, performing arts/sports/culture and arts, and professionals.

This marks the first time in a decade that there are 10 awardees.