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The third Prize Presentation ceremony of “The LUI Che Woo Prize - Prize for World Civilisation” (“the Prize”), comprising the Sustainability Prize, Welfare Betterment Prize and Positive Energy Prize, was successfully held on 3 October in Hong Kong. About a thousand guests, including governmental officials, academics, consuls, business elites and members of local and international media, attended the ceremony to witness the commendation of laureates in an event underpinned by the aspiration to advance world civilisation by fostering global harmony in the spirit of positive energy, charity and peace.

 

The Hon Mrs Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of HKSAR, The Hon Mr Tung Chee-hwa, Vice Chairman of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, have kindly consented to present the esteemed prizes alongside Dr Lui Che-woo, Founder of the Prize. Other guests of honour included Mr Wang Zhimin, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong, and Prof Lawrence J. Lau, chairman of the LUI Che Woo Prize Recommendation Committee, Hans-Josef Fell, awardee of the Sustainability Prize was joined by representatives of the World Meteorological Organization and the Pratham Education Foundation, respective winners of the Welfare Betterment Prize and the Positive Energy Prize, at the ceremony to receive the prizes.

Founded in 2015, the Prize is awarded in three categories: the Sustainability Prize, the Welfare Betterment Prize and the Positive Energy Prize.

Biographical Note of Laureates

The LUI Che Woo Prize 2018 in the Sustainability category, with “Development of Renewable Energy” as its specific Area of Focus, was awarded to Hans-Josef Fell. Mr Fell has been an environmental pioneer since the 1970s. He founded the world’s first energy community to produce solar power in 1994, transforming the market for renewable energy, and successfully fought for the adoption of the Renewable Energy Act in the German Parliament. This law has since been replicated over 100 times around the globe, contributing to changes in renewable energy practices worldwide. Building on his huge success in bringing Germany to be the world's first major renewable energy economy in 2000, he has since then been sharing best practices and negotiating with governments and parliaments worldwide to accelerate the global transition to 100% renewable energy, extending his impact to the global level.

 

World Meteorological Organization (WMO), laureate of the LUI Che Woo Prize 2018 in the Welfare Betterment category with a special focus on “Reduction of the Impact of Natural Disasters”. WMO sets worldwide standards and provides the framework for international cooperation by supporting its 191 member states and territories to implement the adopted policies, leading to better monitoring, forecasting and communication of meteorological hazards on a global scale. Its persistent effort is pivotal in the tenfold reduction in global loss of life from extreme weather, climate and water-related events observed over the past half-century.

 

Pratham Education Foundation was awarded the LUI Che Woo Prize 2018 in the Positive Energy category with a specific area of focus on “Elimination of Illiteracy” for its dedication to improving quality of education and contributing to literacy attainment, Pratham directly helps one million children attain basic literacy and numeracy annually. Profoundly wedded to evidence-based models, it is now one of the largest NGOs in India and focusses on high-quality, low-cost interventions which address gaps in the education system. Through replicable, scalable models that emphasises on result-driven accountability, Pratham is able to achieve lasting and widely influential success in India’s educational landscape and beyond, creating an adaptable demonstration model for governments.  

 

Selfless dedication of laureates praised by officiating guests

Dr Lui Che-woo, Founder & Chairman of the Board of Governors cum Prize Council of the Prize, said in his address: “People from different corners of the world have traveled far to gather here this evening because of a shared vision and belief. The three laureates for this year’s “LUI Che Woo Prize” share our vision for a better world and have overcome difficulties with courage, wisdom, and selfless compassion to make exemplary contributions to the world in their respective areas of expertise, providing a great source of inspiration for those who aspire to help create a better future for all. We are glad that they are able to join us here today, and we are greatly honoured by their presence.”

 

 

Scope of work will be broadened, more people will be considered for commendation

We are grateful for the immense support shown by government officials, academics, religious leaders, foreign consuls, business elites and the local and international media since the inception of the “LUI Che Woo Prize” in 2005. Next year, a change will be introduced to “LUI Che Woo Prize 2019”, the forthcoming fourth edition of the award, by omitting the designation of specific areas of focus, such that the scope of work covered by each prize category will be broadened and more individuals and groups which have made significant contributions in different areas will have the chance to get the recognition they deserve. It is the hope of the “LUI Che Woo Prize” that, as the good work of the awardees are being commended, a positive message will be sent to all, in Asia and the rest of the world, such that we can work ceaselessly against all odds in selfless dedication to seek progress and prosperity with mutual respect, tolerance, goodwill and harmony.

 

Spectacular choral performances “Go for Our Dreams” underpinning the theme of positive energy

Renowned tenor Warren Mok was joined by junior choristers trained by the Music Children Foundation (MCF) at the prize presentation ceremony, to perform inspirational songs and music in celebration of the new “LUI Che Woo Prize” laureates and their outstanding contributions to the creation of a better world. Mr Mok rehearsed with the choristers, and orchestra who appreciated that as homegrown kids of Hong Kong they could realise whatever dreams they had so long as they worked hard for them, a belief in accord with the call for harmony and positive energy underpinning the LUI Che Woo Prize. “The Music Children Foundation” is a non-profit-making group that has provided free music education to hundreds of children from underprivileged families in Hong Kong to cultivate their core values, resonating with the broader vision of the LUI Che Woo Prize that every individual should have the opportunity to realise his or her dream.

 

 

Background of the LUI Che Woo Prize – Prize for World Civilisation

On 24 September 2015, Dr Lui Che-woo launched the “LUI Che Woo Prize - Prize for World Civilisation” (“the LUI Che Woo Prize” or “the Prize”) which is an annual, first of its kind, international, cross-sector and innovative award for advancing world civilisation and inspiring people to build a more harmonious world. It aims to recognize and honour

individuals or organisations all over the world for outstanding contributions in advancing welfare of mankind and encourages continuation of that work in three objectives: sustainable development of the world, betterment of the welfare of mankind and promotion of positive life attitude and enhancement of positive energy. The recipients are not being limited to academics and scientists. The LUI Che Woo Prize recognizes accomplishments beneficial to mankind and also encourages them to keep up the momentum and inspire others to build a better world together.