- The awards are a timely reminder of the qualities that have served Hong Kong well through good times and bad
Hong Kong has taken a lot of self-inflicted knocks over these past weeks to its image as a safe city in which to work or visit. The damage is reflected in falling airline passenger numbers, empty hotel rooms and loss of trade in shops and restaurants. It is like the downturn caused by the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome in 2003 all over again, except that a deadly mystery infection caused the Sars downturn, while we have brought the present one on ourselves with conflict triggered by the now-abandoned extradition bill that has divided society as never before.
After three months of largely peaceful protests, punctuated by violent incidents, this has prompted the question whether the famed Hong Kong spirit can, as in the past, overcome adversity. There is reason to be hopeful, if the annual Spirit of Hong Kong awards are any guide. Organised by this newspaper, they honour residents who make the city a better place to live. What set this year's presentation ceremony apart was the first spirit of youth award, which went to a group of international school teenagers who designed an English-language course to help less privileged students learn the language.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, guest of honour at the awards presentation, rightly said role models such as this, and the community spirit they personified, had never been more needed in Hong Kong. "The award is presented to young people who have embraced their role as socially responsible citizens or shown exceptional commitment or courage," she said.
A panel of 12 judges singled out four individuals and three groups for epitomising the spirit of Hong Kong in community service, perseverance, culture, innovation and team work, as well as spirit of youth. An exception was the people's choice award, for which the public, voting online, chose Rehabaid Society chief executive Cecilia Lam Shui-ling, whose organisation provides rehabilitation services for people with disabilities and special needs.
The awards are a timely reminder of the qualities that have served Hong Kong well through good times and bad. At this difficult time, the city needs to reflect on the positive spirit that inspired them and bridged differences.
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