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Speech by CE at Shaw Prize 2026 Award Presentation Ceremony (English only) (with photos)
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     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Shaw Prize 2026 Award Presentation Ceremony today (November 10):

Dr Raymond Chan (Chair of the Shaw Prize Foundation), Professor Kenneth Young (Chair of the Shaw Prize Council), Professor Reinhard Genzel (Chair of the Board of Adjudicators of the Shaw Prize Foundation), esteemed laureates, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening. It is a great pleasure to be here, with you, on this grand occasion - the 23rd Shaw Prize Award Presentation Ceremony. This year, we celebrate the seminal achievements of seven laureates in three disciplines: astronomy, life science and medicine, and mathematical sciences.

     I am honoured to congratulate each one of you on your pioneering work and consequential discoveries. In advancing the sciences, you contribute to the evolution of civilisation. You light the way for the next generation to follow - to discover their own bright way.

     Your work reflects a deep commitment to science and the pursuit of knowledge. Hong Kong shares that commitment, and we are turning it into action. In Hong Kong's inaugural Five-Year Plan, launched in September, we place high priority on developing a large area of Hong Kong land called the Northern Metropolis. More than a new economic engine, the Northern Metropolis will promote the integrated development of education, industry, and research and technology.

     We are developing three university towns, covering an area of more than 1 000 hectares. Each will have its own focus. One will focus on medicine, life and health technology, AI, robotics, microelectronics, and emerging industries. Another will be a centre for applied post-secondary education in smart manufacturing and for cultivating global talent. The third will emphasise the arts and blue-and-green development elements.

     These university towns will attract and welcome scholars and students from around the world, together with interdisciplinary research institutes, joint laboratories and other centres. These will bring academia, research and industry together.

     The Shaw Prize celebrates curiosity, rigour and discovery. Those are also the qualities behind our investment in the university towns. The Government believes in a future centred on science. We believe in the rewards that knowledge brings to us all.

     Ladies and gentlemen, I know you will enjoy this very special evening here in Hong Kong, Asia's education city. Once again, congratulations to the 2026 Shaw Prize laureates. Thank you.
 
Ends/Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:28
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The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, speaks at the Shaw Prize 2026 Award Presentation Ceremony this evening (November 10).
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, attended the Shaw Prize 2026 Award Presentation Ceremony this evening (November 10). Photo shows (from fourth left) the Chair of the Board of Adjudicators of the Shaw Prize Foundation, Professor Reinhard Genzel; Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Mr Zhang Yong; Mr Lee; the Chair of the Shaw Prize Foundation, Dr Raymond Chan; Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR, Mr Li Yongsheng; the Chair of the Shaw Prize Council, Professor Kenneth Young, and other guests at the ceremony.