A devoted scholar and inventor, a founder and advocate of women's soccer, plus Hong Kong's most senior blogger -- sharing the same motto of chasing their dreams, serving the community and never stop learning -- are among 12 senior citizens who received the "Outstanding Third Age Citizens Awards" today.
Aged between 63 and 95, the 12 awardees come from all walks of life, demonstrating enthusiasm and persistence in realising their dreams, while sharing knowledge and experience with others.
First launched in 2009, the biennial award scheme is again organised this year by HK Electric, a subsidiary of Power Assets Holdings Ltd., and the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS). Nominations from the public were invited last November to recognise outstanding achievements of local retirees who pursue lifelong learning, healthy living and community work.
They are:
- Mr. Ho Ping-chiu: a volunteer first-aid tutor for the past 59 years and a keen advocate of the rights of the elderly;
- Mr. Edward Sin Wing-sang: a mathematician who voluntarily teaches prisoners, and youngsters with visual or mental impairment;
- Dr. Peggy Lam Pei: a pioneer in caring for women's welfare and a long-time advocate for their rights;
- Mr. George Yuen Kam-ho: founder of The Hong Kong Society for the Aged, one of the most established NGOs devoted to elderly care;
- Professor Chan Ching-chuen: "Father" of electric vehicles who devotes himself to scientific research, while keen to nurture young inventors;
- Mr. Kwok Kai: an IT enthusiast who invented a special inputting method to make computing easier for the elderly;
- Ms. Veronica Chan Yiu-kam: a soccer enthusiast who founded women football associations in Hong Kong and groomed many young players;
- Mr. Wong Wai-chiu: the 95-year-old is the oldest blogger in Hong Kong, who is also keen to volunteer with his many talents and interests;
- Mr. Cheng Tin-yan: a pioneer in self-learning who devotes himself to sharing his knowledge with both the young and the old;
- Ms. Poon Lau Foon-tuen: a retired midwife who started studying Chinese herbal medicine after retirement and provides free consultations to the needy;
- Mr. Patrick Kan Yiu-kwong: "Godfather of Guizhou" who has been involved in improving the life of the poor and educating the younger generations in Mainland China;
- Ms. So Shuk-chun: a housewife who has never received formal education but learned to become an IT ambassador helping senior citizens to overcome computer illiteracy.
(Details of the awardees are in the Appendix.)
Managing Director of HK Electric, Mr. Tso Kai-sum, was pleased the scheme had attracted nearly 80 very high quality nominations. He praised the awardees for their outstanding contributions to society, adding that HK Electric and HKCSS are delighted to recognise them through the awards and to encourage more to learn from their good examples in active aging.
Mr. Tso also pointed out the awardees of the year 2009 have continued contributing to the community, bringing positive messages and sharing their experience with students of the U3A (University of Third Age) Network, which has been co-run by the power company and HKCSS since 2006.
"U3A is in its sixth year of operation. Over the years, there have been about 1,500 courses organised, providing more than 20,000 learning opportunities to local retirees. This year, we will continue funding the project and through training and knowledge sharing workshops enhance leadership and management skills of the existing 30 U3A centres," added Mr. Tso.
HKCSS Chief Executive, Ms. Christine Fang, was also glad the scheme was well received. "It shows that despite individual backgrounds, commitment to learn and contribute to society will bring about highly rewarding and meaningful retired life." She encouraged retirees to make good use of their time, knowledge and experience for their own development, as well as to become a role model for the younger generations and fellow retirees.
Today's ceremony also marked the completion of the U3A Network for 2010-2011 with student representatives receiving certificates from the Chairman of the Elderly Commission, Dr. Leong Che-hung. Student representatives even took the stage to rap and share how their retired life has been enriched by U3A activities.
Close to 600 participants attended today's ceremony, including guests of honour who presented the awards -- Dr. Leong Che-hung; Chairperson of the Women's Commission, Ms. Sophia Kao Ching-chi; Vice-chairman of Hong Kong Elite Athletes Association, Ms. Amy Chan; Mr. Tso Kai-sum and Ms. Christine Fang.
The U3A project is sponsored by the HK Electric Centenary Trust and co-ordinated by HKCSS. Each year, elderly service agencies receive funding to set up self-learning centres providing courses conducted by the elderly and for the elderly. For details, please visit U3A website www.u3a.org.hk or call HKCSS on 2876 2446. For award announcement, please visit www.hec.com.hk/award.