Take Up the Challenge ... It Might Be You

To many people, retirement is a golden opportunity to make a difference in their own as well as others' lives. To celebrate and recognise these contributions, HK Electric and the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) are inviting nominations for the "Outstanding Third Age Citizens Award 2015" from now till 16 January 2015.

Running for the fourth time since 2009, this award is open to people aged 50 or above, who have retired from work or other family responsibilities, and have attained remarkable achievements in three main areas:

• Pursuing lifelong learning and knowledge-sharing;
• Enjoying and promoting a balanced, healthy lifestyle; and
• Active participation in social services, voluntary and charity work.

Announcing the details of this year's awards, the Managing Director of HK Electric, Mr. Wan Chi-tin, said, "This award scheme pays tribute to retirees who continue enriching themselves and those around them through lifelong learning, leading a healthy lifestyle and serving the community. Anyone fulfilling these criteria deserves our recognition, irrespective of their background or educational level."

"We have selected the theme 'It Might be You' for this year's awards because we believe there are many outstanding third-agers in Hong Kong. We hope to encourage everyone to pay attention to the seniors around us who are making contributions to society and nominate these role models," Mr. Wan explained.

Chief Executive of HKCSS Mr. Chua Hoi-wai was happy to see the wide support generated by the award scheme from the community. "This has helped build up a more positive image for retirees among the general public."

This year's adjudication panel includes the chairman of the Elderly Commission, Professor Alfred Chan Cheung-ming, as well as the president of the City University of Hong Kong, Professor Way Kuo, and Dr. Leong Che-hung. Also helping with the vetting process are Ms. Candy Chea Shuk-mui, one of the Outstanding Young Persons and a media veteran; Ms. Wendy Yu Man-sze, the former ambassador of the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation; Mr. Yuen Sui-see, Director of Operations of HK Electric and Mr. Chua from HKCSS.

During the award period, a Facebook page for the awards (Outstanding Third Age Citizens Award 2015) will be launched to encourage the public to share their "Outstanding Third Age Citizens." The 10 posts with the most likes could be eligible for prizes. The page will also contain information on award details and the concepts of third age and active aging.

The Outstanding Third Age Citizens Award is the only platform in Hong Kong that recognises outstanding retirees. Since its inception, the awards have been presented to 36 remarkable senior citizens who, despite their diverse backgrounds and educational levels, have the same enthusiasm and passion for pursuing their dreams, and share their experience and knowledge with others in the community.

Nominees and their nominators are required to send in submissions to the Award Secretariat on or before the 16 January deadline. Shortlisted candidates may be called to attend an interview. Ten awardees will then be selected, and each will receive a trophy, a certificate of recognition and a HK$5,000 scholarship. Nominators will receive a certificate of recognition and HK$2,000 in cash. Awardees will also be invited to join the U3A Network of Hong Kong to help promote lifelong learning and community service. Over the past eight years, the U3A Network, also co-run by HK Electric and the HKCSS, has offered more than 3,000 courses for local retirees.

Results of the award scheme will be announced in April 2015. For enquiries or details, visit www.hkelectric.com/award, or contact the Award Secretariat on 2876-2427 or el@hkcss.org.hk.