July 12, 2024

The hongkong prize is the premier award to recognise excellence in scholarship and research on Hong Kong history, society and culture. It serves as a catalyst to inspire further study on the region’s history and its connections with China, Asia and beyond, and encourages the development of new theories, concepts and methods of studying Hong Kong.

The award is given to a young scholar who has written an outstanding paper that advances knowledge in the field of Hong Kong studies. It is funded by the Society for Hong Kong Studies and is presented at its annual international conference.

An independent panel reviews submissions, decides on the winner and public vote, and presents it at the prize-giving ceremony. The winner receives HK$40,000, while the school of the public vote winner will get a cash prize of HK$10,000.

BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize champions the mission of Boosting Hong Kong and Serving the Country through technology, with a view to attracting global top science talent, nurturing forward-looking scientists, and together building a dynamic innovation and technology hub for Hong Kong. An independent review board, comprising a Review Committee and Compliance Oversight Team, assesses candidates on scientific research achievements, their application and transformation, and their social or economic benefits created.

Hong Kong’s booming economy and world-class infrastructure have made it an attractive place to live and work, but the city also faces many challenges. One such is inequality, which has become a major concern among residents. The government recently launched a series of initiatives to address the issue, including setting up a commission to examine the causes and propose solutions.

In 2025, the prize will celebrate the contribution of unsung heroes in our community and around the globe, such as philanthropy, civic awareness, acts of self-sacrifice and tenacious entrepreneurship. It will honour their genuine spirit of giving, promoting Hong Kong as a tolerant and inclusive city that embraces different cultures and propels humanity toward a better future.

Founded in 2022, the prize is sponsored by Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited. It aims to inspire young people to explore diverse aspects of local history through the award’s prestigious prizes and its educational activities, which include organising academic competitions, workshops and talks for students.

The prize will be presented at the Society’s 2023 International Conference on Global Hong Kong Studies to a scholar whose work on the history of Hong Kong, its relations with China and other Asian countries, and its impact in the world, is particularly distinguished. The winning article will be published in the International Journal of Hong Kong Studies and a plaque will be awarded to the author. The journal is a flagship publication of the Society and has been recognised by several international scholarly journals as a leading source of high quality articles on Hong Kong history, politics, society and culture. The submissions for the prize are invited from scholars and researchers worldwide. This year, the prize received a record number of entries and was judged by an esteemed panel of experts.

Blackjack is a popular casino game where players compete against the dealer to make the best hand. While the game relies on luck to a large extent, it is possible to win in the long run by following sound strategy and practicing responsible gambling. The most important factors in winning are strategy, knowledge of the game, money management skills and discipline. However, no one can promise to beat the house edge of any gambling game – even blackjack – so it is important to be aware of this when playing.

Basic blackjack strategies are based on mathematical probabilities and have been proven to increase your chances of winning. These include knowing when to hit, stand, double down or split based on the value of your initial two cards and the dealer’s up card. While no single strategy guarantees that you will win every hand, implementing these basic strategies will greatly increase your odds of winning in the long run.

Having a positive mindset is also important in blackjack, especially when dealing with losing streaks. It is important to avoid letting emotions cloud your judgment or making impulsive decisions after a loss. This will help you stay focused and confident, which in turn will help you make better decisions and improve your overall game.

The first step to becoming a better blackjack player is learning the game rules. While this may seem obvious, it is crucial to understand the rules of the game before playing it. This will allow you to make more informed decisions, which will ultimately improve your blackjack experience and overall winning potential.

Once you’ve familiarised yourself with the game rules, you can move on to learn more advanced strategies and tips. These can be as simple as learning betting patterns or as complex as counting cards. Card counting is a common practice in blackjack, but it is illegal in many casinos. Despite this, it is still a useful skill to have.

Another helpful tip is to always double down when you have a strong hand with an ace or ten, as this will improve your odds of beating the dealer’s blackjack. It is also important to avoid side bets in blackjack, as these often come with high house edges and are not based on your actual hand value.

Finally, it is important to play shorter blackjack sessions, as this will decrease your risk of chasing losses. This will also give you a better chance of winning more hands than you lose, which will ultimately lead to a bigger bankroll. Practice responsible gambling by always setting a budget and never bet more than you can afford to lose. This will ensure that you have a fun, safe and rewarding gaming experience. This is particularly important in a casino where you can be subject to pressure from dealers and other patrons. If you stick to these guidelines, you will be able to enjoy your blackjack experience to the fullest.