The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government announced on July 1 the 2005 Honors List and a total of 273 persons receive this year's awards.

The Grand Bauhinia Medal, which has been vacant for the past two years, is awarded to Legislative Council member Lau Wong-fat for his life-long, significant and unparalleled contribution to the well-being of Hong Kong, and to Chiang Chen for his valuable and outstanding contribution to the industrial development in Hong Kong.

According to the 2005 Honors List published in the government gazette, this year's recipients are from all walks of life. They have been given an honor or award in recognition of their significant contribution to Hong Kong or for their dedicated public and community service.

The presentation ceremony for the awards will be held later this year, tentatively in October.

The Gold Bauhinia Star are conferred to seven celebrities including Ma Lik, Ng Ching-fat, Lui Che-woo and Yeung Eng-kiong.

Wong Sai-kit is awarded the Medal for Bravery for his utmost bravery in rescuing people in the incident of a sudden discharge of cabin dioxide gas at the Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminal Dangerous Goods Strong Room in 2002.

Wong Hon, a fireman, is awarded the Medal for Bravery in recognition of the exemplary acts of gallantry he displayed in rescuing persons in the tsunami of South Asia while he was on a vacation in Phuket of Thailand.

Li Ching is awarded the Medal of Honor for his outstanding achievements in international table tennis competitions.

The government honors include the Grand Bauhinia Medal, Gold Hauhinia Star, Medal for Bravery (Gold), Silver Bauhinia Star, Medal for Bravery (Silver), Distinguished Service Medals for the disciplined services and the ICAC (Independent Commission Against Corruption), Bronze Bauhinia Star, Meritorious Service Medals for the disciplined services and the ICAC, Medal of Honor, Chief Executive's Commendation for Community Service, Chief Executive's Commendation for Government/Public Service.

Source: Xinhua