To help make Hong Kong a more age-friendly society, HK Electric and the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) are inviting nominations for the Outstanding Third Age Citizens Award again this year, which aims at recognising local retirees with outstanding achievements in pursuing lifelong learning and community service.
Nomination is now open until 14 January 2011 to all citizens aged 50 or above who have retired from work or other family responsibilities. Nominees must demonstrate outstanding achievements and contributions in all of the following aspects in their retired life:
- Pursuing lifelong learning and knowledge sharing;
- Enjoying and promoting a balanced and healthy lifestyle; and
- Active participation in social services, voluntary and charity work.
Nominees may come from various sectors before their retirement, such as business, professional and social service, public administration, recreation, arts and culture, entertainment or full-time home-makers. Nominees and their proposers are required to submit the nomination form to the Award Secretariat on or before the nomination deadline.
Short-listed candidates may be required to attend an interview. A total of ten awardees will be selected and will each receive a trophy, a certificate of recognition and a $5,000 scholarship, encouraging them to continue studying. Their proposer will receive a certificate of recognition and $1,000 cash. Awardees will also be invited to join the U3A Network of Hong Kong to help promote lifelong learning and continue contributing to society.
General Manager (Public Affairs) of HK Electric, Ms. Mimi Yeung, said: "We are pleased to know that the 12 awardees recognised in the first Outstanding Third Age Citizens Award held in 2008 have continued to contribute to society in various ways and hope that more retirees will practise and enjoy active ageing."
HKCSS' Chief Officer of the Elderly Service, Ms. Grace Chan, said: "Senior citizens may come across as weak and vulnerable. By giving them recognition and encouragement through this award scheme, we believe we can help build Hong Kong into a more age-friendly community."
The adjudication panel comprises the Chairman of the Elderly Commission, Dr. Leong Che-hung; President of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Professor Timothy Tong Wai-cheung; Chairman of The Hong Kong Arts Development Council, Mr. Ma Fung-kwok; Vice-Chairman of Hong Kong Elite Athletes Association, Ms. Amy Chan; Group Managing Director of HK Electric, Mr. Tso Kai-sum; and Chief Executive of HKCSS, Ms. Christine Fang. Results will be announced in early 2011.
For enquiries or further details, please visit www.hkelectric.com/award, or contact the Award Secretariat on 2876 2446, or email el@hkcss.org.hk.