Yuan Longping is awarded the inaugural LUI Che Woo Prize 2016 in the Sustainability category, with the Specific Area of Focus on "World Food Supply: Safety and Security", for his scientific achievement in developing high-yielding hybrid rice which has contributed significantly to the enhancement of the security of world food supply. Professor Yuan said, "I am very pleased to be awarded the LUI Che Woo Prize. It is a source of encouragement and motivation that drives and inspires me to reach higher heights."

Medecins Sans Frontieres ("MSF") is awarded the inaugural LUI Che Woo Prize 2016 in the Welfare Betterment category, with the Specific Area of Focus on "Treatment and/or control of epidemics, infectious diseases or chronic illnesses", for its indispensable contributions to the treatment and control of the cholera outbreak in Haiti in 2010 and the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014. "MSF is honoured to be one of the recipients of this Prize. We are particularly pleased that the LUI Che Woo Prize chose the field of the treatment and control of epidemics and infectious diseases as a critical focus for this first award. That shows a real awareness of the importance of improving treatment options and emergency response capacities for people in the most exposed parts of the world. MSF's experience of fighting against the Ebola epidemic in West Africa has hugely reinforced our view that much more needs to be done by the world community to minimize the very big risks that still exist," said Dr Liu Chen-kun, President of Medecins Sans Frontieres - Hong Kong.

James Earl "Jimmy" Carter, Jr. is awarded the inaugural LUI Che Woo Prize 2016 in the Positive Energy category, with the Specific Area of Focus on "Individuals or organisations whose behaviour and achievement inspire, energise and give hope to others", for all the good work that he and The Carter Center that he established in 1982 have done, which has contributed significantly to the promotion of positive life attitude and enhancement of positive energy in the world. "Well, first of all, I am very honoured to be considered by this wonderful benevolent man. And secondly, it's a pleasure and honour to be associated with others who have been given the same prize. We find that this gift will make it possible for The Carter Center to expand its own programs considerably and I intend to give and make the prize money go to The Carter Center not for me personally," Mr. Carter said.

Each awardee will receive a cash award of HK$20 million (equivalent to approximately US$2.56 million), a certificate and a trophy.

Dr LUI Che Woo added, "The inaugural laureates come from different countries, different backgrounds, comprise individuals and organisations, reflecting the international, diversified and extensive nature of the LUI Che Woo Prize. I believe that harmony is of prime importance, and represents the best way to reduce the incidence of world conflicts. I sincerely hope that the LUI Che Woo Prize, as a seed of truth, goodness and beauty, will grow across the land and add a little colour to our world."

Officiating guests included Mr Tung Chee-hwa, Prize Council Member and Vice Chairman of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference; Mr CY Leung, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; and Mr Zhang Xiaoming, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR. Around 800 government officials, academics, religious leaders, elites from business sectors, local and international media, and more than thirty consuls attended the ceremony to witness and congratulate the achievements of the three laureates. In addition, African Children's Choir from Uganda, Mr Trey Lee, a well-known cellist, Ms Yim Wan, a pianist, and Ms Michelle Siu, an artist with disabilities, were the honoured performance guests at the ceremony, bringing positive energy and harmony to society, and helping to build a peaceful and loving world.

The LUI Che Woo Prize is an international, cross-sector, innovative prize. In order to address ever-evolving global needs and challenges, each year the Prize will set a Specific Area of Focus under each Prize Category.

The 2017 Specific Areas of Focus for each Prize Category as follows:

SOURCE: LUI Che Woo Prize Limited