The “Leader of the Year 2023” awards ceremony was grandly held on June 21, with events taking place across both Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The awards recognized outstanding leaders across five categories - business, public affairs, technological innovation, culture, and young entrepreneurship. The individuals and organizations honored have made significant contributions to Hong Kong or the global community over the past year.
The annual event, which began in 1994, celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu attended the ceremony as the guest of honor, alongside prominent figures from various sectors. Professor Gong Xiaofeng from the Shenzhen University School of Government was invited to attend and deliver a keynote speech.
In his remarks, Chief Executive John Lee emphasized the importance of focusing on economic development, innovation, and improving people’s livelihoods. He urged the award recipients and other leaders to make meaningful contributions in three key areas: I. Seizing Dual Opportunities at National and International Levels: Lee highlighted that the central government has introduced a series of policies to support and benefit Hong Kong, creating continuous opportunities for development. II. Adapting with Flexibility: He encouraged industry leaders to proactively explore new fields and push the boundaries of growth. III. Fostering Unity and Collaboration: Leaders were called upon to harness the strengths of their teams, achieving synergies where “one plus one is greater than two” to overcome challenges and achieve breakthroughs.
At the ceremony, Distinguished Professor Gong Xiaofeng, Ph.D. Advisor at the Shenzhen University School of Government, and Founding Director of the SZU Institute for Emerging Industry Development in the Greater Bay Area, delivered a keynote speech on innovative initiatives to deepen Shenzhen-Hong Kong cooperation.
Professor Gong emphasized that building a modern industrial system in Shenzhen requires strengthened collaboration with Hong Kong, particularly in areas of international competitiveness. He stressed that to position Shenzhen as a model for Chinese-style modernization, high-quality development, and a global benchmark city, deeper cooperation with Hong Kong is essential. He outlined ten key areas where continuous innovation is necessary: conceptual, theoretical, institutional, systemic, technological, managerial, organizational, policy, industrial park, and cultural innovation. Gong highlighted successful collaborative projects such as Qianhai, Hetao and Shatoujiao as examples to emulate. He urged further integration between Shenzhen and Hong Kong to transform the Greater Bay Area into a core engine driving high-quality economic and social development.
Editor | Sun Baohua
Authors | Wei Yi, Fan Yizhang
Layout | Yu Xinzi
Initial Review | Bai Min
Second Review | Duan Zhezhe
Final Review | Gong Xiaofeng
