1. Lui Che-woo Prize, Hong Kong
Who: Lui Che-woo, chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group
What: Established in 2015 by Hong Kong property tycoon and casino magnate Lui Che-woo with the aim of “advancing world civilisation” and “inspiring people to build a more harmonious world,” the Lui Che Woo Prize was first awarded in 2016. It goes to laureates in three categories—sustainability; welfare betterment; and positive energy (or the promotion of a positive outlook in life)—with the theme for each changing annually.
Winners, usually announced in August with a prize-giving ceremony in October, receive a cash prize of HK$20 million—much more than the roughly HK$7 million that Nobel laureates receive—making this one of the world’s richest awards.
Past honourees have included former US president Jimmy Carter, awarded in 2016 as an individual “whose behaviour and achievement inspired, energised and gave hope to others;” Chinese politician Xie Zhenhua in 2017 for his work to combat climate change; and, this year, the World Meteorological Organization, for “reduction of impact of natural disasters.”
Find out more at luiprize.org