Firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who was killed in Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in decades, has been recognised for his bravery in this year’s Honours List, while eminent economist Lawrence Lau Juen-yee is among three recipients of the city’s highest award.
Fencer Ryan Choi Chun-yin and cyclist Ceci Lee Sze-wing were also among the 466 individuals named in the 2026 Honours List on Wednesday, with the pair recognised for their achievements at last year’s National Games.
Ho was posthumously awarded the Medal for Bravery (Gold) for his “act of the most conspicuous courage, selflessness and bravery” during last November’s Tai Po fire, which claimed 168 lives and displaced around 5,000 residents.
“In the course of performing his duty, notwithstanding the extreme heat and fierce blaze, he continued his rescue work and risked his life to save others,” Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said.
“Ho displayed unwavering dedication, utmost bravery and selfless devotion to the public.”
The government said Ho, who was among the first batch of rescuers to arrive at the scene, risked his life to continue rescue work amid extreme heat and a fierce blaze, showing gallantry of the highest order.
Six police officers were awarded the Medal for Bravery (Bronze) for their efforts in fighting explosions and successfully rescuing five people aboard a vessel in the Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter during the onslaught of Typhoon Wipha in July last year.
The Grand Bauhinia Medal, the city’s top honour, was awarded this year to Lau, former lawmaker and Executive Council member Chan Kin-por and Bank of China International Holdings’ adviser, Lam Kwong-siu.
In recognising Lau, the government pointed to his academic achievements and pivotal role in enhancing Hong Kong’s competitive edge in financial services and helping the city respond to external challenges and reinforce its monetary stability during his tenure as the chairman of the Exchange Fund Advisory Committee Governance Subcommittee and a member of its Currency Board Subcommittee.
It added that Lau, who was vice-chancellor of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) between 2004 and 2010, advanced cooperation between the city and Shenzhen in higher education.
Chan, a member of the independent committee investigating the Tai Po fire, was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal for his active participation in public service, offering valuable advice to the government, and his commitment to steering the development of the insurance industry.
Lam was recognised for his six decades of service in the city’s banking sector, his efforts to strengthen ties with mainland China, and his dedication to social services and the promotion of traditional culture.
Thirteen athletes were commended for their performances at the National Games. Three gold medal-winning cyclist Lee and fencer Choi, who earned a historic gold medal as part of the men’s foil team, received the Medal of Honour.
Choi’s teammates, Lawrence Ng Lok-wang and Leung Chin-yu, and the rest were awarded the Chief Executive’s Commendation for Community Service.
Eight individuals were awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star, including Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, Vice-Chancellor of CUHK, Henry Fan Hung-ling, chairman of the Hospital Authority, and lawmaker Chan Hak-kan, chairman of the city’s biggest party, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong.
Former director of public prosecutions Maggie Yeung Mei-kei was among 19 recipients of the Silver Bauhinia Star. Yeung, who supervised the prosecution of major national security cases during her tenure, was praised for a “strong commitment to take up extremely challenging assignments”.
Separately, Hong Kong News Executives’ Association vice-chairman Chan Tit-piu and China Construction Bank International chairwoman Li Qianxin, daughter of former National People’s Congress head Li Zhanshu, were among the 40 winners of the Bronze Bauhinia Star.
Additionally, 59 civil servants and public officers involved in the National Games preparation received the Chief Executive’s Commendation for Community and Government or Public Service for their contributions, while another 51 were recognised for their work on the commissioning of Kai Tak Sports Park.
Others commended for their community or public service included Richard Bamping, principal cellist of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Chandni Rakesh, principal of La Salle Primary School, and Assistant Commissioner of Police David Jordan, who is the highest-ranking colonial-era expatriate officer.
The presentation ceremony will be held later this year.
Modelled on the British system of chivalric orders, the Honours List recognises those who have made significant contributions to society. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
