Hong Kong Students Prize

Howard Bilton, a British-born entrepreneur and barrister, has made a multifaceted impact on tax advisory services, philanthropy, and the wine industry in Portugal and beyond. His ventures reflect a unique blend of business acumen and social responsibility, creating a lasting legacy in each sector he touches. 

Tax

As the chairman and founder of The Sovereign Group, Bilton has significantly influenced the tax landscape, particularly for expatriates and international businesses. The Group provides comprehensive tax planning and wealth management services, which help clients navigate complex tax systems. By doing so, it supports individuals and companies to optimize their tax positions within the legal framework, fostering an environment that is conducive to foreign investment and economic growth in Portugal. 

Charity

In the realm of charity, Bilton’s establishment of The Sovereign Art Foundation has made a notable impact on the local and international art scenes. The foundation not only recognizes and supports artists through awards and exhibitions but also raises substantial funds for charitable causes. A significant portion of its work is dedicated to using art as a medium for educational and healing purposes, particularly for disadvantaged children. Through these initiatives, Bilton has harnessed the power of art to make a tangible difference in the lives of many, providing both cultural enrichment and social support. 

 Wine

With Howard’s Folly, Bilton has ventured into the wine industry, intertwining the worlds of oenology and art. The winery is known for producing high-quality wines that reflect the rich terroir of Portugal, contributing to the country’s reputation as a producer of fine wines. Beyond the production, Howard’s Folly serves as a cultural destination, hosting art exhibitions and events that attract visitors from around the world. This unique concept not only promotes Portuguese wine but also elevates the cultural experience of wine tasting, setting a precedent for how wineries can engage with the arts. 

Overall Impact

Howard Bilton’s impact in the fields of tax, charity, and wine is characterized by a forward-thinking approach that leverages professional expertise to foster cultural and social development. By integrating his business endeavors with philanthropic goals, Bilton has shown that commercial success can go hand-in-hand with making a positive social contribution. His efforts have provided a model for sustainable development, showcasing how individual dedication to professional excellence and social responsibility can lead to broad and beneficial societal impacts. 

Ngai Wing Lam graduated from the Academy of Visual Arts at Hong Kong Baptist University. Ngai Wing-Lam, also known as Ant, is a Hong Kong-based artist celebrated for her surreal and introspective paintings. Ngai’s work prominently features koi fish-headed characters, inspired by her dreams and childhood experiences with pet fish. These hybrids symbolize her exploration of themes such as relationships, identity, and ambiguity. The speechless faces of the koi fish characters conceal inner emotions, reflecting the complexities of human connections and the fear of being different. Set against Hong Kong’s urban landscapes, her paintings capture the tension between reality and fantasy, inviting viewers to engage with narratives of alienation and individuality. Through this unique style, Ngai Wing-Lam offers a fantastical yet poignant exploration of personal and societal themes.

https://ngai-winglam.com/about.html

Janet Fong is currently an Assistant Professor in Academy of Visual Arts, School of Creative Arts, Hong Kong Baptist University；Curator； an Initiator of Art Futures Awards and CITYA – Cross-city Art exhibitions, Guest Curator of New Horizon, Ways of Seeing Hong Kong in the 80s and the 90s for HK Museum of Art in 2019-2022 and Co-founder of IAE International Art Exchange. She has also won a GE Teaching Award in HKBU in 2024. Janet has also worked and curated art exhibitions and projects in different Art organizations for over 25 years including CAFA Art Museum (Central Academy of Fine Art, Beijing), Osage (Art Foundation and Gallery), University Museum and Art Gallery (HKU), HK Maritime Museum, GDM (HK), Eli Klein Art (New York) and 1a space. Janet specializes in curatorial practice at the intersection of contemporary art exhibition, curatorial strategy, and art history, particularly focusing on Chinese contemporary art, Hong Kong’s art history, and contemporary art in Asia. Janet’s curatorial strategies emphasize International Art exchange and collaboration with practitioners from various discipline, artists, cultural and academic institutions, art practitioners, art spaces, public agencies, and scientists. Her projects transcend media and borders, fostering inclusive physical and virtual communities where art becomes accessible to a wider audience.

Sharon Cheung was a veteran and award- winning  journalist in HK with over 15 years of experience. She is a fellow of the Reuters Institute for Journalism at the University of Oxford and currently serves as the curator and director of SC Gallery.

Cheung earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts (Painting) at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), graduating  with first- class honours in 2022. Her art accolades included being on the Dean’s List , the Boon Lee Award  and the Asia winner of the Art for Change Prize organised by M&C Saatchi Group and Saatchi Gallery in 2022. She has exhibited in HK, London and Paris.