Hong Kong honours system
Encyclopedia
The existing Hong Kong honours system was created after transfer of government of Hong Kong
to the People's Republic of China
as a special administrative region
in 1997. Before that, Hong Kong was a British
dependent territory and followed the British honours system
with the Order of the British Empire
.
the highest award under the HKSAR honours and awards system, is to recognise the selected person's life-long and highly significant contribution to the well-being of Hong Kong. The awardee is entitled to the postnominal letters GBM and the style The Honourable
. (Bauhinia, Bauhinia blakeana
, is the floral emblem of Hong Kong.)
(GBS), the Silver Bauhinia Star
(SBS), and the Bronze Bauhinia Star
(BBS).
The Gold Bauhinia Star (GBS) is awarded to eminent persons who have given very distinguished services to the community or who have rendered public or voluntary services of a very high degree of merit.
The Silver Bauhinia Star (SBS) is awarded to persons who have taken a leading part in public affairs and/or voluntary work over a long period of time.
The Bronze Bauhinia Star (BBS) is awarded to persons who have given outstanding service over a long period of time, but in a more limited field or way than that required for the Silver Bauhinia Star.
(postnominal MBG) is the highest in this order. There is also Medal for Bravery (Silver)
(MBS) and Medal for Bravery (Bronze)
(MBB).
The Medal for Bravery (Gold) (MBG) is awarded for acts of gallantry of the greatest possible heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger.
The Medal for Bravery (Silver) (MBS) is awarded for gallantry of an extremely high order.
The Medal for Bravery (Bronze) (MBB) is awarded for exemplary acts of gallantry of a lesser standard.
There are three types of awards http://www.protocol.gov.hk/eng/honours/hon_icac.html:
Military Cross (M.C.)
E.W.M.L. Corbally, R.H.D. Scriven 1942, K.A. Munro 1944, P. Steyn 1944, R.A.S. Lane 1945, J.S. McKay 1945, G.D.M. Williams 1965
Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M.)
T.F. Stainton 1947
George Medal (G.M.)
N.G.A. Noble, I.P. Hyde (Malaya), CHEUNG On 1947, LEUNG Yiu-tong 1953, P. Muskett 1958, CHOI Chor 1973, J.H. Bruce 1973, LEUNG Shiu-kay 1973
Military Medal (M.M.)
W.G. Poy, A.A. Iles 1944, E.G. Jones 1944, BAN Tsan-chuen 1946, D.W. YEE, 1946
King’s Police Medal for Gallantry (K.P.M.)
K. Anderson 1928,
Colonial Police Medal for Gallantry (C.P.M.)
G. Wright-Nooth, D.Pitt 1968, E.J. Stevenson 1968, A.S. Conway 1973, L. Burton 1973, P.M. Mullens 1973, LUN Kam-yat 1973, LUK Kai-lau 1973, NG Kam-hung 1973, D.W.F. O’Brien 1973, J. Reid 1973, CHAN Kam-ming 1974, LAU Piu 1974
Queen’s Gallantry Medal (Q.G.M.)
YIP Long-ping 1977, HO Hing-chuen 1979, CHAN Kwai-fai 1980, TUNG Chi-kan 1980, YEUNG Chun-hing 1980, N.A. McQueen 1981,
LO Wai-sing 1982, CHEUNG Wai-leung 1984, LEUNG Siu-lin 1984, T.M. Adamson 1986, M.J. Lovatt 1986, CHIU Ka-ping 1987, LI Timshing 1989, LUI Tak-wah 1989, CHAN Chi-choi 1991, CHENG Kwok-wai 1991, N.J. Roberts 1993, TSANG Hung-lit 1993,YEUNG Kwok-wing 1993,
CHAN Lun-fat 1995, YEUNG Chi-fai 1995, A.M. Steeple 1996
K.P. Chiu 1987
Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct (Q.C.B.C.)
T.A. Berrecloth 1973, CHAN Shing-tak 1973, CHAN Shing-yuk 1973, CHEUNG Shu-shing 1973, T.G. Collins 1973,
HUNG Sui-to 1973, KONG Kin 1973, LEUNG Shing-chau 1973, LI Chuen 1973, LIU Chiu-kwan 1973, LO Shiu-kuen 1973, J.D. Moran 1973, PUN Wai-cheung 1973, Guy Sanderson Shirra 1973, TAM Wai-hung 1973, TSUI Hin-kwing 1973, WONG Shiu-hung 1973, YIP Kai 1976,
LAM Sai-kit 1977, LO Wing-tai 1977, LO Yin-hok 1977, MIU Wa-keung 1977, CHEUNG Ching 1978, LI Wai-leung 1978, NG Choi-leung 1978, CHAU Kwong-tak 1979, NG Chung-hung 1979, TANG Kwok-fung 1979, TO Kwok-chiu 1979, LEUNG Kam-chu 1980, TSUI Pui-ling 1980, CHAN Shiu-fai 1981, WONG Chun-fai 1982, CHAN Chung-hing 1983, KO Wing-wa 1983, K.W. YING 1983, CHIU Kwok-yin 1984,
LI Kei-kit 1984, MA Shui-lun 1984, YAN Ping-kuen 1984, FU Siu-wing 1986, LI Hoi-chin 1986, NG Kwan-wai 1986, WONG Kwai-leung 1989, KAM Man-wei 1990, WONG Chi-hung 1990, LAM Kong 1992, TAM Ting-kai 1992, TANG Yau-keung 1992, CHAU Ka-keung 1994
Queen’s Commendation for Bravery (Q.C.B.)
WUT Chi-wai 1995, CHAM Wui-wai 1996, CHAN Chi-man 1996, R.Y.T. CHANG 1996
(1 July).
, the Chief Secretary for Administration
may appoint him/her as a New Territories Justice of the Peace (新界太平紳士).
Justices of the Peace have no judicial functions, and their main duties include visiting prison
s, administering statutory declarations, to serve any advisory panels, and other functions that are imposed by the Chief Executive.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
to the People's Republic of China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
as a special administrative region
Special administrative region (People's Republic of China)
A special administrative region is a provincial-level administrative division of the People's Republic of China, for which creation is provided by Article 31 of the 1982 Constitution of the People's Republic of China Article 31 reads "The state may establish special administrative regions when...
in 1997. Before that, Hong Kong was a British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
dependent territory and followed the British honours system
British honours system
The British honours system is a means of rewarding individuals' personal bravery, achievement, or service to the United Kingdom and the British Overseas Territories...
with the Order of the British Empire
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
.
The Order of the Grand Bauhinia
The Grand Bauhinia MedalGrand Bauhinia Medal
The Grand Bauhinia Medal the highest award under the Hong Kong honours and awards system, is to recognise the selected person's lifelong and highly significant contribution to the well-being of Hong Kong. The awardee is entitled to the postnominal letters GBM and the style "The Honorable"...
the highest award under the HKSAR honours and awards system, is to recognise the selected person's life-long and highly significant contribution to the well-being of Hong Kong. The awardee is entitled to the postnominal letters GBM and the style The Honourable
The Honourable
The prefix The Honourable or The Honorable is a style used before the names of certain classes of persons. It is considered an honorific styling.-International diplomacy:...
. (Bauhinia, Bauhinia blakeana
Bauhinia blakeana
Bauhinia blakeana is an orchid tree of the genus Bauhinia with large thick leaves and striking purplish red flowers. The fragrant, orchid-like flowers are usually across, and bloom from early November to the end of March...
, is the floral emblem of Hong Kong.)
The Order of the Bauhinia Star
The Order of the Bauhinia Star has three classes (postnominal in parenthesis): the Gold Bauhinia StarGold Bauhinia Star
The Gold Bauhinia Star is the highest rank in Order of the Bauhinia Star in Hong Kong, created in 1997 to replace the British honours system of the Order of the British Empire after the transfer of sovereignty to People's Republic of China and the establishment of the Hong Kong Special...
(GBS), the Silver Bauhinia Star
Silver Bauhinia Star
The Silver Bauhinia Star is the second rank in the Order of the Bauhinia Star in Hong Kong, awarded to persons who have taken a leading part in public affairs or voluntary work over a long period...
(SBS), and the Bronze Bauhinia Star
Bronze Bauhinia Star
The Bronze Bauhinia Star is the lowest rank in Order of the Bauhinia Star in Hong Kong, created in 1997 to replace the British honours system of the Order of the British Empire after the transfer of sovereignty to People's Republic of China and the establishment of the Hong Kong Special...
(BBS).
The Gold Bauhinia Star (GBS) is awarded to eminent persons who have given very distinguished services to the community or who have rendered public or voluntary services of a very high degree of merit.
The Silver Bauhinia Star (SBS) is awarded to persons who have taken a leading part in public affairs and/or voluntary work over a long period of time.
The Bronze Bauhinia Star (BBS) is awarded to persons who have given outstanding service over a long period of time, but in a more limited field or way than that required for the Silver Bauhinia Star.
The Order of the Medal of Honour
The Medal of Honour (MH) is the basic award under the honours system and is awarded in recognition of community service in a district or in a particular field over a long period of time. It is also awarded to non-directorate civil servants who have served with distinction.The Order of the Medal for Bravery
The Order of the Medal for Bravery is awarded for display of bravery in an incident. The Medal for Bravery (Gold)Medal for Bravery (Gold)
For the 3D puzzle game, please see MarbleBlast Gold.The Medal for Bravery is the first rank in the Order of the Medal for Bravery. It is awarded for acts of gallantry of the greatest possible heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger...
(postnominal MBG) is the highest in this order. There is also Medal for Bravery (Silver)
Medal for Bravery (Silver)
The Medal for Bravery is the second rank in the Order of the Medal for Bravery. It is awarded for gallantry of an extremely high order...
(MBS) and Medal for Bravery (Bronze)
Medal for Bravery (Bronze)
The Medal for Bravery is the third rank in the Order of the Medal for Bravery. It is awarded for exemplary acts of gallantry of a lesser standard then the Medal for Bravery...
(MBB).
The Medal for Bravery (Gold) (MBG) is awarded for acts of gallantry of the greatest possible heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger.
The Medal for Bravery (Silver) (MBS) is awarded for gallantry of an extremely high order.
The Medal for Bravery (Bronze) (MBB) is awarded for exemplary acts of gallantry of a lesser standard.
Disciplined Services and ICAC Awards
The Disciplined Services and ICAC Awards are awarded to officers of the 'disciplined formations' (similar to uniformed services elsewhere) and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). These awards replace the colonial awards issued before July 1997 that had profile of the reigning monarch and different ribbons.There are three types of awards http://www.protocol.gov.hk/eng/honours/hon_icac.html:
Distinguished Service Medals
- Hong Kong Police Medal for Distinguished Service (PDSM)
- Hong Kong Fire Services Medal for Distinguished Service (FSDSM)
- Hong Kong Immigration Service Medal for Distinguished Service (IDSM)
- Hong Kong Customs and Excise Medal for Distinguished Service (CDSM)
- Hong Kong Correctional ServicesHong Kong Correctional ServicesHong Kong Correctional Services is responsible for prisoners and prisons in Hong Kong. The Commissioner of Correctional Services reports to the Secretary for Security....
Medal for Distinguished Service (CSDSM) - Government Flying Service Medal for Distinguished Service (GDSM)
- Hong Kong ICAC Medal for Distinguished Service (IDS)
Meritorious Service Medals
- Hong Kong Police Medal for Meritorious Service (PMSM)
- Hong Kong Fire Services Medal for Meritorious Service (FSMSM)
- Hong Kong Immigration Service Medal for Meritorious Service (IMSM)
- Hong Kong Customs and Excise Medal for Meritorious Service (CMSM)
- Hong Kong Correctional Services Medal for Meritorious Service (CSMSM)
- Government Flying Service Medal for Meritorious Service (GMSM)
- Hong Kong ICAC Medal for Meritorious Service (IMS)
Long Service Medals and Clasps
- Hong Kong Police Long Service Medal and Clasps
- Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Long Service Medal and Clasps
- Hong Kong Fire Services Long Service Medal and Clasps
- Hong Kong Correctional Services Long Service Medal and Clasps
- Hong Kong Immigration Service Long Service Medal and Clasps
- Hong Kong Customs and Excise Long Service Medal and Clasps
- Hong Kong Auxiliary Medical Services Long Service and Clasps
- Civil Aid ServiceCivil Aid ServiceThe Civil Aid Service or CAS in short is a civil organisation that assist in a variety of auxiliary emergency roles, including search and rescue operations in Hong Kong:...
Long Service Medals and Clasps(Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum)
Recipients of Hong Kong Gallantry Awards up to 30 June 1997
(Decorations conferred on Hong Kong Residents - 1 July 1996)Military Cross (M.C.)
E.W.M.L. Corbally, R.H.D. Scriven 1942, K.A. Munro 1944, P. Steyn 1944, R.A.S. Lane 1945, J.S. McKay 1945, G.D.M. Williams 1965
Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M.)
T.F. Stainton 1947
George Medal (G.M.)
N.G.A. Noble, I.P. Hyde (Malaya), CHEUNG On 1947, LEUNG Yiu-tong 1953, P. Muskett 1958, CHOI Chor 1973, J.H. Bruce 1973, LEUNG Shiu-kay 1973
Military Medal (M.M.)
W.G. Poy, A.A. Iles 1944, E.G. Jones 1944, BAN Tsan-chuen 1946, D.W. YEE, 1946
King’s Police Medal for Gallantry (K.P.M.)
K. Anderson 1928,
Colonial Police Medal for Gallantry (C.P.M.)
G. Wright-Nooth, D.Pitt 1968, E.J. Stevenson 1968, A.S. Conway 1973, L. Burton 1973, P.M. Mullens 1973, LUN Kam-yat 1973, LUK Kai-lau 1973, NG Kam-hung 1973, D.W.F. O’Brien 1973, J. Reid 1973, CHAN Kam-ming 1974, LAU Piu 1974
Queen’s Gallantry Medal (Q.G.M.)
YIP Long-ping 1977, HO Hing-chuen 1979, CHAN Kwai-fai 1980, TUNG Chi-kan 1980, YEUNG Chun-hing 1980, N.A. McQueen 1981,
LO Wai-sing 1982, CHEUNG Wai-leung 1984, LEUNG Siu-lin 1984, T.M. Adamson 1986, M.J. Lovatt 1986, CHIU Ka-ping 1987, LI Timshing 1989, LUI Tak-wah 1989, CHAN Chi-choi 1991, CHENG Kwok-wai 1991, N.J. Roberts 1993, TSANG Hung-lit 1993,YEUNG Kwok-wing 1993,
CHAN Lun-fat 1995, YEUNG Chi-fai 1995, A.M. Steeple 1996
K.P. Chiu 1987
Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct (Q.C.B.C.)
T.A. Berrecloth 1973, CHAN Shing-tak 1973, CHAN Shing-yuk 1973, CHEUNG Shu-shing 1973, T.G. Collins 1973,
HUNG Sui-to 1973, KONG Kin 1973, LEUNG Shing-chau 1973, LI Chuen 1973, LIU Chiu-kwan 1973, LO Shiu-kuen 1973, J.D. Moran 1973, PUN Wai-cheung 1973, Guy Sanderson Shirra 1973, TAM Wai-hung 1973, TSUI Hin-kwing 1973, WONG Shiu-hung 1973, YIP Kai 1976,
LAM Sai-kit 1977, LO Wing-tai 1977, LO Yin-hok 1977, MIU Wa-keung 1977, CHEUNG Ching 1978, LI Wai-leung 1978, NG Choi-leung 1978, CHAU Kwong-tak 1979, NG Chung-hung 1979, TANG Kwok-fung 1979, TO Kwok-chiu 1979, LEUNG Kam-chu 1980, TSUI Pui-ling 1980, CHAN Shiu-fai 1981, WONG Chun-fai 1982, CHAN Chung-hing 1983, KO Wing-wa 1983, K.W. YING 1983, CHIU Kwok-yin 1984,
LI Kei-kit 1984, MA Shui-lun 1984, YAN Ping-kuen 1984, FU Siu-wing 1986, LI Hoi-chin 1986, NG Kwan-wai 1986, WONG Kwai-leung 1989, KAM Man-wei 1990, WONG Chi-hung 1990, LAM Kong 1992, TAM Ting-kai 1992, TANG Yau-keung 1992, CHAU Ka-keung 1994
Queen’s Commendation for Bravery (Q.C.B.)
WUT Chi-wai 1995, CHAM Wui-wai 1996, CHAN Chi-man 1996, R.Y.T. CHANG 1996
Order of precedence
The order of precedence is listed as follows in postnominals: GBM, GBS, MBG, SBS, MBS, BBS, MBB, MH, JP.Nomination and awarding
The nomination is usually made by SAR Government departments, and evaluated by the Honours Committee. The annual Honours List is published in the Gazette of the SAR Government on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment DayPublic holidays in Hong Kong
Public holidays in Hong Kong are holidays designated by the Government of Hong Kong. They allow workers rest from work, usually in conjunction with special occasions.-Public holidays:...
(1 July).
Justice of the peace
Justice of the Peace (太平紳士; postnominal JP) is a title of honour given by the Government to community leaders, and to certain officials while they are in their terms of offices. Official Justices of the Peace (官守太平紳士) is usually refer to those who is both a government official and a Justice of the Peace. The others may be referred as Non-Official Justice of the Peace (非官守太平紳士). For a person who is related to the New TerritoriesNew Territories
New Territories is one of the three main regions of Hong Kong, alongside Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. It makes up 86.2% of Hong Kong's territory. Historically, it is the region described in The Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory...
, the Chief Secretary for Administration
Chief Secretary for Administration
The Chief Secretary for Administration , commonly known as Chief Secretary and abbreviated as CS, is the second highest position of the Hong Kong Government...
may appoint him/her as a New Territories Justice of the Peace (新界太平紳士).
Justices of the Peace have no judicial functions, and their main duties include visiting prison
Prison
A prison is a place in which people are physically confined and, usually, deprived of a range of personal freedoms. Imprisonment or incarceration is a legal penalty that may be imposed by the state for the commission of a crime...
s, administering statutory declarations, to serve any advisory panels, and other functions that are imposed by the Chief Executive.
See also
- List of people with Hong Kong SAR honours since 1997
- Other honours systems:
- Orders, decorations, and medals of the United Kingdom: formerly granted in Hong KongHong KongHong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
and ceased after 1997. Honour members can continue to carry the titles, but not officially recognised in Hong Kong by the government after 1997. - Orders, decorations, and medals of Australia
- Orders, decorations, and medals of the United Kingdom: formerly granted in Hong Kong
- Hong Kong order of precedenceHong Kong order of precedenceThe Hong Kong order of precedence is a nominal and symbolic hierarchy of important positions within the Government of Hong Kong. Administered by the government's Protocol Division, the hierarchy does not determine the order of succession for the office of Chief Executive, which is instead specified...