In 1973 Hong Kong was a city caught up in a spiralling crime wave with reports of armed robberies and muggings on a daily basis. In response, the Fight Violent Crime Committee was formed to co-ordinate the efforts of the Government and public in helping the Police tackle the problem. The Secretary for Information, Mr Jack Cater, who had been appointed Chairman of the Committee, invited the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) to administer a Good Citizen Award.

This was a new initiative to enlist the support of the local community by commending civic-minded citizens for assisting in apprehending criminals and detecting crime.

The Chamber gladly took up the invitation, considering a safe society essential for the promotion of a positive business environment and members initially pledged $736,400 to fund the scheme. Since the award scheme was launched in 1973, more than $5.8 million has been paid out in cash prizes to over 3,300 recipients under the Good Citizen Award, and over $200,000 under the Good Citizen of the Year Award launched in 1984.

Last year the former CEO of the HKGCC, Dr Eden Woon, suggested holding a fund-raising campaign as part of their 145th Anniversary Celebrations after it was noticed that funds were dwindling to such an extent that it would be difficult to continue operating the scheme.

The highlight of the fund-raising campaign was the Anniversary Dinner recently held at the Intercontinental Hotel. The event was graced by the presence of the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, and the Chairman of the Chamber, Mr David Eldon. The Commissioner was among over 500 guests from the business sector and the Government. Early estimates indicate that in the region of $1 million was raised which will ensure that the scheme will be funded for many more years to come.

In his opening remarks at the dinner, Commissioner Lee Ming-kwai extended his sincere and heartfelt appreciation for the Chamber's commitment in maintaining their contribution to the Good Citizen Award. He noted that the Chamber had done a great deal in encouraging the community to rally behind the Force in the fight against crime and ensure Hong Kong was one of the safest cities in the World.

As part of the fund-raising campaign the Chamber prepared and distributed a special booklet that chronicles the history of the award scheme. Of particular interest was coverage of the first large-scale Good Citizen Award presentation that took place in July, 1974. Over 16,000 people turned up and the Tsz Wan Shan Playground and surrounding slopes were packed with spectators. TV artistes also attended to support the presentation and handed out prizes totalling $29,000 (about $162,000 in today's money) to the 11 citizens selected to receive awards on the day.

At the first Good Citizen Award Presentation Ceremony, HK-TVB artiste Lydia Sum presents an award and cheque for $5,000 to six-year-old Fung Man-chung, one of Hong Kong's youngest crime fighters