Four outstanding individuals -- Rita Fan, Rafael Hui, David Li and Lee Shau-kee -- Sunday were awarded Hong Kong's top honor Grand Bauhinia Medal.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government published in the HKSAR Government Gazette here Sunday the list of this year's awardings, which covered a total of 286 recipients.

A presentation ceremony for the awards will be held later this year, tentatively in October 2007.

The gazette recognized the Grand Bauhinia Medal recipient, President of the Legislative Council Rita Fan's long and distinguished public service, in particular her significant contribution to the smooth transition of Hong Kong and her exemplary efforts in promoting the implementation of the principle of "One Country, Two Systems."

Rafael Hui was recognized by the government gazette for his outstanding ability and experience in public administration and his significant contributions to Hong Kong's development and his role in steering the HKSAR government through many and varied challenges during his tenure as Chief Secretary for Administration of HKSAR government.

According to the gazette, Legislative Councilor and banker David Li had made significant personal contribution to the formulation of banking supervisory policies and helped promote the financial stability of Hong Kong and strengthen its status as an international financial center.

Lee Shau-kee was recognized for his outstanding contribution to education and community service as an enthusiastic supporter to higher education and the nurturing of talents with his great donations to universities and other institutes, according to the HKSAR government gazette.

Deceased fireman Wong Ka-hei has been posthumously awarded and his colleague Chin Kwok-ming awarded Gold Medal for Bravery for their utmost act of bravery in the Tsuen Wan industrial building fire in May this year.

When the sector commander ordered immediate retreat from the burning unit, Mr. Chin and Mr. Wong were the last ones on the line. Unfortunately, both of them were overcome by the intense heat. Chin was found semi-unconscious and was severely injured while Wong collapsed and was certified dead on arrival at hospital.

They had shown "exceptional courage and gallantry of the highest order, and have demonstrated the noblest qualities of a public servant," the gazette said.

The 2007 Honors List is the 10th full Honors List since Hong Kong's return to its motherland. Nine people - Matthew Cheung, Sophie Leung, Venerable Kok Kwong, Ho Sai-chu, Jose Yu, Dr. Patrick Ho, Sarah Liao, Lee Ming-kwai and the Most Reverend Peter Kwong - will receive the Gold Bauhinia Star award.

This year also saw 25 awarded with Silver Bauhinia Star, six Silver Medal for Bravery and eight Distinguished Service Medals for the disciplined services and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). A total of 46 people were named Bronze Bauhinia Star recipients, 10 were awarded the Bronze Medal for Bravery, 47 got Meritorious Service Medals for the disciplined services and the ICAC, and 61 were given the Medal of Honor.

For the Chief Executive's Commendation for Community Service, 47 people were named, and another 21 took the Chief Executive's Commendation for Government/Public Service.

(Xinhua News Agency July 1, 2007)