Nikkei Inc. has announced the three winners of the 2008 Nikkei Asia Prizes, which recognize achievements that contribute to the improved well-being of Asian people.
In the category of regional growth, Wang Canfa, 49, Director of the Center of Legal Assistance to Pollution Victims in China at China University of Political Science and Law, received the award for his efforts to promote public awareness of the environment, law-abiding spirit, and to supervise the proper enforcement of environmental laws by supporting legal actions by pollution victims.
In the science, technology and innovation category, C.N.R. Rao, 73, National Research Professor and Honorary President & Linus Pauling Research Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, received the award in honor of his contribution to solid state chemistry and spectroscopy by writing 1,500 publications. And as a chairperson on the Science Advisory Board of India under five prime ministers, he has contributed to policies for science and technology in India.
Ahn Sung-ki, 56, South Korean film actor, won the culture prize in honor of his activity as a cultural custodian and spokesperson of South Korean film culture on behalf of the entire film industry, and of his leadership in international co-productions involving Japan, China, South Korea.
Nikkei Asia Prizes
Launched by Nikkei Inc. in 1996, the awards program honors people in Asia who have made significant contributions in three areas: regional growth; science, technology and innovation; and culture.
The prizes target individuals and groups in northeastern, southeastern, southern and central Asia, excluding Japan. The selection committee is chaired by Shoichiro Toyoda, honorary chairman of the Japan Business Federation (Nippon Keidanren).
