Chinese Success celebrated at The Pearl Awards

The Second Pearl Awards on 29th September 2005 at the InterContinental Hotel (London), organised by The Pearl Foundation, was an event which not only showcased the enormous achievements and contributions of the Chinese community in Britain, but also provided an opportunity for the community, its friends and supporters to get together to share an enjoyable occasion and consolidate friendships. Presented by actress Sarah Lam, the evening began with a cocktail reception, followed by a three-course dinner, which was interspersed with fantastic musical performances. Nine-year-old pianist Xinxuan Cindy Li played with poise and professionalism that belied her young age, followed by two hugely talented young violinists Chen Jiafeng and Minn Majoe. The evening finished on a high with the internationally- acclaimed Chi2 and their inimitable sound.

This year, presentations were made in nine categories, with twenty-seven finalists invited to attend the evening.

The winners in each category were announced as follows:

• Mr Tony Panayiotou, Diversity Director of Arts Council England, presented novelist, filmmaker and essayist Xiaolu Guo with the Pearl Award for Creative Excellence.

• Ms Marcia Williams, Head of Diversity at the UK Film Council, presented Susan Mo, Giau Lan Long and Marcia Lewinson from Evergreen (the first and only domestic violence website designed specifically designed for Chinese communities in the UK and Europe) with the Pearl Award for Media Excellence.

• Eric Jagger, Sales and Marketing Director for Cherry Valley Farms Ltd, presented Sharon Koo and Simon Cheung of the Yuen Film School (set up by the BBC-funded Roots) with the Pearl Award for Business Enterprise.

• Debbie Whittaker, Head of Advertising and Marketing for The Metropolitan Police, presented KS Law and Edmond Yeo from the Chinese Information and Advice Centre with the Pearl Award for Services to the Community.

• Dr Jung Chang presented Steven Bellis, Gary Glendenning and Weijia Gao of Lynx Group International with the Pearl Award for Sports Development, for their work in using football to provide a connection between China and the UK.

• Henry Bennett, Director of Finance and Facilities at World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) presented Mrs Carrie Lam, Director General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, with the Pearl Award for Reverence for Life. Mrs Lam accepted the Award on behalf of the winners, Hong Kong Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, who could not be there themselves.

• Peter Nightingale, Chief Executive of the China-Britain Business Council presented Robin Rowland and Fan Li of Global Links Initiative with the Pearl Award for International Business Link on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

• Assistant Chief Constable Patricia Gallan from the National Crime Squad presented twenty four year old owner of a television production and distribution company Rebecca Yuancao Yang with the Pearl Award for Most Promising Young Newcomer.

• Stephen Perry, Chairman of the London Export Corporation presented David Tan, Westminster Council’s Chinese Liaison Officer, with The 48 Group Club Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement.