Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing chairman Charles Lee has been named 2004 Leader of the Year in the Business and Finance category of the Sing Tao Daily/The Standard annual awards.

  "I would like to share this honour with the board of directors at HKEx," he said at the presentation ceremony on Tuesday at the Grand Hyatt.

  "Without their perseverance, I would not be honored with this award."

  An eminent figure with more than 30 years' experience in the securities industry, Lee is best known for his vision and pioneering role in attracting mainland enterprises to list in Hong Kong over the past 10 years.

  Since his appointment as chairman of the Stock Exchange in 1992, Lee has promoted the development of Hong Kong's stock market as the primary fundraising market for mainland companies.

  Mainland companies have raised HK$889 billion in the local market and today account for about 30 percent of Hong Kong's market capitalization and 50 percent of market turnover.

  Awards presenter Monetary Authority chief executive Joseph Yam said Lee is also a leader in many other respects.The bearer of the distinguished Golden Bauhinia Star also leads the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority, the Open University and the Arts Festival Society.

  Sing Tao Newspaper Group chairman Charles Ho said: "Thanks to everyone's support, the leadership award is more successful every year. It is now in its 11th year, and continues to recognize outstanding individuals who contribute to the community."

  A panel of nine judges chose winners for their outstanding achievement in their respective fields and their contribution to Hong Kong.

Monetary Authority chief executive Joseph Yam,left, presents the SingTao Daily/The Standard annual Leader of the Year Award in the Business and Finance category to Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing chairman Charles Lee.	Shun Tak Holdings managing director Pansy Ho, left,hands the Community/PublicAffairs category award to Rebecca Lee.
Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra chief conductor Edo de Waart congratulates Trey Lee, who won the Sports/Culture/Performing Arts award. Health chief York Chow stands alongside Peter Newbery, who with his Youth Outreach team bagged the Community/Public Affairs award. University of Hong Kong Vice-Chancellor Tsui Lap-chee, left, presents Hong Kong Invention Association chairman Cheung King-fung with the Education/Research award.