Britain in move to make honors even

Officials expect to see more recognition for people from UK's Chinese community

Twice a year, more than 1,000 people from across the United Kingdom are honored by Queen Elizabeth II for their contributions to British society in a range of fields that include charity work, sport, technology, and entertainment.

Some people are rewarded with knighthoods, others with Member of the British Empire medals or Commander of the British Empire medals.

The awards are presented by a member of the royal family and the recipient is then entitled to use the award's initials after his or her name in communications.

The UK government has expressed concern that too few people from the black, Asian, and other minority ethnic communities are being recognized for their contributions to society.

A recent census found that people identifying as black or Asian comprise 12.8 percent of the UK population, a community that received 9.3 percent of the honors handed out on Jan 1. That number was down from the 10 percent on the honors list prepared six months earlier.

Helen Ewen, head of the honors secretariat, which is part of the Cabinet Office, said organizers would like to see more people honored from Britain's Chinese community.

Before people can be honored, they must be nominated by a member of the public. They are then considered by a government committee.

Liu Yukshan

BEM, for services to cultural diversity and education in Northern Ireland

Liu arrived in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1981. After working as a chef for 20 years, Liu took a course at Belfast Metropolitan College to improve his qualifications so he could teach information and communication technology. He became the first Chinese ICT tutor in the Dairy Farm Learning Centre in Belfast. Liu has also set up a Chinese lion dance club to promote Chinese culture, cultural diversity and inclusion. More recently, he has set up a club in Hong Kong to promote Western culture.

Dr Yen Anderson

BEM, for services to safeguarding children and prevention of domestic violence in Leeds

Since being awarded a BEM, Yen Anderson, a general practitioner from Leeds, said she has seen a lot of pride from her family, friends, and colleagues. "It's been a wonderful feeling for me.... I will be carrying on doing what I do."

Prof Yang Guangzhong

CBE, for services to biomedical engineering

As cofounder and director of the Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery, Yang has created a unique, global center of excellence focused on developing safe, effective, and accessible imaging, sensing and robotics technologies with the potential to reshape the future of healthcare for both developing and developed countries. "I'm delighted to take the leadership in the UK and also have the link in China," Yang said. He works at Imperial College in London.

Chan Sammoi

MBE, for services to community cohesion

Following the deaths of 23 Chinese cockle pickers in Morecambe Bay in 2004, Chan set up Hua Xian (Good of the People) Society to help the integration of the invisible and marginalized Chinese community with public services and other faith and ethnic groups. "I don't want to just help the Chinese community, but also bring together a bigger community," said Chan.

Tony Law

MBE, for services to the Chinese community in Southend, Essex

Tony Law has lived in Southend for 45 years. He was awarded an MBE in the 2016 New Year's Honours list. As president of the South East Essex Chinese Association, Law volunteers to support the integration of the Chinese community in Southend and ensure the local Chinese association and other communities work closely together.

boleung@mail.chinadailyuk.com