● Definition of Inspirations
In the context of this program, the word “Inspiration” means: theory, perception or discovery. “Inspirations” must be forward-looking, should be breakthroughs in their field, be innovative, and be scientific and rational. They should have significant implications for social and economic development and for the concrete betterment of our community. They should bring about transparent societal benefits, and make a positive contribution in a particular field or discipline. The “Inspirations” should be the original work of individuals.
● Entry Qualifications
Open to individuals aged 18 years and over. Entrants must enter under their own name.
● Entry Procedure
- For entry forms and enquiries: (clear copies accepted)
- Entry forms will be published in all major newspapers and magazines nationwide.
- Entry forms may be obtained direct from the following (please specify "555 Inspirations Entry Form" on the envelope):
- Marketing Section, The Advertising Department, Beijing Evening News
- Advertising Center, Dalian Daily
- Advertising Department of News Express, Yang Cheng Evening News
- Youth Right Protecting Department, Chengdu Committee of Communist Youth League
- Advertising Center, Shenzhen Special ZonePress Group
- The Press Culture & Art Developing Co. Ltd., Wenhui-Xinmin United Group
- Nationwide toll-free hotline.
- Forms may be downloaded from the Internet on http://www.sina.com.cn/555inspirations
- Return of entry forms: Please return entry forms in person or by mail to:
6/F Printing Building, 733 Dongfengdong Road, Guangzhou
Or to the participating organizations listed above. Please indicate: the attention of the "555 Inspirations" Section’ on the envelope.
- Application deadline: 26 May 2000 (as indicated by postmark).
● Nominations
Nominees may be those who have come up with perceptive new ideas, creative people, and those who have parlayed their original idea into a solid achievement. The purpose of the "555 Inspirations" events is to stimulate man’s creativity, to encourage people from all walks of life demonstrate their talent and originality, and to give people the opportunity to excel and obtain society’s recognition of their excellence.
“Nominees” may be “participants” recommended by the management of or an expert in their organization, network, or enterprise; they may be a friend; or they may nominate themselves. Nominees must be 18 years of age or over.
● Judging Criteria
The scope of the "555 Inspirations" is divided into five areas: science and technology, social sciences, financial services, the arts and sport, and others. Originality will be the key criteria, including:
- Innovativeness
- Unique work; original thinking, perception or discovery.
- New invention, originating from the participant’s own perception, rationalization, theory or discovery.
- Original work done completely independently of the thinking or achievements of any other person.
- Breakthrough
- High-level perception, theory or discovery which transcends or surpasses entrenched ways of thought or action, and which can stand alone overtaking earlier work. The work should be truly innovative, with a strong theoretical basis.
- Social Benefit
- The idea should have or be able to generate real social or economic benefits, such as making a real contribution to civilization and improving the people’s livelihood, as well as promoting social and economic development. Otherwise the idea should influence or make a contribution to a certain field of endeavor or enterprise, and in general should have a significant positive impact on the advancement of society.
● Judging Panel
To guarantee fairness, transparency and authority in judging, participants will be subjected to three rounds of judging by three judging panels: Preliminary Panel, Intermediate Panel and Final Panel.
The Preliminary panel will be composed of experts drawn from the event promoter and event co-organizers.
The Intermediate Panel and Final Panel will be composed of experts, scholars and figureheads drawn from the fields of science and technology, the social sciences, financial services, the arts and sport, as well as from other fields. (Names will be published separately.)
● Judging Procedure
This will be a three-stage process:
Preliminary selection: In early June 2000, the Preliminary Panel will choose 555 ideas from the initial entrants from all regions. Those chosen will be created “555 Visions Stars”.
Intermediate Selection: In the second half of June, 15 finalists will be chosen by the panel from the original 555 “555 Visions Stars”. These 15 finalists will go forward to be judged by the Final Panel.
Final Selection: At the beginning of July in Beijing the 15 Finalists will face the main panel of judges. Of these, 5 winners will be chosen and given the title of “555 Inspirations Stars”. The identity of the winners will remain secret until the end of July and will be announced at the “555 Inspirations” prize-giving gala.
● Awards Allocation
“555 Visionaries”
The original “555 Visionaries” will be rewarded with an attractive inspirational souvenir.
15 Finalists of “555 Inspirations Stars”
In addition to generous prizes, the 15 finalists will be present at the end July “555 Inspirations” prize-giving gala ceremony, where they will have the opportunity to present their “Inspirations” to the assembled guests.
“555 Inspirations Stars”
In addition to being presented with generous prizes, the five grand finalists who pass the Final Selection Panel will have their ideas projected by laser at the “555 Inspirations” gala extravaganza, so that all guests may bear witness to the winning ideas.
Those who recommended the nomination of the grand finalists will also be awarded souvenir gifts.
(Each prize is guaranteed to delight you. If you require further details, please refer to the appropriate "555 Inspirations" information.)
● International/Regional Figureheads
"555 Inspirations" will invite influential and successful personages to attend the main events. All these figureheads will have already transformed their own inspirational ideas into reality and high achievement or have become leaders in their chosen industry. As pillars of the community, they will have played a key role in promoting the modernization of China, and become paradigms of learning in their own right.
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