An elite coterie of the SAR's tycoons, politicians and officials received the SAR's highest honour - the Grand Bauhinia Medal. A total of seven medals, up from three last year, was awarded to Financial Secretary John Tsang, Ronald Arculli and Leong Che-hung, all of whom received the medals in recognition of their contribution to community and government. Victor Fung is also honoured for his outstanding leadership of the Airport Authority, while Stanley Ho is honoured for his "outstanding contribution to charity and community service" and the "important role [he's played] in the promotion of education, sports and the welfare for young people." The other distinguished awardees are Charles Kao, the Nobel physics laureate, and the industrialist and philanthropist Tin Ka-ping.