Beijing’s Olympic Games, the United States’ Presidential Election, the Global Financial Tsunami…a year of laughter and tears, and ups and downs in 2008. Who was the most significant personality in this turbulent year? Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) “Radio 3’s Backchat Person of the Year 2008” polling started today (22 December) and runs to next Thursday (1 January 2009). Nominations (in no particular orders) are as follows: Dalai Lama Spiritual leader Edison Chen Artist and photographer Tony Hedley Health campaigner Regina Ip Legislative Councillor of Hong Kong Jin Jing Torchbearer of the 2008 Olympics torch relay Sarah Palin U.S. Vice-Presidential candidate Barack Obama U.S. President-elect Siu Wing-fong & Chan Siu-lung Fallen fire-fighters of Hong Kong Donald Tsang Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR Wen Jiabao Chinese Premier   The public are cordially invited to vote for the most outstanding personality of the year at RTHK on Internet (www.rthk.org.hk/channel/radio3) or by calling 2338 8266 during the programme “Backchat” every Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 9:30am. The result will be announced at Radio 3 (AM567/ FM97.9 Happy Valley, Jardine’s Lookout & Parkview Corner/ AM1584, FM106.8 HK South/ FM107.8 Tseung Kwan O & Tin Shui Wai) during the programme “Backchat” next Friday, 2 January 2009. The programme’s archive can be revisited on RTHK on Internet. RTHK “Radio 3’s Backchat Person of the Year” started in 2001. Previous winners include Former Chief Secretary Anson Chan, Legislative Councillor Leung Kwok-hung, Pui Pui (Yuen Long Crocodile), and the Hong Kong Police.

ccu@rthk.org.hk