Six foreign experts awarded 2026 Hainan Provincial Government Friendship Award

The 24th Conference on International Exchange of Professionals (Hainan sub-venue) took place at Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City high-tech zone in Sanya on Oct 30.

During the event, the 2026 Hainan Provincial Government Friendship Award was presented. Six foreign experts, including Charlotte Marie C. Magnette, Disna Ratnasekera, Konstantin Dorfman, Polina Silicheva and Iain Inglis, received the award.

"I've been living in Hainan for 20 years, and I'll continue to do my job while promoting international exchanges and sharing Hainan's story," said Iain, a veteran storyteller of Hainan.

He works as an English translator and voice actor for the Hainan Free Trade Port program and serves as an advisor to the Hainan Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Association.

Over the years, he has shared the voice of Hainan FTP with the world in roles such as a media professional and translator.

Charlotte, the international investment manager at the Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City high-tech zone in Sanya, is the first foreign builder in the area.

She is optimistic about Hainan's future and hopes to use her resources to attract more foreign institutions, businesses and talent to invest and start ventures in Hainan, taking advantage of the opportunities at the free trade port.

The Hainan Provincial Government Friendship Award was established in 1999. It is the highest honor awarded by the Hainan Provincial Government to foreign experts who have made significant contributions to the province's economic and social development.