The 2024 Magnolia Award, Shanghai's highest honor to recognize the contributions of foreign individuals to the city, officially opened for nominations on March 1, according to the local foreign affairs authority.

The award recognizes foreigners who have made outstanding contributions to Shanghai's development across fields like business, finance, science, transportation, education, healthcare, culture and foreign exchanges.

Nominees must be foreign nationals working in Shanghai for at least two years or have engaged in foreign exchanges with the city for over five years, according to the announcement released by the Foreign Affairs Office of Shanghai Municipal People's Government on its official WeChat account.

It said candidates are evaluated based on their long-term commitment and achievements that advance Shanghai's status as an international hub.

Sino-foreign joint ventures can apply through the bureau-level departments of their Chinese partners. Wholly foreign-owned companies should apply via the bureau-level departments of their industries or the district government. Other enterprises can apply via the bureau-level departments of their employing units.

Nominations documents – including an applications form, recent photos and copies of passports in digital and print versions – must be submitted to relevant departments by March 31

More information and materials on the awards process can be found on the website of the Foreign Affairs Office of Shanghai Municipal People's Government (wsb.sh.gov.cn).