Zhang Ziyi (left) and Kelly Chen [Photo: baidu.com]

Entertainers Zhang Ziyi and Kelly Chen are among the Chinese honorees for the 2009 "Young Global Leaders" selected by the Geneva-based World Economic Forum.

A February 25 press release from the Forum says "the honor... recognizes and acknowledges outstanding young leaders from around the world for their professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world."

Thirty-six-year-old Chen, a Hong Kong singer-actress and a UNICEF goodwill ambassador on children's health, told Sohu.com that winning the honor will encourage her charity work. Chen's foundation has so far financed the construction of 28 schools in rural areas on the Chinese mainland.

Actress Zhang Ziyi has yet to comment on her win, but she is no stranger to such honors. The 30-year-old was selected as a "Young Chinese Leader" in 2005 by the domestic magazine Southern People Weekly.

Other Chinese "Young Global Leaders" include Olympic medalist Deng Yaping and entrepreneur Chen Guangbiao.

A total of 230 leaders from business, government, media, arts and non-profit organizations have been honored this year. (dbw.cn)