BEIJING - Scores of individuals and organizations have received China's highest award for charitable undertakings, the award committee announced at the China Charity Award symposium here on Monday.

A total of 20 individuals were honored as "the most charitable donors,"including billionaire Cao Dewang, president of Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co. Ltd.

Cao's charitable donations reached at least 1 million yuan ($151,515) last year, according to the award committee.

Cao claimed that his donations have amounted to 5 billion yuan since he began giving money to charities in 1983.

Twenty philanthropic projects and 40 companies also received the award, including the Shanghai-based Baosteel Group Corporation, and a Wenzhou-based project helping cataract patients.

The Award this year has enlisted greater social involvement, the committee said, citing the fact that over seven million Internet users had posted votes online during one week of public voting.

The award scheme was established by the Ministry of Civil Affairs in 2005 to honor Chinese who have engaged in prominent philanthropic efforts.