32nd HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair attracts 850,000 visitors ACN Newswire

32nd HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair attracts 850,000 visitors

July 26, 2022
HONG KONG, Jul 26, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The 32nd HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, 5th HKTDC Sports and Leisure Expo and 2nd HKTDC World of Snacks, all organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded successfully today. As the first large-scale event in 2022, the seven-day Book Fair and associated events brought together more than 700 exhibitors offering a diverse experience for shoppers that included books, sports and leisure products, and snacks. The three events drew 850,000 visitors, with average per capita spending of HK$879. The huge success of the concurrent fairs augurs well for the HKTDC's upcoming exhibition series.The Hong Kong Book Fair drew to a successful close today. The seven-day event attracted 850,000 visitors.Exhibitors presented books related to theme of the year - "History and City Literature". Visitors show great interest in buying books written by the celebrated late novelist Ni Kuang.Keen participation in diverse range of cultural activities and seminarsThis year's Book Fair is one of the events celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: "We are very grateful to all our exhibitors and visitors for their support for the Book Fair, the Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks. Some visitors even brought their whole family along! Under the theme of the year, 'History and City Literature', visitors showed great interest in related books, particularly cultural topics such as the history of the Forbidden City. Visitors also participated in various cultural events, seminars and recreational experiences. The HKTDC will continue to work with our Cultural Events Advisory Panel to bring even more diversity to the Book Fair in order to promote reading and cultural exchange more comprehensively. We look forward to our twin jewellery shows and Simply Shopping Fest, opening on 29 July, which will boost local consumption and introduce more business opportunities for exhibitors."Echoing the comments by Ms Chong, Book Fair exhibitors said that books related to this year's theme were among the best-selling genres at the event, including books on topics such as the history of the Forbidden City that enabled readers to get a better understanding of China's past. Meanwhile, books related to health and self-improvement and children's books were also popular and drew good business.Fiction, literature, comics, travel and children's book revealed as most popular genresMore than 800 visitors to the Book Fair were interviewed by a research institute commissioned by the HKTDC to get an insight into their spending and reading habits. The survey showed that the average spending at this year's fair was HK$879 - recording an increase from last year (spending in 2021 was HK$817) and accounting for 71% of respondents' average annual expenditure on printed books (HK$1,238). This demonstrates that the Book Fair remains an important platform for local people to get access to quality reading materials. The majority of respondents (82%) attended the Book Fair to seek out new releases while 41% came for book discounts, 17% visited for the diverse cultural activities, and 15% intended to buy children's books.The survey also revealed the reading habits and preferences of attendees, with 95% of respondents saying they had read printed books in the past month with an average reading time of 19 hours. The most popular genres were fiction (57%), literature (25%), comics (21%), travel (18%) and children's books (17%). Other popular genres were language books, supplementary exercises, self-improvement, history and biographies. The survey found that more than 65% of respondents had read e-books in the past month, also spending an average of 19 hours reading.57% of respondents use electronic payment methodsReflecting the influence of the pandemic, 57% of respondents settled payment using non-cash methods, including Octopus cards and credit cards, showing a rise from 49% last year. Visitors also rated the crowd control measures at the fairs positively, with 89% saying they were satisfied with the crowd control measures, and 90% expressing satisfaction with the new Octopus payment admission arrangements. To safeguard the health and safety of exhibitors and visitors, preventive measures were implemented, including temperature checkpoints and hand-sanitising facilities, which were acknowledged by 89% of the survey respondents. The measures implemented by the HKTDC made visitors feel more at ease when visiting the fairs.Exhibitions, seminars and more to continue in Cultural JulyThis year, the HKTDC organised more than 600 seminars and cultural activities, including the theme of the year "Reading the World: Stories of Hong Kong" seminar series, "History and City Literature", "Renowned Writers", "English and International Reading", "World of Knowledge", "Children and Youth Reading", "Lifestyle", "Hong Kong Cultural and Historical", and "Personal Development and Spiritual Growth". Together with the "Cultural July - Summer of Reading" campaign held in various districts since late June, the estimated number of participants for the various activities exceeded 320,000. Some of the seminars in the "Renowned Writers" seminar series were broadcast online in collaboration with Sina Weibo, allowing book lovers outside Hong Kong to participate virtually.Recordings of selected seminars are available online. Readers can revisit them through the Book Fair website or via the HKTDC's online video channels. The Cultural July citywide campaign continues until the end of this month with a broad range of activities including art and cultural tours, exhibitions and seminars. For details, please visit the Cultural July website at http://www.hkbookfair.hktdc.com/CulturalJuly Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks were well receivedOffering a broad selection of sports and leisure products and services along with more than 1,200 tasty treats and snack workshops, the Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks also concluded today. The former featured various trials and interactive experiences while the latter offered visitors a chance to buy treats from around the world and make their own snacks. Both events saw keen participation and exhibitors reported excellent sales.Following these three exhibitions, the HKTDC will organise a series of events in the summer, including Simply Shopping Fest (29 July to 1 Aug), the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show (29 July to 2 Aug), Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show (29 July to 2 Aug), Food Expo (11 to 15 Aug), Beauty & Wellness Expo (11 to 15 Aug), Home Delights Expo (11 to 15 Aug), and the Hong Kong International Tea Fair (11 to 13 Aug). These events will cater to the varying needs of the public while helping businesses expand their local retail market and provide a boost to Hong Kong's economy at the same time.Photo download: https://bit.ly/3oqdKWs About HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedInMedia enquiries Hong Kong Book FairHKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department: Clementine Cheung, Tel: +852 2584 4514, Email: clementine.hm.cheung@hktdc.orgSunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.orgSam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.orgYuan Tung Financial Relations:Agnes Yiu, Tel: +852 3428 5690, Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hkFung Wong, Tel: +852 3428 3122, Email: hfwong@yuantung.com.hkHong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, World of SnacksHKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:Frankie Leung, Tel: +852 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.orgYuan Tung Financial Relations: Tiffany Leung, Tel: +852 3428 2361, Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hk Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
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32nd HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, 5th Sports and Leisure Expo and 2nd World of Snacks open to the public today ACN Newswire

32nd HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, 5th Sports and Leisure Expo and 2nd World of Snacks open to the public today

July 20, 2022
HONG KONG, Jul 20, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The 32nd HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), begins today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and runs until 26 July. Running in tandem with the Book Fair are the 5th HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and 2nd HKTDC World of Snacks. Together, they are host to more than 700 exhibitors. Officiating at today's opening ceremony for the three events was John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), along with Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, and Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the HKTDC.John Lee (front row, centre), Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, officiated at today's opening ceremony for the 2022 HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair along with Dr Peter K N Lam (front row, R), Chairman of the HKTDC, and Margaret Fong (front row, L), Executive Director of the HKTDC.Hong Kong's literature lovers eagerly awaited the opening of the Book Fair in the hope of buying their favourite books and discovering new reading adventures.The second edition of World of Snacks presents a global selection of tasty treats.As one of the events celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR, this year's Book Fair, under the theme "History and City Literature" and with the tagline "Reading the World: Stories of Hong Kong", has gathered numerous acclaimed writers and will host more than 600 seminars and cultural activities at the HKCEC and across the city to celebrate the joy of reading.Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, said: "As the first large-scale public event this year, we hope the Book Fair can help bring positive energy to the community. This year's theme is 'History & City Literature'. The fair's Art Gallery features five 'History Writers' and 25 books from the 'City Literature' category chosen to mark the 25th Anniversary of the HKSAR. We hope the public can discover and be inspired by the city's historical development."Thematic exhibitions highlight Hong Kong's culture and historyIn keeping with this year's Book Fair theme, four exhibitions are being staged at the Art Gallery in the HKCEC Hall 3 Concourse. The "History Writers" exhibition features the works of five outstanding writers, namely (in no particular order) Ting Sun-pao, Lui Tai-lok, Elizabeth Sinn Yuk-yee, the late Yeh Ling-feng and Cheng Po-hung. A selection of their books, out-of-print works, manuscripts and precious memorabilia is on display to help readers understand the philosophy and inspiration behind their lives and works.Ting Sun-pao will share his experiences delving into the past in a seminar titled "My Journey on Historical Research" this Friday (22 July), while Lui Tai-lok will analyse the historical context of Hong Kong from multiple perspectives in the seminar "Hong Kong Society's Social Landscape: Description" (23 July). Elizabeth Sinn Yuk-yee will discuss the ups and downs experienced in her historical research in the seminar "Hardships and Joys in 40 years" (24 July). Yeh Zhong-min, attending the Book Fair on behalf of her late father, Yeh Ling-feng, will speak about his research into Hong Kong's literature and history in the seminar "Hong Kong - My Second Home" (25 July). Meanwhile, Cheng Po-hung discusses the city's culinary delights and entertainment development in two seminars, "A Century of Hong Kong Food and Delicacies" (20 July) and "A Century of Hong Kong's Entertainment" (25 July)."City Literature" features 25 literary works about Hong Kong by renowned local writers, including Xiao Si, Xi Xi, Eileen Chang, Shu Xiang-cheng, and Liu Yi-chang. There is an interactive exhibition that takes readers on a tour of the city from multiple perspectives through words and texts.The two other thematic exhibitions are "Tastes of Hong Kong" and "Hong Kong Architecture". Working in collaboration with Cheng Po-hung, Lau Tsz-chun, James Ng, Ng Gui-long, the Chinese Culinary Institute, Tao Heung Museum of Food Culture and Yung Kee Restaurant, "Tastes of Hong Kong" presents the evolution of Hong Kong's culinary culture through valuable artefacts. The "Hong Kong Architecture" exhibition is run in partnership with Urban Sketchers Hong Kong and National Geographic, showcasing paintings and photographs by artists depicting Hong Kong's historical sites and city landscapes."Eight Seminar Series" connects writers with bookloversThe "Eight Seminar Series" continues to be a major highlight at the Book Fair. The topics this year cover a wide spectrum of literary interests, including "Stories of Hong Kong", "Renowned Writers", "English and International Reading", "World of Knowledge", "Children and Youth Reading", "Lifestyle", "Hong Kong Culture and History", and "Personal Development and Spiritual Growth". Authors and booklovers are able to interact and exchange ideas at the seminars.Partnering with Ming Pao and Yazhou Zhoukan, the HKTDC has again organised the "Renowned Writers Seminar Series", inviting leading authors to share their creative journey and insights. Documentary photographer Liu Heung-shing shared his insights on capturing the visual history of the city in person today (20 July). Art curator Li Pi will describe how the M+ Museum has made Hong Kong a cultural capital in the region (21 July), while Hong Kong writer Shum Sai-shing will reminisce about the late Ni Kuang in the seminar "Recalling Our Literary Giant - Ni Kuang" (23 July).The "English and International Reading Series" supported by Book Depository, an international online bookstore, has invited a number of famous English- and foreign-language writers to host virtual and in-person seminars, helping readers learn more about foreign cultures. Two British writers, Clare Mackintosh and Gillian McAllister, met reading enthusiasts virtually today (20 July). Clare Mackintosh described the way she moved from being a police officer to an accomplished crime writer, while Gillian McAllister shared her creative journey and the sources of her ideas.This year's fair also continues with the "Storytelling by Celebrities" events, inviting former Chinese champion diver Guo Jing-jing, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council Gilly Wong and Hong Kong Museum of Art Chief Curator Mok Ka-wing to tell their inspirational stories to children. For seminars registration and authors line-up at the Book Fair, please visit: https://hkbookfair.hktdc.com/en/Events/Event-Schedule.htmlThematic zones present diverse culturesThe Book Fair features numerous thematic zones, including General Books Pavilion, English Avenue, University Press Square, Spirituality Zone, Children's Paradise and more. The International Cultural Village is attended by representatives of various consulates in Hong Kong to promote their own cultures and publications. The Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau will present French culture through classic works of art in the seminar "Uncovering the Smile of the Mona Lisa", while the Consulate General of Switzerland in Hong Kong and Macau will introduce the attractions of Switzerland in the seminar "Exploring Switzerland through Train Rides". The Virtual Classroom zone continues to cater to the new normal in teaching. For instance, a Hong Kong start-up highlights its research and development into cloud-based interactive virtual classrooms, providing artificial intelligence and programming certificate courses and assisting schools to promote science and technology education.Cultural July in hybrid modeAlongside the Book Fair, the HKTDC is collaborating with numerous partners, including the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, publishers, cultural and educational institutions, shopping malls and cafes, to organise a series of more than 300 cultural events in the 18 districts of Hong Kong as part of the "Cultural July" campaign. This year, a set of four exquisite Chocolate Rain stickers has been designed for the event. Participants can redeem gifts at the Book Fair after collecting a full set of four stickers. For further details, please visit: https://hkbookfair.hktdc.com/CulturalJulyExciting experiences at Sports and Leisure ExpoThis year's Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo features eight thematic zones - Sports Hub, Outdoor Adventure, Health & Fitness, Fun & Learn, Board Games, Photography World, Japan Pavilion and Handicraft Market - presenting a variety of sports and leisure brands, products and experiences.A range of fun activities is offered in the Sports Hub zone for visitors to enjoy free of charge, including an e-sports racing competition and simulator trials, lacrosse demonstrations and mini-games. Exhibitors from the Health & Fitness zone are offering free massages and a massage-chair experience while Fun & Learn promotes boules and petanque along with a 3D printing workshop. Hong Kong racing driver Darryl O'Young and members of the Hong Kong Baseball Association have also been invited to join the sharing sessions at the expo.The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and nine Japanese prefectures and cities have once again joined the Japan Pavilion to showcase the country's attractions and cultural characteristics. JNTO's experience hall has set up a Japanese hotspot map to display the featured attractions and delicacies of many counties and cities. Visitors can choose their own Japanese tour route from the map according to their preferences. Meanwhile, Kadokawa Corporation, among the top four publishing houses in Japan, has collaborated with Tottori Prefecture to introduce local cultural highlights and bestselling books and magazines from Japan. There will also be sessions on traditional Japanese dance, strategies for travelling in Japan and more to showcase the charm of Japanese culture.In addition, Photography World and Board Games showcase a variety of products, including the world's first F2 aperture mirrorless camera with a high-magnification zoom lens, Kodak cameras, and fascinating table games with Hong Kong themes.World of Snacks returns with global selection of tasty treatsFollowing the success of last year's debut event, World of Snacks returns to feature six thematic zones - Travel Delights, Chocolate and Sweet Factory, Oldie Snacks, Yummy & Healthy, Party Time and Snack Bar - bringing together more than 1,200 popular treats from across the globe.Public safety is a top priority for the HKTDC, and various measures have been implemented throughout these concurrent events to protect the health of the participants. All staff members, exhibitors and visitors are required to wear masks in the venue, use the LeaveHomeSafe mobile app and show their COVID-19 vaccination record before entering the HKCEC in accordance with the HKSAR Government's COVID-19 protocols. Other onsite safety measures include temperature-screening stations, the provision of hand sanitisers and disinfection items at multiple locations around the HKCEC, as well as enhanced cleaning and disinfection provision at the venue. Visitors are encouraged to make purchases using e-payment, which is accepted by about 85% of the exhibitors.To ensure a more even flow of visitors throughout the day, the HKTDC has introduced morning admission tickets, night admission tickets as well as a special re-entry promotion. There are no physical ticket sales at the fairground in order to avoid the use of cash and minimise contact. Visitors can pay with their Octopus cards at the entrance's toll booths. More details of the ticketing arrangements can be found below.The HKTDC Education & Careers Expo will be held at the HKCEC from tomorrow (21 July) to 24 July, running in parallel with the Book Fair and other events. Youngsters and jobseekers can access the latest information on education and career opportunities at this one-stop event. Admission is free of charge.Websites:- Hong Kong Book Fair: http://www.hkbookfair.com- Cultural July: https://hkbookfair.hktdc.com/CulturalJuly- Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo: https://hksportsleisureexpo.hktdc.com- World of Snacks: https://worldofsnacks.hktdc.com- Education & Careers Expo: https://hkeducationexpo.hktdc.com- Photo download: https://bit.ly/3yTwkuV- Photos of the exhibits, key speakers and other Book Fair highlights can be found at: http://bitly.ws/sJtkAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly SMEs, in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedInMedia enquiriesHong Kong Book FairHKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:Clementine Cheung, Tel: +852 2584 4514, Email: clementine.hm.cheung@hktdc.orgSunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.orgSam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.orgYuan Tung Financial Relations:Agnes Yiu, Tel: +852 3428 5690, Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hkHing-Fung Wong, Tel: +852 3428 3122, Email: hfwong@yuantung.com.hkHong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, World of SnacksHKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:Frankie Leung, Tel: +852 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.orgYuan Tung Financial Relations:Tiffany Leung, Tel: +852 3428 2361, Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hk Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
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Renowned authors speak at HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair ACN Newswire

Renowned authors speak at HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair

July 15, 2022
HONG KONG, Jul 15, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The 32nd HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), is once again holding the popular "Eight Seminar Series", with highlights this year including the "Renowned Writers Seminar Series", co-organised by Ming Pao and Yazhou Zhoukan, and the "English and International Reading Series", supported by Book Depository. This year's Book Fair, which runs from 20 to 26 July (Wednesday to Tuesday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) under the theme "History and City Literature", has invited acclaimed local and foreign writers to speak at a series of virtual and in-person seminars, sharing the challenges and triumphs they face during their writing journey.The “Renowned Writers Seminar Series” is honoured to invite Liu Zhen-yun (L), winner of the Mao Dun Literature Prize, and Sisy Chen (R), a famous Taiwanese author and television host, to be guest speakers.Clare Mackintosh (Photo credit: (c) Bill Waters) Gillian McAllister (Photo credit: (c) Bill Waters)The "Renowned Writers Seminar Series" is honoured to invite Liu Zhen-yun, winner of the Mao Dun Literature Prize, and Sisy Chen, a famous Taiwanese author and television host, to be guest speakers. Mr Liu will introduce his latest work, Laughter and Tears: A Novel, while Ms Chen will analyse the direction society is taking in a seminar titled "In the 21st Century, We Go from Civilisation to Barbarism". Other authors in the star-studded line-up include Zhou Guo-ping and Zhi An from Mainland China; Sun Sai-shing, Li Pi, Johnson Chang, Liu Heung-shing, Xu Zi-dong, Ho Fuk-yan and Nicole Huang from Hong Kong; Xie Yong-mao and Bo-Chow Lan from Taiwan; and Honda Yoshihiko from Japan.The "English and International Reading Series" will invite a number of famous English- and foreign-language writers to speak about their fascinating writing journeys, including British author Clare Mackintosh and Sunday Times Top 10 bestselling author Gillian McAllister. Translated into more than 40 languages, Clare Mackintosh's books have sold more than two million copies worldwide and won numerous awards. Among the other speakers are Simon Toyne, Mio Debnam, Mark O'Neill and Maisie Chan. Hong Kong's booklovers will be able to experience different cultures and broaden their horizons through the sharings of these acclaimed authors.Liu Zhen-yun - Laughter and Tears: A NovelBorn in Yanjin in Henan Province, Liu Zhenyun started his writing journey at Farmer's Daily after graduating from the Chinese faculty of Peking University. His style is neo-realism and he writes with a signature sense of humour, and with an emphasis on his hometown in his works. From Someone to Talk To, Ground Covered with Chicken Feathers, Remembering 1942 to I Did Not Kill My Husband, most of his books reflect the hardships people encountered in the past but in a humorous way, depicting a vivid portrayal of community life.Mr Liu believes the underlying meaning of comedy is sharing pain. His just-published book Laughter and Tears: A Novel is a work of black humour, which he summarises as: "one should take encounters in life as jokes and laugh them off". The book is based on the idea of "jokes", which the author sees as an effective tool to examine the nature of humanity. Many jokes connect people from different groups, areas and nations. The new book enriches the "Yanjin World" constructed in Mr Liu's previous novels, and fans are eagerly looking forward its unveiling at the Book Fair.Sisy Chen - from civilisation to barbarismSisy Chen, Jaw Shaw-kong and Li Ao form the famous triumvirate of political commentators in Taiwan. Ms Chen, well known for her multifaceted talents, is a celebrated academic, TV host, radio host, writer and art curator. These diverse experiences empower her with knowledge, wisdom and vision along with accomplished writing skills. Her works cover a wide swathe, including global finance, international politics, short essays, women and love, reflections on life and philosophical speculation. Two of Sisy Chen's short stories, Only One Corner of Prosperity is Left and Tree is Gone, explore international politics and economics with advice for young people on how to handle adversity with fortitude. This dialogue is concluded in I'm Afraid of Success and I Believe in Failure, illuminating the way forward for the next generation.Ms Chen encourages readers to reflect more on international society and history through her words. "Reviewing the past and looking into the future, you should think more about whether we have retrograded from civilisation to barbarism, or if we have become more civilised," she once said. After going through the pandemic and reflecting on its impact, Ms Chen will share her insights into the post-COVID world with readers.Clare Mackintosh - from crimefighter to crime writerClare Mackintosh is the multi-award-winning author of five bestselling novels - I See You, I Let You Go, Let Me Lie, After the End, and Hostage - which were listed on the bestselling books list of the New York Times and USA Today and topped the Sunday Times bestseller list for 64 weeks. Her latest thriller, Hostage - a locked-room thriller set on a 20-hour flight - has just been released. Ms Mackintosh worked in the police force for 12 years and was once Thames Valley Police's operations inspector for Oxfordshire and town sergeant of Chipping Norton before becoming a full-time writer.I Let You Go, Clare Mackintosh's top-selling book, describes a hit-and-run accident that kills a lively five-year-old boy. Police Officer Gray and her team take over the investigation and solve the case without any witnesses or clues. In the coming Book Fair seminar session, the author will share her journey from law enforcement officer to crime fiction writer.Gillian McAllister - how to get and stay publishedRising British author Gillian McAllister was a lawyer before debuting in the book world in 2017. All her works, including Everything But the Truth, Anything You Do Say, No Further Questions, The Evidence Against You, How to Disappear, That Night, and the just-published Wrong Place Wrong Time, are bestsellers. Her debut novel, Everything But the Truth, appeared in the Sunday Times bestseller list at No. 6 in the very first week after publication. Another book, That Night, was recommended as a must-read by the well-known British TV show, Richard and Judy Book Club.Gillian McAllister's work has been published in 10 countries. All her novels are standalones and can be read in any order. She will be participating in the Hong Kong Book Fair for the first time, sharing the driving force behind her successful journey as an author.For more information on the full line-up of seminars and authors at the Book Fair, please refer to the links in the profile below. Interested readers may also visit the Hong Kong Book Fair website (www.hkbookfair.com) to register for free seminars and browse through more details of the fascinating events lined up for this year's event.Note: media representatives who wish to interview the guest speakers should email the interview format, outline and contact information on or before July 18 to ayiu@yuantung.com.hk.Websites- Hong Kong Book Fair: http://www.hkbookfair.com- Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo: https://hksportsleisureexpo.hktdc.com- World of Snacks: https://worldofsnacks.hktdc.com- Education & Careers Expo: https://hkeducationexpo.hktdc.com- Photo download: https://bit.ly/3uEWRuL- Photos of the exhibits, key speakers and other Book Fair highlights can be found at: http://bitly.ws/sJtkAbout HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedInMedia enquiriesHong Kong Book FairHKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:Clementine Cheung, Tel: +852 2584 4514, Email: clementine.hm.cheung@hktdc.orgSunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.orgSam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.orgYuan Tung Financial Relations:Agnes Yiu, Tel: +852 3428 5690, Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hkHing-Fung Wong, Tel: +852 3428 3122, Email: hfwong@yuantung.com.hkHong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, World of SnacksHKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:Frankie Leung, Tel: +852 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.orgYuan Tung Financial Relations:Tiffany Leung, Tel: +852 3428 2361, Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hk Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
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32nd Hong Kong Book Fair opens on 20 July ACN Newswire

32nd Hong Kong Book Fair opens on 20 July

July 6, 2022
HONG KONG, Jul 6, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The 32nd HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will run from 20 to 26 July (Wednesday to Tuesday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). As one of the events celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), this year's Book Fair has invited acclaimed writers and organised over 600 seminars and cultural activities.Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDCAttending the press conference are (from left) Edmund Chan, Director of the Hong Kong Publishing Federation; Lee Ka-kui, Chairman of the Hong Kong Publishing Federation; Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC; Yau Lop-poon, Editor-in-Chief of Yazhou Zhoukan; and Cheng Po-hung, Honorary Adviser of the Hong Kong MuseumAmong the exhibitions in the Art Gallery at the Book Fair are "History Writers", "City Literature", "Tastes of Hong Kong" and "Hong Kong Architecture"With the overarching theme "History and City Literature", the Book Fair will walk visitors through Hong Kong's cultural and historical development and portray the city's charm through the creations of this year's featured authors, echoing the tagline "Reading the World: Stories of Hong Kong". The Book Fair will run in parallel with the HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and HKTDC World of Snacks which are expected to attract a total of over 700 exhibitors, offering visitors stimulation for the brain, body and palate with a single entry ticket.Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: "The theme this year, 'History and City Literature', selected by the Hong Kong Book Fair Cultural Events Advisory Panel, is particularly meaningful. Only through words and texts can the city's historical evolution from a small fishing village to an international metropolis be so well depicted and documented. These countless wonderful books help narrate many of the city's stories and display its unique character in a vivid and timeless way. The Book Fair has invited renowned authors to share their creative journey and spread the joy of reading to the public. The HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and HKTDC World of Snacks will be held alongside the Book Fair and offer a selection of sports and leisure products and experiences, as well as tasty treats from around the world."Thematic exhibitions highlight Hong Kong's culture and historyAligning with this year's theme, four thematic exhibitions will be staged at the Art Gallery at the HKCEC Hall 3 Concourse. The "History Writers" exhibition will feature the works of five outstanding writers, including (in no particular order) Ting Sun-pao, Lui Tai-lok, Elizabeth Sinn, the late Yeh Ling-feng and Cheng Po-hung. A selection of their books, out-of-print works, manuscripts and precious collections will be displayed to help readers better understand the philosophy behind their lives and creations. The writers will also share insights into researching Hong Kong's history and their writing techniques. Yeh Chung-man will attend the Book Fair on behalf of her late father, Yeh Ling-feng."City Literature" will be an interactive exhibition, featuring 25 literary works about Hong Kong and taking readers on a journey through different parts of the city from multiple perspectives such as historical buildings, streets, housing estates and lifestyles.The two other thematic exhibitions are "Tastes of Hong Kong" and "Hong Kong Architecture". Working in collaboration with Cheng Po-hung, Lau Tsz-chun, James Ng, Wu Gui-long, the Chinese Culinary Institute, Tao Heung Museum of Food Culture and Yung Kee Restaurant, "Tastes of Hong Kong" visualises the evolution of Hong Kong's culinary culture and display artefacts such as a rice dispensing certificate from 1953, a number of valuable old menus, rare vintage tableware, and miniatures of retro restaurants and stalls. Meanwhile, the "Hong Kong Architecture" exhibition is run in partnership with Urban Sketchers Hong Kong and National Geographic, displaying paintings and photographs by artists depicting Hong Kong's historical sites."Eight Seminar Series" connects writers with bookloversThe "Eight Seminar Series" continues to be a major highlight at the Book Fair. The topics this year cover a wide spectrum of literary interests, including "Stories of Hong Kong", "Renowned Writers", "English and International Reading", "World of Knowledge", "Children and Youth Reading", "Lifestyle", "Hong Kong Cultural and Historical", and "Personal Development and Spiritual Growth", encouraging the general public to explore different book genres and cultivate new interests.Partnered with Ming Pao and Yazhou Zhoukan, the HKTDC is once again organising the "Renowned Writers Seminar Series" with leading authors invited to share their creative insights. Among those speaking are Liu Zhen-yun, winner of the Mao Dun Literature Prize, documentary photographer Liu Heung-shing, Hong Kong historian Sun Sai-shing, Chinese literature scholar Xu Zi-dong, art curator Li Pi, internationally renowned art critic Johnson Chang and more.The "English and International Reading Series" supported by Book Depository, an international online bookstore, will invite a number of famous English and foreign-language writers to tell their intriguing writing journeys and share tips on creating captivating stories with readers at a series of virtual and in-person seminars. They include British author Clare Mackintosh, who has sold more than two million copies of her books; Sunday Times Top 10 bestselling author Gillian McAllister; British author Simon Toyne, who presents a true crime TV series; and British-born Chinese author Maisie Chan, who won the Jhalak Children's & YA Prize 2022. Mio Debnam, an author of more than 25 children's books, and veteran China correspondent Mark O'Neill will speak at the fair in person. Also hosting seminars under other series will be food critic and bon vivant Chua Lam; former Director of the Hong Kong Observatory Sham Chi-ming; Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of the Chinese University of Hong Kong Chan Ka-leung; well-known screenwriter Chong Mui-ngam; and So Wa-wai, a retired athlete from Hong Kong who has won a number of Paralympic gold medals.In addition, this year's fair will continue with the "Storytelling by Celebrities" events, inviting former Chinese champion diver Guo Jing-jing, Hong Kong bowling athlete Wu Siu-hong, Hong Kong Museum of Art Chief Curator Mok Ka-wing, Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Executive Director Andy Ho and veteran journalist Karen Cheng to share their inspirational stories with children.For more information on the full line-up of seminars and authors at the Book Fair, please visit: https://hkbookfair.hktdc.com/tc/Events/Event-Schedule.htmlExciting experiences at Hong Kong Sports and Leisure ExpoThis year's Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo will cover eight thematic zones and present a variety of sports and leisure brands, products and experiences. A range of fun experiences will be offered for visitors to enjoy free of charge, including an e-sports racing competition and simulator trials from Challenger Z-ntertainment Limited, lacrosse demonstrations and mini-games from the Hong Kong Lacrosse Association , a free flight simulator experience from Wings Flight Academy, and free golf simulator trials presented by GreenLive Enterprises Limited.Across the expo floor, various exciting sports demos and performances will also be offered. There will be star sharing sessions by Hong Kong motorsports racing driver Darryl O'Young and representatives of the Hong Kong National Baseball Team, a freestyle soccer performance, a Japanese dance performance, and an immersive one-to-one virtual reality tour of Kai Tak Sports Park.In addition, Photography World will gather a collection of cameras including the world's first F2 aperture mirrorless camera with high-magnification zoom lens and Kodak cameras. Photography enthusiasts will also share their insights at the expo. Another themed area, Board Games, will showcase a variety of table games including those by Ha! Design Studio Limited, which has collaborated with TamJai SamGor Mixian and Lee Kum Kee to launch various board games with local themes, including "Tam Jai Jeh Jeh" and "Hong Kong Wet Market".The Japan Pavilion this year has expanded in size by 20%. Kadokawa Corporation, among the top four publishing houses in Japan, will feature scenic spots and traditional culture from Japan along with the Japan National Tourism Organization and 10 Japanese prefectures and cities.World of Snacks returns with a global selection of tasty treatsFollowing the success of last year's debut event, World of Snacks returns to feature six thematic zones - Travel Delights, Chocolate and Sweet Factory, Oldie Snacks, Yummy & Healthy, Party Time and Snack Bar - bringing together more than 1,000 popular treats from across the globe.Travel Delights offers prawn crackers delivered directly from Nagoya; matcha-no-sato egg rolls from Yamamasa Koyamaen; and crispy fish bones, original pineapple cakes and Wu Songdian meat muffins from Taiwan. Oldie Snacks offers coconut candies and coconut ice cream from the local century-old brand Yan Chim Kee; crispy peanuts with shrimp roe from the 70-year-old peanut brand Tsui Heung Food Factory; and mixed nuts from the 30-year-old local food manufacturer Butterfly Brand. Yummy & Healthy offers Greek pink rock salt pistachios, vegan chocolate flakes, organic nuts and more. Chocolate and Sweet Factory presents the famous German candy brand Bears & Friends, while Spanish handmade rock candy brand Papabubble will present a rock candy workshop on stage. Snack Bar, meanwhile, gathers a number of local enterprises to promote handmade snack products.The HKTDC Education & Careers Expo will be held at the HKCEC from 21 to 24 July, running in parallel with the Book Fair and other events. Youngsters and jobseekers can access the latest information on education and career opportunities at this one-stop event. Admission is free of charge.Enhanced on-site hygiene measures ensure participants' safetyThe safety of the public is a top priority for the HKTDC, and various measures will be implemented throughout the concurrent events to protect the health of participants. Following the HKSAR Government's COVID-19 protocols, all staff members, exhibitors and visitors will be required to wear masks in the venue and use the LeaveHomeSafe mobile app and show their COVID-19 vaccination record before entering the HKCEC. Except for designated food and beverage areas, no food, drinks or food tasting will be allowed inside the venue, including at the booths. Other safety measures include temperature-screening stations, the provision of hand sanitisers and disinfection items at multiple locations around the HKCEC, as well as enhanced cleaning and disinfection at the venue.To ensure a more even flow of visitors throughout the day, the HKTDC will introduce morning admission tickets, night admission tickets as well as a special re-entry promotion. No physical ticket sales will be arranged at the fairground to avoid the use of cash and minimise contact. Visitors can pay with their Octopus cards at the entrance's toll booths to gain entry. More details of the ticketing arrangements can be found below.Cultural July in hybrid modeAlongside the Book Fair, the HKTDC is collaborating with numerous cultural and educational institutions, libraries, museums, shopping malls, cafes and bookstores to organise a series of cultural events in the 18 districts of Hong Kong running from 24 June to 31 July as part of the Cultural July citywide campaign. Activities include various seminars by renowned writers, family workshops, dramas and exhibitions, helping the general public deepen their knowledge and boost the city's reading culture.In a nod to digitisation trends, the HKTDC will again set up a Cultural Journey Online webpage on the Book Fair website to provide resources for activities such as online reading and to offer e-reading resources, seminars and exhibitions.HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and HKTDC World of Snackshttps://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en/pressrelease/detail/20360/Photo download: https://bit.ly/3Rcxji8Photos of the exhibits, key speakers and other Book Fair highlights can be found at: https://rb.gy/djjg6wAbout HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedInMedia enquiriesHong Kong Book FairHKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:Clementine Cheung, Tel: +852 2584 4514, Email: clementine.hm.cheung@hktdc.orgSunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.orgSam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.orgYuan Tung Financial Relations:Agnes Yiu, Tel: +852 3428 5690, Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hkHing-Fung Wong, Tel: +852 3428 3122, Email: hfwong@yuantung.com.hkHong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, World of SnacksHKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:Frankie Leung, Tel: +852 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.orgYuan Tung Financial Relations:Tiffany Leung, Tel: +852 3428 2361, Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hk Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
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32nd annual Hong Kong Book Fair returns on 20 July ACN Newswire

32nd annual Hong Kong Book Fair returns on 20 July

June 24, 2022
HONG KONG, Jun 24, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The 32nd HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will run from 20 to 26 July (Wednesday to Tuesday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Tickets will open for sale on 27 June while online registration for seminars opens today (24 June), offering a wide range of stimulating and thought-provoking events for Hong Kong's booklovers.The 32nd annual HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair returns on 20 July. The theme of this year's fair is "History and City Literature", with the tagline "Reading the World: Stories of Hong Kong". The HKTDC will introduce celebrated authors and their outstanding works to Hong Kong's booklovers, sharing the joy of reading with the public. The picture shows scenes from last year's Book Fair.As one of the celebration events for the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the HKTDC has invited renowned authors to host and participate in seminars and cultural events. The Book Fair will run in parallel with the 5th HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and 2nd HKTDC World of Snacks, giving visitors the chance to enjoy three very different experiences with a single ticket.Theme of the year: "History and City Literature"The theme of this year's Book Fair is "History and City Literature", with the tagline "Reading the World: Stories of Hong Kong". The HKTDC will introduce celebrated authors and their outstanding works to booklovers, giving them a deeper understanding of Hong Kong's historical and cultural development and promoting the joy of reading among the public. Thematic exhibitions titled "History Writers" and "City Literature" will be featured at the Art Gallery, allowing visitors to savour Hong Kong's unique story through literature and arts. Two other exhibitions, "Tastes of Hong Kong" and "Hong Kong Architecture", will offer different perspectives on the city's lifestyle and culture through collections and artworks.The "Eight Seminar Series" is one of the highlights at the Book Fair. This year's topics include "Stories of Hong Kong", "Renowned Writers", "English and International Reading", "World of Knowledge", "Children and Youth Reading", "Lifestyle", "Hong Kong Cultural and Historical", and "Personal Development and Spiritual Growth". Meanwhile, the always popular "Storytelling by Celebrities" series will invite star speakers to share inspirational stories with children.Diverse experiences at Sports and Leisure Expo and World of SnacksThis year's Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo will cover eight thematic zones and bring together a wide range of sports and leisure brands, products and experiences, along with a number of free trials for visitors to enjoy. World of Snacks, meanwhile, features six thematic zones and will offer more than 1,000 tasty treats from across the globe, including Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Germany, Australia, Greece and Spain.Online registration for the Book Fair's seminars opens today and is free of charge on a first-come-first-served basis. Please visit www.hkbookfair.com to reserve a spot. Tickets for the fair will open for sale on 27 June - find more details in the appendix below.The HKTDC's Cultural Salon Press Conference will be held in early July to provide more information on the Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks. Details of the Art Gallery thematic exhibitions will be provided with the author line-up for the "Eight Seminar Series" and other cultural activities. Featured events and activities from the Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks will also be covered. Meanwhile, the HKTDC Education & Career Expo will run alongside the three events from 21 to 24 July. Details will be announced in due course.Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks* See https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en/pressrelease/detail/20358/Photo Download: https://bit.ly/3QJpmkkAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedInMedia enquiriesHong Kong Book FairHKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:Clementine Cheung, Tel: +852 2584 4514, Email: clementine.hm.cheung@hktdc.orgSunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.orgSam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.orgYuan Tung Financial Relations:Agnes Yiu, Tel: +852 3428 5690, Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hkHing-Fung Wong, Tel: +852 3428 3122, Email: hfwong@yuantung.com.hkHong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, World of SnacksHKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:Frankie Leung, Tel: +852 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.orgYuan Tung Financial Relations:Tiffany Leung, Tel: +852 3428 2361, Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hk Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
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