Go! Illustrators Finale Celebrates Emerging Hong Kong Picture Book Talent at International Book Fair

Finale and masterclass of second edition of Go! Illustrators - Hong Kong Picture Book Illustrators International Book Fairs Promotion Scheme sponsored by Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency held

Sponsored by theCultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the finale and masterclass of the second edition of Go! Illustrators - Hong Kong Picture Book Illustrators at International Book Fairs Promotion Scheme (Go! Illustrators) was held today (January 13) to recognise the fruitful results achieved by the participating local emerging picture book illustrators.

Speaking at the finale today, the Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Miss Drew Lai, remarked that the first and second editions of Go! Illustrators have nurtured a total of 16 emerging illustrators who received over 25 nominations and awards in international illustration or picture book competitions. This proved that the ability of local emerging illustrators and the quality of their creations are competitive with their international counterparts outside Hong Kong.

The scheme aims to support local emerging illustrators to attend large-scale international book fairs, partake in international illustration competitions and create new silent books (picture books with no text). Organised by the Innovative Entrepreneur Association, the second edition of Go! Illustrators provided resources and mentoring for the eight selected local emerging illustrators, and sponsored them to attend the Bologna Children's Book Fair held in Italy, the Beijing International Book Fair and the China Shanghai International Children's Book Fair in 2025 to broaden their international exposure and explore external markets. The illustrators were also supported to compete in 13 international illustration or picture book competitions, and each publish a silent book with a view to enhancing their international visibility and enriching their portfolios.

For further details of Go! Illustrators, please visit www.goillustrators.hk.

Finale and masterclass of second edition of Go! Illustrators - Hong Kong Picture Book Illustrators International Book Fairs Promotion Scheme sponsored by Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency held Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Finale and masterclass of second edition of Go! Illustrators - Hong Kong Picture Book Illustrators International Book Fairs Promotion Scheme sponsored by Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency held Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected illegally imported live birds

Hong Kong Customs today (March 9) detected a suspected case of illegal importing of live birds at the Lo Wu Control Point. 111 live birds with an estimated market value of about $22,000 were seized.

Customs officers today intercepted an incoming 33-year-old male passenger at the Arrival Hall of the said Control Point. Upon examination, 111 live birds contained in bird cages were seized from the trolley he carried, and he was subsequently arrested.

The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.

Under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Regulations, it is an offence to import any bird unless it is accompanied by a valid health certificate. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $25,000.

Members of the public may report any suspected activities of illegal import of live birds to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en/).

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected illegally imported live birds Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases