Hong Kong Pavilion Shines at Bologna Children's Book Fair, Showcasing Development of Local Talent and Publications

CCIDA leads industry delegation to participate in Bologna Children's Book Fair in Italy and sponsors set-up of Hong Kong Pavilion

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau led an industry delegation to participate in the 63rd Bologna Children's Book Fair (BCBF) in Italy, and sponsored the industry's set-up of the Hong Kong Pavilion therein, which showcased more than 1 000 pieces of publications and printed works from over 60 Hong Kong publishers and printers. CCIDA also sponsored emerging picture book illustrators and a comic artist to attend the Fair and exhibit their creations there. The Hong Kong Pavilion attracted around 30 000 visitorsduring its four-day fair period (April 13 to 16, Bologna time).

Speaking at the launch cocktail reception of the Hong Kong Pavilion on April 13 (Bologna time), Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries Miss Yvonne Ip said that CCIDA has been nurturing Hong Kong illustrators and comic artists through various projects over the years, providing opportunities for them to expand their international visibility and enhance their professional development, thereby bringing Hong Kong picture books and comics onto the global stage. Many of these artists have attained international awards and secured contracts from overseas publishers, demonstrating the strength and appeal of Hong Hong's cultural and creative artists.

The Hong Kong Pavilion was co-organised by the Hong Kong Publishing Federation and the Hong Kong Printers Association. Nine artists participated in the Pavilion's Hong Kong Illustration Zone. The artists come from two CCIDA-sponsored initiatives (namely, the Go! Illustrators - Hong Kong Picture Book Illustrators at International Book Fairs Promotion Scheme and the Hong Kong Comics Support Programme). One of the artists received a Special Mention Award in the Young Adult Comics category at the BolognaRagazzi Awards, and one was longlisted at the Silent Book Contest this year.

With funding support from CCIDA, these nine artists attended and conducted business meetings with overseas publishers at the BCBF. They also hosted workshops in the Hong Kong Pavilion and had exchanges with publishers, editors and illustrators from all over the world, broadening their international perspectives and helping them explore business opportunities.

In addition, a launch ceremony in Europe of eight new picture books created by illustrators of the last edition of the Go! Illustrators and published under CCIDA's sponorship was also held at the Hong Kong Pavilion.

For more information on the Hong Kong Pavilion at the BCBF, please visit www.bookfairhkpavilion.com.

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau led an industry delegation to participate in the 63rd Bologna Children's Book Fair in Italy, and sponsored the industry’s set-up of the Hong Kong Pavilion therein, which showcased more than 1 000 pieces of publications and printed works from over 60 Hong Kong publishers and printers from April 13 to 16 (Bologna time). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau led an industry delegation to participate in the 63rd Bologna Children's Book Fair in Italy, and sponsored the industry's set-up of the Hong Kong Pavilion therein, which showcased more than 1 000 pieces of publications and printed works from over 60 Hong Kong publishers and printers from April 13 to 16 (Bologna time). CCIDA also sponsored emerging picture book illustrators and a comic artist to attend the Fair and exhibit their creations there. Photo shows picture book illustrators conducting business meetings with overseas publishers. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau led an industry delegation to participate in the 63rd Bologna Children's Book Fair in Italy, and sponsored the industry's set-up of the Hong Kong Pavilion therein, which showcased more than 1 000 pieces of publications and printed works from over 60 Hong Kong publishers and printers from April 13 to 16 (Bologna time). CCIDA also sponsored emerging picture book illustrators and a comic artist to attend the Fair and exhibit their creations there. Photo shows Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries Miss Yvonne Ip (right) having an exchange with an emerging picture book illustrator. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau led an industry delegation to participate in the 63rd Bologna Children's Book Fair in Italy, and sponsored the industry’s set-up of the Hong Kong Pavilion therein, which showcased more than 1 000 pieces of publications and printed works from over 60 Hong Kong publishers and printers from April 13 to 16 (Bologna time). CCIDA also sponsored emerging picture book illustrators and a comic artist to attend the Fair and exhibit their creations there. Photo shows Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries Miss Yvonne Ip (fifth left), an industry representative and emerging picture book illustrators attending the Fair. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Civil Aid Service holds Passing-out Parade for 92nd Recruits and 14th Tactical Force Secondment Scheme

The Civil Aid Service (CAS) held the Passing-out Parade for the 92nd Recruits and 14th Tactical Force Secondment Scheme at its headquarters today (April 19). The parade was reviewed by the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam.

Speaking at the Parade, Dr Lam said that the Department of Health (DH) has maintained close co-operation with the CAS over the years. Reflecting on history, from severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and human swine influenza to COVID-19, the CAS has provided crucial support in managing quarantine and isolation centres. Last November, the Centre for Health Protection of the DH, along with the CAS and multiple government departments, conducted a public health exercise codenamed "Amethyst" to test the response capabilities in handling Ebola cases and to strengthen interdepartmental arrangements and co-ordination. These exercises and preventive measures are key to enhancing overall epidemic prevention capabilities and ensuring a swift and orderly response in the event of a major infectious disease outbreak.

He said that from a public health perspective, comprehensive emergency preparedness directly affects the lives and health of citizens. The professional training received by CAS members in first aid, search and rescue, crisis management, and epidemic prevention support enables them to take immediate emergency actions at incident scenes. At the community level, they also assist in promoting disaster prevention and health awareness, enhancing the overall resilience of the population. It is this professionalism and selfless dedication that form the solid foundation of urban safety and health, he said.

During the ceremony, Dr Lam presented awards to outstanding recruits. The graduates staged demonstrations of vegetation firefighting and rescue techniques, showcasing the outcomes of their training.

A total of 72 recruits and 50 officers and members from the Tactical Force Secondment Scheme participated in the passing-out parade, with many graduates coming from diverse backgrounds. The CAS Recruit Training Certificate Programme has been recognised under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework as meeting the accreditation standards at Level 3 by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications. Graduates will be awarded the Certificate in Auxiliary Forces Basic Training (Civil Defence), and will apply their acquired knowledge and skills to serve society.

Recruitment of CAS officers and members is open for application throughout the year. Recruitment details and application forms are available on the CAS website (www.cas.gov.hk/eng/adult_recruitment.html).

Source: AI-found images