Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivers a speech in a recorded video message at a forum commemorating the 35th anniversary of the Sino United Publishing Group on Sept 26, 2023. (PHOTO POVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday pledged to promote reading in the city, as Hong Kong is aiming to become a cultural hub.

Lee made the remarks in a recorded video message at a forum commemorating the 35th anniversary of the Sino United Publishing Group – a key publisher in the city.

He emphasized that reading enables individuals to expand their knowledge, find inspiration, and develop a positive worldview.

Lee also said he hoped that longstanding publishing companies like Sino United Publishing Group will continue to develop and assist Hong Kong in becoming a cultural hub, further promoting the benefits of reading to the entire population

Recognizing the pivotal role of reading in enhancing overall societal competitiveness, the government has been steadfast in its commitment to promoting a culture of reading among all Hong Kong residents, Lee added.

He also said he hoped that longstanding publishing companies like Sino United Publishing Group will continue to develop and assist Hong Kong in becoming a cultural hub, further promoting the benefits of reading to the entire population.

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Hong Kong will welcome its first annual reading day on April 23, 2024. It is also the World Book and Copyright Day.

Sino United Publishing Group, which was set up in Hong Kong in 1988, has played a significant role in shaping the city's literary scene. Over the years, they have published books that reflect local culture and continuously explored Hong Kong's unique cultural heritage, elevating the cultural standards of the region.

Fu Weizhong, president of Sino United Publishing (Holdings) Ltd, delivers a speech at a forum commemorating the 35th anniversary of the Sino United Publishing Group on Sept 26, 2023. (PHOTO POVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Fu Weizhong, president of Sino United Publishing (Holdings) Ltd, highlighted the group's recent initiatives aiming at fostering a reading culture. These include offsetting up book clubs that bring together local residents, overseas scholars, and writers to share their knowledge and insights.

He added that a series of community-based activities have been organized to bring the joy of reading and the richness of Chinese culture to neighborhoods and schools around the city, fostering a greater interest in reading among residents and students alike.

Xu Zhengzhong, chairman of the Bauhinia Culture Group, speaks at a forum commemorating the 35th anniversary of the Sino United Publishing Group on Sept 26, 2023. (PHOTO POVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Xu Zhengzhong, chairman of the Bauhinia Culture Group, hailed Sino United Publishing Group as a cornerstone of Hong Kong's cultural prosperity and said he believed that it will continue to render support to help transform the city into a hub for cultural and artistic exchanges between China and the rest of the world.

Xu emphasized the importance of seizing this rare opportunity for cultural enterprises to thrive while also urging the group to prioritize service excellence, conduct comprehensive research on the needs of Hong Kong residents, particularly the youth, and actively engage in charitable and community-driven initiatives that fulfill their social responsibilities.

Officiating guests launch a series of charity activities to encourage reading at a forum commemorating the 35th anniversary of the Sino United Publishing Group on Sept 26, 2023. (PHOTO POVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Ambrose King Yeo-Chi, former president & Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, underscored the significance of equipping Hong Kong residents with knowledge to compete globally.

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He praised the city's remarkable achievements in higher education, boasting 10 universities of exceptional standards, with five of them ranking among the world's top 100 universities.