Media OutReach
Lau Yee-Wa Wins First Chommanard International Literary Award
Nearly 70 books from 47 publishers representing 10 countries were submitted for this competition. But, for the past 15 years, Praphansarn Publishing, with the sponsorship of Bangkok Bank, has been organising the Chommanard Book Prize, which is given annually for the best book written by a Thai female writer, the winner receiving a cash prize of 100,000 baht and the publication of her book translated into English.
Mr Arthorn Techatada, the Award Program Director, explained, “After holding the Chommanard Book Prize for 15 years, it now seemed this was the right time to expand our programme to include ASEAN and China Region female writers as it is very important to promote outstanding female literary talent throughout the region and the world beyond as Asian female writers don’t get the deserved recognition, and fortunately, Bangkok Bank agreed.”
Mr Arthorn then with the assistance of Associate Professor Dr Trisilpa Boonkhachorn of the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, invited and formed a panel of judges from Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, France and Germany. All were given the arduous task of reading every submission, followed by deciding on a longlist and then shortlist and country winners from which the grand prize winner would be selected.
The shortlist winners included Li Zi Shu, an award-winning Chinese language writer from Malaysia, for her book, The Age of Goodbyes; Thuận, a Vietnamese author based in Paris who writes in both Vietnamese and French, for her novel, Chinatown. She was also recognised by The New Yorker Best Books 2023. Next are the acclaimed Thai writer Veeraporn Nitiprapha, a two-time winner of the SEA Write Award for her novel, Memories of the Memories of the Black Rose Cat; Isna Marita, an Indonesian author and Environmentalist for her first novel, Mountain More Ancient; Dr Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai of Viet Nam, who has written 13 books in Vietnamese and English, for her book, The Mountains Sing; Leila S Chudori, an award-winning journalist and novelist, for her novel, The Sea Speaks His Name; Yáng Shuāng-zǐ, a writer of fiction, essays, manga and video game scripts, for her novel, Taiwan Travelogue, and Lau Yee-Wa of Hong Kong, who studied Chinese literature and philosophy, for her debut novel, Tongueless.
The two country winners, who along with the shortlisted authors, attended over a week of activities centred around the Bangkok International Book Fair organised by PUBAT (Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand) and visits to important media organisations. They include Jemimah Wei of Singapore for her debut novel, The Original Daughter, which was a Good Morning America Book Club selection and New York Times Editors’ pick, and Marga Ortigas, an award-winning journalist from the Philippines, for her novel, The House on Calle Sombria.
When Associate Professor Dr Trisilpa Boonkhachorn, jury chairperson, announced Lau Yee-Wa as the grand prize winner, the audience and especially the shortlisted and country winners erupted in loud cheers and applause. Then, after receiving a 500,000 baht prize presented by Mr Chartsiri Sophonphanich, President of Bangkok Bank, Ms Lau Yee-Wa gave the keynote speech for the gala celebration on the topic, “Deschooling Society for Global Peace”.
Ms Lau Yee-Wa began, “I never expected to receive such an award or to have my novel translated into so many languages, including Thai. I thought the story, written in Cantonese, was too colloquial and based on such a local Hong Kong context, it would be difficult to understand.”
Later, the winning author went on, “Then, I realized I was not writing fiction. I was documenting a quiet, invisible form of violence that happened every day in the classroom, workplace and even daily life in the whole world. This violence is called deschooling, which the philosopher Ivan Illich warned us about more than 50 years ago.”
Ms Lau Yee-Wa closed by saying, “I believe that Tongueless is my own small, stubborn act of deschooling. I refused to wrap the story in comforting, official language. I let the pain, the vanity, the quiet rebellion, and the flnal demand for choice speak in their rawest form. In doing so, I rediscovered my own voice—and I hope every reader who finishes the book begins to hear theirs again.”
The guidelines for submissions for the Chommanard Book Prize for Thai writers writing in Thai and the Chommanard International Women’s Literary Award for writers from ASEAN member and China region countries will be announced in the coming months. You can find additional information by visiting the Chommanard International Women’s Literary Award website @ https://virf.io/chommanard/home or by contacting [email protected].
Hashtag: #Elite+ #ChommanardInternationalLiteraryAward
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Strategic Selection: A Global Education Hub
For students planning to study abroad, choosing a university often means balancing academic reputation with a curriculum that aligns with current industry needs and global trends. Hong Kong’s blend of Eastern and Western cultures, strong academic institutions, and global career pathways makes it a natural draw. Through CUHK’s Scholarship Nomination Programme for Vietnamese students, Dat identified a programme that stood apart. “CUHK quickly became my top and only choice because of its strong reputation, supportive community, and the unique major I was passionate about,” he shared.
Bridging Technical Rigour and Holistic Education
Since joining the Faculty of Engineering, Dat’s academic experience reflects a broader transformation in engineering education. The SEEM curriculum continuously challenges students to think critically and solve complex operational problems. Its unique blend of engineering principles and economic theory equips students to tackle real-world business challenges. Dat has especially valued courses that combine quantitative problem-solving with practical business applications.
Beyond his major, CUHK’s University General Education courses has allowed Dat to explore interdisciplinary fields beyond engineering, reinforcing a holistic perspective that is increasingly valued by global employers.
A Vibrant Campus Environment and Cross-Cultural Connection
Outside the lecture hall, Dat has built a rich university life. He participates in cultural exchange workshops, joins language exchanges with international students, volunteers at campus events, and explores Hong Kong through hiking trips.
One memory stands out in particular: celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival on campus with close Vietnamese friends. “Sharing these special cultural moments made me feel truly at home and gave me more confidence adapting to university life,” he noted. For Dat, CUHK is defined by the balance of academic rigour and inspiring community.
CUHK’s Systems Engineering and Engineering Management Programme
The SEEM programme prepares graduates to manage complex, data-driven systems across modern industries by integrating engineering technology with management. Key highlights include:
- Specialised Streams: Offers focused specialisation streams in Business Information Systems and Decision Analytics.
- Analytical Toolkit: Trains students in advanced mathematical tools including optimisation, stochastic modelling, and computer simulation.
- Technology at the Core: Infuses core engineering studies with cutting-edge expertise in machine learning, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence.
- Global Career Paths: Equips competitive graduates for prominent positions in asset management, information technology consulting, and e-commerce supply chain management.
For more information about CUHK’s undergraduate programmes, visit https://admission.cuhk.edu.hk/.
Hashtag: #CUHK
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Media OutReach
#legend Celebrates 10+ Years with Major Digital Milestone as Chairman Bruce Rockowitz Highlights Next Growth Chapter
Founded in Hong Kong, #legend has developed into a recognized destination for readers seeking curated coverage at the intersection of luxury, culture, and contemporary lifestyle. The platform’s editorial scope spans fashion, watch and jewellery, beauty, music, art and design, dining, travel, tech, motors, and wellness, with a focus on the people and ideas shaping modern culture.
“The new readership milestone signals more than audience growth. It marks a broader phase of momentum for the brand as #legend increases editorial investment across its core Culture, Watch and Jewellery, Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle verticals while continuing to deepen relationships with luxury advertisers and collaborators,” said Bruce Rockowitz, Chairman of #legend. The print and digital publication currently works with 150+ brand partners, reflecting sustained market confidence in its editorial positioning and audience relevance.
Over the past 10+ years, #legend has published more than 100 cover stories featuring influential figures and culturally significant voices. That editorial body of work has helped define the brand’s identity in Hong Kong’s media space, where readers increasingly seek quality over volume and distinct perspective over generic content. As print and digital media becomes more fragmented, #legend’s growth points to continued demand for trusted storytelling with a clear cultural lens.
“Reaching more than 500,000 monthly readers on our digital platforms is an important moment for us, especially as we look back on over a decade of building #legend,” said Steve Rockowitz, CEO & Publisher of #legend. “It reflects the strength of our editorial direction, the loyalty of our audience, and the value of creating stories that connect culture with lifestyle in a way that feels relevant to Hong Kong and the region.”
As part of its next stage of development, #legend is placing greater emphasis on the categories that have shaped its readership base and brand identity. That includes continued focus on premium storytelling in culture, watch and jewellery, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, along with expanded collaboration across its creative and commercial network. The company said these priorities are intended to strengthen both audience engagement and long-term partnership value.
The milestone also highlights the publication’s role in a changing luxury media environment, where advertisers are increasingly selective about context, audience alignment, and editorial quality. By combining scale with a distinct local voice and premium subject matter, #legend continues to position itself as a strong print and digital platform for both readers and brand partners in Hong Kong.
Bruce Rockowitz and the business of media growth
Bruce Rockowitz has recently spoken about the practical role of innovation and technology in building stronger businesses across media and other consumer-facing sectors. In reported commentary, he has emphasized the value of tools that improve personalization, audience engagement, operational efficiency, and subscription retention, while maintaining that creativity, judgment, and human connection remain central to brand building. That perspective aligns with broader industry shifts as digital publishers look for sustainable ways to grow audience loyalty and commercial relevance.
With its latest audience milestone, #legend is entering its next chapter from a position of measurable traction. The company’s 10+ year track record, 500K+ monthly readership, 100+ cover stories, and 150+ brand partners together reflect a publication that is not only established, but still building.
Hashtag: #legend
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About #legend
#legend is Hong Kong’s premier digital destination for fashion, beauty, culture, and the extraordinary lives of the city’s most influential figures. Founded in Hong Kong, #legend has grown from a local publication into an influential voice in Asian luxury lifestyle media. The platform covers Culture, Watches & Jewellery, Fashion, Travel, Wellness, Design, Beauty, and related verticals, through print, digital, social media, and event experiences, with a mission to celebrate creativity, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence, connects influential audiences with the people, brands, and ideas shaping the future of luxury living.
For more information, visit: https://hashtaglegend.com/about
Media OutReach
5.096 Million Units Exported in Six Months: Beyond the Headline Figure, China is Reshaping Global Automotive Rules
The Chery Fulwin T7 (marketed overseas as the LEPAS L6) serves as a flagship model representing this transformation. Designed as a “born-global” vehicle, it adopts a reverse roll-out strategy—debuting in international markets prior to initiating domestic pre-sales.
Industry observers note that the significance of Chinese automakers participating in the formulation of global standards far outweighs mere export volume. Traditional automotive powerhouses are now poised to face increasingly formidable competitors.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
