The 29th Chinese Poetry Writing Competition prize presentation ceremony was held today (September 26) at Hong Kong Central Library. Organised by the Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the competition aimed to promote proficiency in Chinese language and the appreciation of Chinese literature with rhymes.
The competition received an enthusiastic response this year with more than 1 000 entries.
The First Prizes in the open category and the student category went to Mr Kwok Wai-wah and Chinese University of Hong Kong student Miss Leung Tsoi-hang respectively. Mr Kwok's work contrasts the past with the present to lament the passage of time, while Miss Leung's entry praises the moral character of Cai Yuanpei, a well-known educator. Other winning poems feature a variety of topics including interesting pieces themed on urban lives in Hong Kong.
Speaking at the prize presentation ceremony, the Assistant Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (Libraries and Development), Miss Rochelle Lau, said the HKPL has promoted Chinese poetry writing through the competition. To tie in with the competition, the HKPL held a series of talks about the fundamental writing skills of Chinese poetry. She expressed the hope that more people will become devoted to poetry writing to help pass on the heritage of this Chinese literary genre.
The winners list and the winning entries (Chinese versions only) have been uploaded to the HKPL website at www.hkpl.gov.hk/poetrywriting. This year's winning works are on display from today until October 27 at the foyer of the South Entrance of Hong Kong Central Library. A roving exhibition will be held at various public libraries afterwards. For details, please visit the above-mentioned website.
Other guests at the ceremony included adjudicators Professor Ho Man-wui and Professor Wong Kuan-io. Also adjudicating for this year's competition were Professor Chan Chi-ching, Professor Tang Pui-ling and Professor Lau Wai-lam.
The HKPL has been organising the Chinese Poetry Writing Competition annually since 1991, with Chinese shi and ci poetry competitions being held in alternate years. This is the 15th time that participants have taken the opportunity to showcase their literary talent in writing Chinese shi poetry.
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