REMARKS by the Prime Minister of the Independent State of Samoa, Honourable Fiame Naomi Mata’afa [Wednesday 9 April, 2025]
Pastor Samoa Unoi,
Your Excellency, Viktor Vavricka and your good lady,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Talofa and a pleasant good evening to you all.
It is a pleasure to join you this evening to celebrate the growing relations between Samoa and Switzerland. In that regard let me extend a very warm welcome to Your Excellency, Ambassador Viktor Vavricka and your good lady. I also congratulate you on your accreditation yesterday as the Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Samoa.
We look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen the connections between our two nations.
Samoa and Switzerland have enjoyed cordial relationship over four decades underpinned by mutual respect and our shared aspirations for sustainable development.
Switzerland’s invaluable support has played a crucial role in advancing Samoa’s interests on the global stage. We acknowledge Switzerland’s financial assistance to support the establishment in 2022 of Samoa’s Embassy and Permanent Mission in Geneva, which serves as a vital platform for multilateral diplomacy to engage especially with UN agencies such as WTO, Human Rights, FAO and UNESCO.
Your country’s generosity in this regard reflects its steadfast commitment to supporting small island developing states in amplifying their voices in the international arena.
Switzerland’s contribution and investment in the Green Climate Fund GCF) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has benefitted Samoa through climate resilient projects for Small island developing states. These projects have continued to significantly assist Samoa in building resilience against climate change, promoting sustainable economic growth, and enhancing our disaster preparedness.
Excellency, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the contribution made by Mrs. Sylvie Salanoa as the Swiss Honorary Consul to Samoa especially through Switzerland’s small grant aid which has benefitted our local community. Her dedication has added to fostering stronger ties between our two nations.
Excellency, I am assured that your tenure as the Ambassador of Switzerland to Samoa will present new opportunities for collaboration and sustained progress in our relations.
Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in proposing a toast: “To the close and enduring relations between Samoa and Switzerland”.
Soifua and God bless.
Photo by the Government of Samoa (Peseta Tusiga Taofiga)
Addressing a gathering electronically at the India Steel 2025, PM Modi said that he hoped the event would prove to be a new launch pad for sharing new ideas, forge partnerships and boost innovation. “This event will become the foundation of a new chapter in the steel industry.
“The role of steel in all developed economies has been like a skeleton. Be it sky-scarpers, highways, high speed trains, smart cities, industrial corridors…every success story is backed by the strength of steel,” PM Modi said. He said that the country was taking steps to become a USD 5 trillion economy. “The steel industry will play a crucial role in achieving this target. We are proud that India is now the second biggest steel producer in the world,” he said, underscoring how his government formulated the steel policy envisaging production of 3 million tonnes of steel by 2030. The per capita consumption of steel at present is 98 Kg, which is expected to rise up to 160 Kgs by 2030.
“The increase in steel consumption signals the direction of the country’s growth, its efficiency and effectiveness,” he said, adding that the steel industry was full of new hopes and ideas. “Today country has the base of PM Gati Shakti and national masterplan,” he said, highlighting how the various utility services and logistic nodes were integrated under PM Gati Shakti. Likewise, he said, the various mine areas and steel units were being mapped for multi-model connectivity.
“This is the reason why government initiatives have the largest proportion in steel consumption,” he said. The PM said that the steel policy of the government was enabling other industries to become globally competitive. “Our manufacturing, construction and automobile sectors are gaining strength from the steel industry,” he said, adding that the government has tried to give impetus to Make In India by announcing the National Manufacturing Mission. “This mission will boost the small, medium and large industries besides opening new avenues for the steel industry,” he said.
“We are moving with the goal of building modern and large ships in the country. Our target is that other countries of the world should also buy the steel made in India. Similarly, the demand for pipelines, grade steel and corrosion registered alloys is also increasing in the country. Today, the railway infrastructure in the country is also being developed rapidly,” he said.
The PM said that there should be a goal for all such needs. “We are aiming to export 25 million tons of steel. We are also working to reach our capacity of 500 million tons by 2047. But for this it is necessary that our steel sector is ready for new processes, new growth and new scale. We have to keep the future in mind and update ourselves,” he said.
“There are infinite possibilities of employment generation in the growth potential of the steel industry. I appeal to both the private and public sectors to develop new ideas, nurture them and share them. We need to move ahead together in the modern technology upgrade in manufacturing. We have to create as many new employment opportunities as possible for the youth of the country,” he said, adding that there were some challenges in the development journey of the steel industry and it is necessary to solve them to move ahead.
The PM said that if the global partners and Indian companies work together in this direction, then various challenges will be resolved faster.
In the last 10 years, the country has taken strides in mining. “Now it is very important to use these allotted mines and the resources of the country properly and on time. The more delay there is in this, the country will suffer losses and the industry will also suffer losses,” he said, stressing on acceleration of green field mining.
Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, Minister of State, Ministry of Steel said, “Steel industry is a pivotal pillar of India’s economic expansion, contributing nearly 2% of GDP. As we strive towards becoming a US $ 5 Trillion economy, the sector’s role in infrastructure, manufacturing and exports will only become indispensable. Every investment in steel fuels a ripple effect across allied industries, strengthening our economic foundation and manufacturing excellence.”
Shri Lakhan Lal Dewangan, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, Labour, Chhattisgarh highlighted the important role of his state in Indian Steel Industry stating, Chhattisgarh has long been the backbone of India’s steel industry, contributing significantly to the nation’s production capacity and industrial growth. India Steel 2025 is a timely platform to showcase the immense potential of our state—not only as a leading steel-producing region but also as an emerging hub for green manufacturing and value-added steel products. With the strong support of central government initiatives such as the PM Gati Shakti programme, the National Steel Policy, and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, Chhattisgarh is rapidly enhancing its infrastructure, attracting new investments, and creating skilled employment opportunities.”
Shri Sandeep Pondrik, Secretary, Ministry of Steel highlighted the importance of the Indian steel industry. He said, “For the last four years, India has been growing in double digit, perhaps the only major economy which is growing at such a rate. We are not only growing, we will continue to grow for a foreseeable future. He further added that this growth is happening because of growing steel consumption. In the last 10 years we have doubled the consumption and that is why the steel industry is seeing a positive side. Another factor is our per capita consumption is growing- we have crossed 100 KGs per capita consumption and we are hoping to cross 160 KGs per capita consumption in next 4/5 years.
Shri Amarendu Prakash, Chairman, Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL) highlighted the importance of India Steel 2025. He said “India Steel 2025 is not just an exhibition—it is a strategic platform that underscores India’s rising stature in the global steel landscape. As we continue to strengthen our capabilities and expand our global footprint, forums like India Steel provide the perfect opportunity to engage with international partners, showcase our technological advancements, and reaffirm our commitment to nation-building through steel.”
Shri Anant Goenka, Senior Vice President, FICCI & Vice Chairman, RPG Group said, “The steel industry today serves as a critical catalyst for advancing multiple national priorities. Its growth generates a multiplier effect on manufacturing, industrial and economic growth. To support the growth of the steel industry, it is essential to address certain challenges like financing of capacity augmentation, dumping, cost competitiveness and regulatory pressure around decarbonization as we transition to green steel.
Dr. Edwin Basson, Director General, World Steel Association said, “India is the second largest steel producer and user, which means what happens here in India is important on a global basis and is also important for the global steel industry. It is indicative of India’s status as a developing economy. Steel industry is an enabling industry, for every 1 US dollar of income generated in the steel industry, there is another 5$ USD generated elsewhere in the economic system.
He also highlighted the challenges faced by the industry such as maintaining the level playing field, decarbonization and last but not the least is human challenge. India can play a major role in combating all these challenges.
With India now the second-largest producer of steel globally, India Steel 2025 serves as a vital convergence point for domestic and international stakeholders to explore investment opportunities, forge partnerships, and accelerate the industry’s contribution to India’s economic growth.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Gazettal of legal notices for onboarding of Mandatory Provident Fund schemes to eMPF Platform (i) the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (Specification of Dates for Purposes of Section 19M(2)(a)) (Amendment) (No. 3) Notice 2025 (Mandatory Use (Amendment) (No. 3) Notice 2025); and
(ii) the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (Appointment of Dates for Purposes of Section 19U(4)) (Amendment) (No. 3) Notice 2025, the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (Appointment of Dates for Purposes of Section 19Y(3)) (Amendment) (No. 3) Notice 2025, and the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (Appointment of Dates for Purposes of Section 19Z(4)) (Amendment) (No. 3) Notice 2025 (collectively Fee Control (Amendment) (No. 3) Notices 2025).
The Mandatory Use (Amendment) (No. 3) Notice 2025 specifies July 3, 2025, as “material day” for AMTD MPF Scheme, BCT Strategic MPF Scheme, and Manulife RetireChoice (MPF) Scheme administered by the Bank Consortium Trust Company Limited (BCT), such that BCT is mandated to use the eMPF Platform to perform scheme administration functions in relation to these MPF schemes. On cost savings and fee-setting of MPF schemes to be charged by MPF trustees on scheme members, the Fee Control (Amendment) (No. 3) Notices 2025 appoint October 3, 2025, as “material day” for the constituent funds of the three MPF schemes mentioned above, such that BCT is mandated to make corresponding reduction in its fees charged on scheme members in relation to the constituent funds of these MPF schemes.
Relevant legal notices for the remaining MPF schemes will be published in the Gazette when the respective onboarding dates are ascertained having regard to the onboarding preparation status of the MPF trustees concerned.
(GOVT. PRESS SECRETARY]- To’oala Elita To’oala, will continue as the Ministry of Public Enterprise Chief Executive Officer per Cabinet approval this week.
A Samoa College alumni To’oala completed her Undergraduate Degree in Business Studies at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Fiji complemented by a Bachelor of Commerce from the National University of Samoa (NUS) and Masters in Business Studies with the University of Western Sydney, Australia.
This will be her 4th consecutive three year term in office.
[PRESS RELEASE 11 April 2025] – The Independent State of Samoa is proud to announce its participation in the Osaka, Kansai Expo 2025, where it will present its Exhibit under the shared Pavillion theme “Empowering Lives” in the Commons A Pavilion. Visitors will have the chance to engage with Samoa’s rich heritage and experience its world renowned hospitality.
■Background of the Theme
Samoa’s Exhibition theme, “Fostering Inclusive Prosperity through enhanced access to opportunity for the people of Samoa,” aligns with its national vision of advancing opportunities for all, particularly women and youth, while strengthening spiritual, cultural, and leadership development. People empowerment is at the heart of Samoa’s national development, promoting social harmony, inclusion, gender equality, and support for the most vulnerable.
The Samoa Exhibit will offer an immersive experience highlighting three main components:
1. Samoan Culture, People and Way of Life
2. Investment and Business Opportunities
3. Sustainable Tourism Promotion
The overarching EXPO theme ‘Designing Future Society for our Lives’ underscores the importance of resilience, innovation, and sustainable development. Samoa’s participation will also emphasize the significance of land and marine conservation in ensuring food security and economic growth for small island nations.
Samoa’s Exhibits aspires to showcase its key national priorities while fostering cross cultural exchanges. Bysharing its rich traditions and development journey, Samoa seeks to learn from other participants and inspire global collaborations.
■Exhibit Highlights
Visitors to the Samoa Exhibit will experience:
– A curated collection of cultural artefacts and locally made products such as beverages, handcrafted items, textiles, organic personal care products, and local business merchandise.
– Visual displays including images, banners, and videos showcasing Samoa’s vibrant culture, craftsmanship, and economic potential.
– Interactive engagements with exhibit staff to learn more about Samoa’s initiatives and opportunities for investment, trade, and tourism.
■Samoa’s National Day Celebrations
Samoa’s National Day at the Expo will be celebrated on 8th June 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the National Day Hall (‘Ray Garden’), featuring traditional siva (dance) performances by the Samoa Tourism Authority’s Dance Group. Additional cultural and promotional activities will be held at the following times and locations:
– 8th June 2025: 5:00 PM 8:00 PM at National Day Hall (Ray Garden)
– 9th 10th June 2025: 12:00 PM 3:00 PM at Inner East Pop up Stages
■Discover Samoa
Samoa, a tropical island in the South Pacific, is celebrated for its breathtaking rainforests, pristine beaches, and warm hospitality. With a population of approximately 220,000, Samoa consists of nine islands spanning 2,842 square kilometers, with Apia as its capital city. Known as the “Cradle of Polynesia,” Samoa maintains a strong cultural heritage rooted in the Fa’a Samoa way of life.
The economy is driven by agriculture, fisheries, remittances, and tourism, with key exports including coconuts, taro, and fresh seafood. As a parliamentary democracy, Samoa prioritizes sustainable development, environmental preservation, and community empowerment. Notably, Samoa was the first Pacific nation to gain independence in 1962 and made history as the first Pacific Island nation with a female Prime Minister, Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, who took office in 2021.
Samoa invites all visitors to explore its Exhibition Booths at the Osaka, Kansai Expo 2025 and experience the essence of its culture, resilience, and vision for the future.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
2025 Voter Registration Campaign launched (with video) A spokesperson for the REO said, “The REO encourages eligible persons to submit applications for new registration as GC electors or change of voter registration particulars through ‘iAM Smart’. They may also provide/update their mobile phone number and email address, and check their voter registration status through ‘iAM Smart’.”
Members of the public who are newly registered as GC electors or registered electors who need to update their residential address must submit to the REO an address proof. They should also provide their phone number and email address for the REO to facilitate contact. Applicants who are the registered occupants of public rental housing under the Housing Department or subsidised housing under the Hong Kong Housing Society are not required to submit any address proof.
“Under no circumstances would the REO require the provision of address proof with personal bank information. Members of the public shall remain vigilant in avoiding fraud,” the spokesperson reminded. Announcements in the Public Interest of the Voter Registration Campaign will run on television, radio, online platforms and various venues such as housing estates and government buildings starting from today. The relevant information will also be publicised through banners, posters, social media platforms, websites, and mobile applications, and displayed in the public transportation system, such as on bus and tram bodies, in MTR stations and at bus shelters. The Ballot Box Family mascots, comprising the Blue Ballot, Red Ballot and Grandpa Ballot, are well received by members of the public and designed with ballot boxes as the concept. The mascots have been adopted for publicity in this year’s Voter Registration Campaign to present the Campaign’s messages in an engaging manner and motivate the public to register.Issued at HKT 13:50
15.43 lakh new workers enrolled under ESI Scheme in the month of February, 2025 7.36 lakh young employees upto the age group of 25 years constitute new registrations
3.35 lakh female employees enrolled in the ESI Scheme
23,526 new establishments registered under ESI Scheme in the month of February, 2025
74 transgender employees registered under ESI Scheme in February, 2025
Posted On: 25 APR 2025 11:08AM by PIB Delhi
The provisional payroll data of ESIC reveals that 15.43 lakh new employees have been added in the month of February, 2025.
23,526 new establishments have been brought under the social security ambit of the ESI Scheme in the month of February, 2025 thus ensuring social security to more workers.
Head
Feb 2024
Feb 2025
Growth
Number of all existing employees who paid contribution during the month
2,91,38,395
2,97,04,614
5,66,219
Through the data, it is noticeable that out of the total 15.43 lakh employees added during the month, 7.36 lakh employees amounting to around 47.7% of the total registrations belong to the age group of upto 25 years.
Also, the gender-wise analysis of the payroll data indicates that net enrolment of female members has been 3.35 lakh in February, 2025. Besides, a total of 74 transgender employees have also got registered under ESI Scheme in the month of February, 2025 which attests the commitment of ESIC to deliver its benefits to every section of the society.
The payroll data is provisional since the data generation is a continuous exercise.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Prime Minister Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa [Saturday, 5th April 2025]
Talofa lava, and a warm welcome to our distinguished Guests, Captains, Crews and Supporters gathered here for the 26th Annual Samoa International Game Fishing Tournament.
This year we are honoured to host an impressive overseas representation of boats including 5 from New Zealand, 6 from American Samoa, 1 from Tonga not to mention a very impressive local representation of 17 boats flying the Samoan Flag.
Unlike last year, this year‘s tournament is doubling as the Inaugural Neptune Pacific Direct Line (NPDL) Pacific Islands Game Fishing Tournament. This is the first of its kind in the Pacific. After Samoa, the boats are off to American Samoa then to Tonga for the final leg.
Over the next week of competition friendships will be forged and stories will be told over a few cleansing ales. Stories of how you landed the big one and stories of how you dropped the big one. The latter being where tall tales associated with fishing come from. Only you and your crew know so this can be embellished to no end. The fish can be as big as you say it was and no one can argue.
For our overseas guests I hope that you will take some time to explore our Beautiful Samoa. Experience our culture, our people and our diverse landscapes.
In closing I wish to congratulate the President, Vaughan Simpson, and SIGFA for putting together yet another great event, and in particular for initiating the first ever Pacific Islands Fishing Tournament!
For all the participants may your lines be tight and the fish aplenty. Be safe and I wish you all the best of luck.
Fa’afetai tele lava, and let the 26th Samoa International Game Fishing Tournament begin!
SOIFUA.
Photo by the Government of Samoa (Peseta Tusiga Taofiga)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Housing Bureau (HB) today (April 25) invites tenders for two operation and management contracts of the Light Public Housing (LPH), and encourages capable and experienced organisations to participate.
The first contract covers the four school conversion projects located at Shun On Road, Choi Yuen Road, Shun Lee Tsuen Road and Chuk Yuen Road respectively (i.e. the Mission Covenant Church Holm Glad No. 2 Primary School in Shun On Estate, Kwun Tong; Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Ma Kam Chan Memorial Primary School (Choi Yuen Annex) in Choi Yuen Estate, Sheung Shui; Carmel Leung Sing Tak School in Shun On Estate, Kwun Tong; and Baptist Rainbow Primary School in Chuk Yuen South Estate, Wong Tai Sin), the conversion works of which will be completed in two phases. The first phase covers the two projects at Shun On Road and Choi Yuen Road, which will provide about 130 and 110 units respectively, and are expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year. The second phase covers the two projects at Shun Lee Tsuen Road and Chuk Yuen Road, which will provide about 110 and 105 units respectively, and are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027. The second contract covers the project at Sheung On Street, Chai Wan, which will provide about 1 720 units and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of next year.
A spokesperson for the HB said, “The four school conversion projects are packaged into one single contract, taking into account that these four projects are relatively smaller in scale. By engaging a single operating organisation for the overall operation and management, resources can be shared among the projects to enhance cost-effectiveness.”
Same as the contracts already awarded, the operation and management services for the LPH not only cover occupant management, property management and daily maintenance, but also the provision of social services, as well as the management and operation of ancillary facilities, etc. To encourage participation of different stakeholders in the community, the HB welcomes tenders from all capable and experienced service providers, including non-government organisations and those with a valid property management company licence, or collaborations between them.
To ensure service quality, the HB will carry out technical assessments based on a series of factors, including the management capability, relevant experience and past service performance of the organisations, as well as the proposed modes of operation and management, social services to be provided, feasibility of exit plan and use of innovation and information technology as stated in their proposals, so that the facilities and services of the LPH can meet the needs of the residents and the local community. The tender price will then be evaluated to form a consolidated assessment to decide on the most suitable organisation for operating the LPH.
Tenant intake for the first LPH project at Yau Pok Road, Yuen Long, which provides about 2 100 units, already commenced on March 28 this year by phases. It is managed and operated by the Pioneer Management Limited – Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Joint Venture. The second operation and management contract, which covers the two LPH projects at Choi Hing Road and Choi Shek Lane, Ngau Tau Kok (i.e. the former St Joseph’s Anglo-Chinese School), providing about 2 290 and 148 units respectively, has been awarded to the Easy Living Consultant Limited and Yan Chai Hospital Joint Venture. The two LPH projects are to be completed by late June this year and the first quarter of next year respectively. The HB is now evaluating tenders for the third and fourth operation and management contracts covering the LPH projects at Tsing Fuk Lane, Tuen Mun (i.e. Tuen Mun Area 3A) and Olympic Avenue, Kai Tak (Phase 1), which will provide about 1 900 and 3 000 units respectively, with tenant intake anticipated in the fourth quarter of this year.
The spokesperson said, “Under the leadership of the HB, the brand new operation and management model of the LPH has entered into a new stage, with intake for the first LPH project commenced in late March on a gradual basis. Through the provision of an improved living environment, better living facilities, lower rent, larger units and a series of social services, those with the most pressing needs in society can receive practical assistance and enhance their sense of happiness and sense of gain. At the same time, the LPH can suitably serve as an adequate housing option for the tenants of subdivided units (SDUs) in need. Along with transitional housing and the various traditional public rental housing projects to be completed in the coming few years, the Government will have the fundamental strength to effectively and accurately address the problem of SDUs in Hong Kong. To this end, we hope that experienced and aspirational organisations can participate in the tender exercises and join hands with us in this large-scale social project.”
Interested organisations may download the tender documents via the relevant tender notices on the HB’s website (www.hb.gov.hk) or from the e-Tendering System; or contact the Dedicated Team on Light Public Housing under the HB for obtaining the tender documents. The Tender Reference for the Shun On Road; Choi Yuen Road; Shun Lee Tsuen Road and Chuk Yuen Road LPH projects is HB2025/OPR-LPH-VSP, while the Tender Reference for the Sheung On Street, Chai Wan LPH project is HB2025/OPR-LPH-CW.
Tenderers must submit the tenders by noon on June 13, 2025 (Friday), either electronically via the e-Tendering System or by deposit in the Government Secretariat Tender Box situated at Lobby of the Public Entrance on Ground Floor, East Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar. Late tenders will not be accepted.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
More Hong Kong Reading Week highlight activities to be held this weekend The public libraries in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao earlier organised the 4.23 World Book Day Creative Competition under the same theme “Reading – My Travel Buddy”. The HKPL will hold a prize presentation ceremony at the HKCL tomorrow to commend participants from Hong Kong who excelled in the competition.
In addition, a series of fun day activities suitable for people of all ages will be available at the HKCL on Saturday and Sunday. The activities include the “Next Station: Conservation” interactive talks tomorrow, where educators from Ocean Park Hong Kong will explore interesting facts about animals with participants, share the experiences of animal caretakers for giant pandas, and talk about a book titled “Whiskers and Friends: Polar Sports Challenge” to provide tips on energy saving and alleviating global warming.
The “Understanding Pandas” workshop will be held on Sunday, where educator Tang Man-hon (STEM Sir) will explore with audiences the lives of giant pandas and the threats to their habitats. Renowned landscape photographer Kelvin Yuen will conduct an “On the Road” photography sharing session on the same day, discussing the creative process behind his works and the challenges encountered. Works by Yuen and winners of the Matching Quotes with Snapshots Competition will also be on display at the HKCL. Other activities include workshops on Chinese tea culture appreciation, mosquito-repelling fragrant sachet making, plant rubbing and dyeing, Zentangle art, tag making, and more.
In collaboration with Bring Me A Book Hong Kong, the HKPL will hold REadCONNECT family activities at the HKCL on Sunday, including creative book-making workshops and “Author Meets and Greets” sessions hosted by picture book authors Rachel Ip, Shana Cheung, Benny Lau and Bonnie Pang. The authors will share how their observations of daily life inspire their works.
The Pop-up Library@Hong Kong Reading Week will be held at D·PARK in Tsuen Wan on Sunday. Author Rap Chan, Korean culture and travel writer Joyce Cheuk, content creator SaiDorSi, and writer Christine Cappio will share their life stories and selected books on “soul empowerment”, accompanied by live music and sand painting performances. There will also be activity booths, including scented bookmark making and a virtual reality tour of the natural landscape and cultural attractions of China. The Library-on-Wheels outreach truck will be stationed outside D·PARK to provide a book-lending service, and members of the public can experience the convenience of the easy-to-use self-checkout service.
Selected public libraries across Hong Kong will continue to have special decorations on Saturday and Sunday to create a fun-filled reading space. Workshops such as storytelling, landscape sketching, and making aroma stones will be held. Photo taking booths will be available at some selected public libraries for patrons to create travel-themed postcards.
The HKRW is being held from April 19 to 27. Under the theme “Zoom/LIBRARY”, the HKRW holds about 450 online and on-site events to foster a reading habit among the public. All activities of the HKRW are free of charge, while seat reservations are required for some events. For details, please visit the website: www.hkpl.gov.hk/hkrwIssued at HKT 11:30