Writers in Asia often have to grapple with the hows, wheres and whats of being a writer in this part of the world:  where are the agents and publishers, how to make a decent living, what amount of effort it takes to reach an international readership.  

(Panel Discussion 1)

Here or Where – Home or Abroad to Seek Writing Asylum

10:30 AM – 01:00 PM

M3090, Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre, City University of Hong Kong

Writers in Asia often have to grapple with the hows, wheres and whats of being a writer in this part of the world:  where are the agents and publishers, how to make a decent living, what amount of effort it takes to reach an international readership.  Local or international. Staying home or seeking better writing fortunes elsewhere.

Uniting an international panel of published authors on stage to discuss and debate their career decisions which are impacted by cultural, economic, geographical and artistic reasons, the ultimate question of how to build a rewarding and rewarded writing career is studied and answered.

Panellists: Andrew Lam (US/Vietnam), Jason Ng (Hong Kong), Alice Pung (Australia), Ma Jian (UK/China), Sharmistha Mohanty (India), Glen Duncan (UK)

Moderator: Xu Xi (Hong Kong).

(Panel Discussion 2)

Hong Kong: An Island of Creativity?

02:00 PM – 03:30 PM

M3017, Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre, City University of Hong Kong

What is it that gives island cities their unique vibrancy? Is Hong Kong surging ahead in the creative stakes or lagging behind its larger neighbours? Clusters of creative industries are often talked about as the engines of 21st century economies but what does that mean in practice? These are some of the issues examined in this recording of BBC’s radio programme The Forum hosted by Bridget Kendall. Come and hear local and global insights from writer Xu Xi, photographer Palani Mohan, Americanist Peter Swirski, and Hong Kong Arts Festival’s Executive Director Tisa Ho.