Press Release

HKBU Chinese Writers’ Workshop names renowned writers Zhou Jianing, NiuYou XiaoSheng and Chau Tsz-yan to promote literary exchange

Wednesday, 1 April 2026

 

The Chinese Writers’ Workshop (CWW) under the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) is hosting the 6th “Chinese Writers-in-Residence Programme” (CWR) and the “Hong Kong Writers-in-Residence Programme” (HKWR) from 30 March to 4 May.  The Writers-in-Residence at HKBU are Ms Zhou Jianing from China, NiuYou XiaoSheng (Mr Tan Yu Xin) from Malaysia, and Dr Emily Chau Tsz-yan from Hong Kong, China. They will engage with readers on writing through events including “Writers’ Reading and Conversation”, individual talks and writing workshops. All activities are free and open to the public.

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at HKBU has long been committed to fostering creative literary work and developing diverse creative initiatives. CWW aims to promote the development of contemporary Chinese literature and culture to showcase their vibrant and rich landscapes. CWR and HKWR are held every spring, inviting outstanding Chinese writers from various regions to interact and exchange ideas with Hong Kong writers.

This year’s CWR has invited Ms Zhou Jianing and NiuYou XiaoSheng as the Chinese Writers-in-Residence. Ms Zhou is the author of The Sea of Waves and The Desolate City. She also works as a translator of English literature and has translated works by numerous authors. NiuYou XiaoSheng actively promotes nature writing and transdisciplinary literature. He has received the first prizes in both fiction and prose at the Huazong Literary Award, the most prestigious literary award in Malaysia, and has published a zine and an illustrated book, as well as contributed lyrics to theme songs.

Dr Emily Chau Tsz-yan is this year’s Hong Kong Writer-in-Residence for HKWR. She specialises in prose and literary recipes and has won awards in the Awards for Creative Writing in Chinese launched by the Hong Kong public libraries and the Youth Literary Awards organised by the Youth Literary Awards Association. Her published works include Notes on Books and Food, Tuck Shop, and Dishes in Books. Dr Chau is currently an Assistant Professor of the Department of Chinese at the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, where her research focuses on modern and contemporary literature, Hong Kong topographical writing, and food culture.

The three writers specialise in different genres, including novel, nature writing and food literature, exploring diverse topics and styles. Please refer to the attachment for their biographies. CWW will host a special event titled “Writers’ Reading and Conversation” on 20 April, where the three writers will read and discuss their works, sharing insights into their creative processes. CWW also plans to publish the Chinese Creative Writing Handbook this year as a reference material to support the teaching of creative writing.

CWW is sponsored by the Tin Ka Ping Foundation. For event details and the latest updates, please visit the Facebook page of CWW. For enquiries, please call 3411 5949 or email fass_event@hkbu.edu.hk. Interested members of the public are welcome to register via this link.

Ms Zhou Jianing (left) and NiuYou XiaoSheng (middle) are the “Chinese Writers-in-Residence” of HKBU. Dr Emily Chau Tsz-yan is the “Hong Kong Writer-in-Residence” of HKBU. Ms Zhou Jianing (left) and NiuYou XiaoSheng (middle) are the “Chinese Writers-in-Residence” of HKBU. Dr Emily Chau Tsz-yan is the “Hong Kong Writer-in-Residence” of HKBU.
Ms Zhou Jianing (left) and NiuYou XiaoSheng (middle) are the “Chinese Writers-in-Residence” of HKBU. Dr Emily Chau Tsz-yan is the “Hong Kong Writer-in-Residence” of HKBU.