The SHKP Reading Club, hosted by Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP), kicked off its annual Read to Dream programme with a fun-filled ceremony at the Hong Kong Book Fair yesterday. The ceremony was officiated by Christopher Kwok, SHKP Executive Director; Wong Kam-leung, Chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers; Yetta Li, Patriotic Education Centre Director; and Jenny Koo, Assistant Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Approximately 300 teachers and students joined the celebration, marking the start of the inspiring initiative.

Mr Kwok said: “The country’s AI development has demonstrated remarkable growth despite the challenging international landscape. For instance, DeepSeek, established just two years ago, has achieved significant breakthroughs. Likewise, the country’s achievements in aerospace are equally inspiring. These accomplishments underscore the determination and perseverance of the Chinese people. We encourage all students to embrace this spirit and never give up as they pursue their dreams.”

In a video address, Lilian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, said: “Innovation and technology have developed rapidly in recent years. The country has attracted much attention in the fields of AI and aerospace. The HKSAR government strongly supports local universities and research institutions in conducting aerospace technology research. I hope SHKP Read to Dream 2025 will inspire more students to develop innovative thinking and a spirit of scientific inquiry by reading more books about STEM, especially AI and aerospace.”

Wong Kam-leung, Chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers, said “Every breakthrough in our country’s aerospace development opens up new horizons of imagination for young people in Hong Kong. Today you may simply be young readers, but tomorrow you could be Hong Kong payload specialists. Today you may be stargazing in the library, but tomorrow you could be undertaking critical missions at a lunar research station. Reading, AI, and aerospace may seem like separate paths, but with your passion and dedication, they can come together to create a bright future.”

Following the ceremony, students from eight primary and secondary schools took part in an AI and aerospace quiz. In addition to compulsory and buzzer rounds, the final interactive segment challenged students to assemble a rocket model as quickly as possible. SHKP hopes this engaging event would spark young people’s interest in aerospace innovation.

Launched in 2008, the SHKP Read to Dream programme fosters a love of reading among young people. To date, over 30,000 primary and secondary school students have benefitted from the programme. This year, SHKP once again partnered with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Patriotic Education Centre of the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers to sponsor 1,000 underprivileged students to attend the book fair. Each student received a $250 book allowance to purchase their favourite books related to STEM, aerospace, or Chinese culture at the fair.

This year, the SHKP Reading Club’s book fair booth features an interactive spaceship game and a VR rocket launch simulation. Starting from new academic year in September, the Reading Club will also organize a series of school talks on STEM and Chinese culture, covering topics such as China’s latest technological and aerospace developments – all aimed at sparking students’ interest in STEM fields.