The SHKP Reading Club, a long-running initiative of Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP), launched its annual Read to Dream programme at a ceremony during the Hong Kong Book Fair. This year’s programme is once again co-organized by SHKP and the Patriotic Education Centre of the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers. As part of the initiative, SHKP will sponsor1,000 students from underprivileged families to visit the Hong Kong Book Fair to purchase books of their choice. The programme also featured reading-sharing sessions and will host a series of campus talks in the upcoming academic year. Through these activities, SHKP aims to foster a love of reading among students, inspire their interest in innovation and technology, and enhance their understanding of the country’s aerospace achievements, strengthening their sense of national pride.

Officiating at the launch ceremony were Ng Wun-kit, Legislative Council member; Oscar Wong, District Officer (Sham Shui Po) of the Home Affairs Department; Allen Fung, SHKP Executive Director; Amy Lam, Vice-Chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers (HKFEW); Yetta Li, Patriotic Education Centre Director; Will Li, Director of Consumer Goods and Lifestyle of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; and the Vice President of the Sham Shui Po Residents Association and District Council member, CHAN Kwok-wai. They were joined by 150 teenagers from 10 primary and secondary schools and the Sham Shui Po District.

District Officer (Sham Shui Po) Oscar Wong said: “Reading should never be limited to a particular genre. Whether it is literature, history, science or the arts, every book has the power to broaden students’ horizons and open the door to new worlds for students. More importantly, I hope everyone will take this opportunity to develop a daily reading habit and make reading an integral part of your life. This is a habit that will stay with you for life and bring lasting value.

SHKP Executive Director Allen Fung said: “Investing in young people is an investment in the future, and reading is one of the best ways to unlock their potential. As technology continues to reshape our world, SHKP hopes to help underprivileged students access a wider range of learning resources and use books as a gateway to a broader world of knowledge. We are delighted to once again partner with the Patriotic Education Centre. Through reading, we hope to inspire more young people to learn about the latest developments in innovation, technology as well as the country’s achievements in aerospace, strengthening their cultural confidence.”

The ceremony also featured a book-sharing session led by Ng Wun-kit; Lam Shuk Cho, Principal of Precious Blood Primary School (South Horizons), and Yetta Li. Drawing on their reading journeys and life experiences, the speakers explored two key themes: “STEM & Aerospace” and “Chinese Culture.” The lively and interactive session sparked enthusiastic participation.

As in previous years, SHKP provided each participating student a $250 book allowance, enabling them to purchase books of their choice on STEM, aerospace, or Chinese culture at the book fair. 

To enhance the experience, the SHKP Reading Club set up a themed booth, “Reading Starship ( 穿「閱」星河號)”, at the book fair. Featuring immersive and interactive elements, the booth invited visitors to explore the wonders of aerospace science and technology in an engaging way.

Starting from the new academic year in September, the programme will organize 24 school talks covering China’s latest technology advancements, aerospace development and cultural heritage. 

Since its launch in 2008, the Read to Dream programme has been dedicated to promoting reading among young people and encouraging them to broaden their understanding of the country. To date, over 34,000 primary and secondary school students have benefitted from the programme.