“The First Macao International Children’s Literature Award Ceremony and Chinese Children’s Literature Seminar” was successfully held in CCHC

The first “Macao International Children’s Literature Award Ceremony” was held on 16 August 2024 in the auditorium of the Library of the University of Macau (UM), attracting more than 200 children’s literature writers and research experts. The award is jointly established by the Centre for Chinese History and Culture (CCHC) of UM along with several other institutions. Initiated in September 2023, it was aiming for promotion of the development of children’s cultural and creative industries and enhancing Macao’s influence in the international field of children’s literature.

Mok Kai Meng, vice-rector of UM, delivered a welcome speech, emphasizing the importance of the competition to the future cultural development of the country and the nation. Wu Yiqin, vice chairman of the Chinese Writers Association, mentioned in his speech that this award is of great significance to cultivating young people’s literary interest and cultural self-confidence, and injects new vitality into Macao’s cultural prosperity. Lo Song Man, vice president of the Federation of Associations of Cultural Sectors of Macau, quoted data and pointed out that nearly 40% of local writers pay attention to children’s literature, mostly educators, which helps their works to be close to children’s growth and education. Yu Qi, the representative of the Jiangsu Association for Friendship and International Exchanges, said that the establishment of the award responded to the call of the party and the state to discover and promote outstanding children’s literature works.

Guests who attended the award ceremony also included Yin Rutao, Deputy Director of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, and Cheng Yanxi, Representative; Xu Xinyuan, the Member of the Administrative Committee of the Cultural Development Fund of the Macao SAR Government; Ma Yingying, President of the Associação dos Autores de Macau; Wang Quangen, Professor from Beijing Normal University; Fang Weiping, Professor from Zhejiang Normal University; Wang Binbin, Professor from Nanjing University; Li Xuewu, Professor from Jinan University; Cui Qinglei, Executive Editor of “Contemporary Chinese Literature Research” of the China Writers Association; Jiao Heran, Editor from the “Wenyi bao” newspaper; and Pang Chap Chong, Dean of Students at UM and others.

On 17 August, CCHC held the “Chinese Children’s Literature Seminar” to deepen the academic discussion and exchange of children’s literature. Zhu Shoutong, director of CCHC of UM, pointed out that children’s literature, as a bridge connecting the past and the future, adults and children, has unique value and mission. He encouraged interdisciplinary communication and integrated multiple perspectives into the research as well as creation of children’s literature, so as to make it an important carrier to reflect the spirit of the times and inherit the essence of culture.