Lingnan University Chairman Shares Reading Insights
Yao Zuohui, Chairman of the Lingnan University Council and legislator, is participating in the "Hong Kong Reading+" event, sharing personal reflections on reading and his book.
In April, designated as a month for reading, Yao Zuohui, Chairman of the Lingnan University Council and a legislator, has joined the "Hong Kong Reading+" campaign taking place from April 18 in Shatin's New Town Plaza. The event's theme is "N Reasons to Read – Your Reading Journey," and Yao is sharing his insights on the importance of reading and his personal work, "Steel Forged a Hundred Times: The Laws to Activate the Ironman Combat Heart."
Yao emphasizes that reading should be an enjoyable activity, not a chore. He recounted starting his reading journey with his children at home, focusing on sparking their interest through various books, even game guides. He maintains his reading habit today despite a busy schedule, utilizing commute time and intervals before meetings. He believes persistence is key, and that formal, dedicated time for reading isn't always necessary.
In his book, "Steel Forged a Hundred Times," Yao does not recount success stories but openly shares his own failures and challenges, including the loss of his factory and business adversities. He hopes that by sharing his learned lessons, young people can avoid similar pitfalls. He cited two guiding principles: "Doing small things well adds up to a big thing" and "Without dedicating ten thousand hours to one pursuit, true success is difficult to achieve."
Yao highlights the broader societal and national significance of reading. He references China's "15th Five-Year Plan" and Hong Kong's ambitions to promote reading as part of cultural development. He proposes measures such as expanding library collections, enhancing smart services, and integrating e-book platforms for better accessibility. Furthermore, he supports strengthening school library functions and organizing reading-related activities.
Inviting families and students to attend the "Hong Kong Reading+" event, Yao expresses his aspiration for reading to become a perennial part of Hong Kong residents' lives, not just confined to specific periods. He aims to foster a community where everyone loves to read and the scent of books is ubiquitous.