Lingnan University Council Chairman Andrew Yao Highlights Importance of Reading

Hong Kong – Andrew Yao Cho-fai, Chairman of the Council of Lingnan University, has emphasized the multifaceted benefits of reading for both individuals and society. Participating in the context of the nation's first National Reading Week and Hong Kong's "Reading for All Day," Yao shared his reflections on reading habits, stressing the importance of reading culture, particularly among the youth.

Yao initiated his own reading journey by reading to his children, aiming to spark their interest and transform reading into an enjoyable exploration rather than a chore. He maintains a regular reading habit himself by utilizing commute times and short intervals throughout the day, demonstrating that time for reading can be found even within a busy schedule.

Yao also commented on his book, Ironman. He clarified that the book's purpose is not to guide towards success, but to share experiences of profound personal challenges and recovery. The book details entrepreneurial struggles, such as a factory robbery and loss of assets, aiming to offer young people lessons on avoidable mistakes and resilience when facing adversity.

Furthermore, Yao addressed the national strategy for promoting reading and proposed concrete improvements to Hong Kong's library system. These include expanding the range of new books, extending operating hours, and simplifying access to digital resources by integrating various platforms. He also underscored the importance of increasing reading activities at school and community levels, such as book-sharing and discussion sessions, believing that shared reading and discussion deepen understanding and enjoyment.