HONG KONG, July 19, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - As the Hong Kong Observatory has announced that the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 will be issued at 12:20am on 20 July, the Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks will close temporarily tomorrow (20 July).After consulting with exhibitors and considering the prevailing circumstances, the following adjustments will be made by the HKTDC for the benefit of visitors and exhibitors:If the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 is cancelled at or before 4:30pm on 20 July, the fairs will re-open to the public two hours after the signal is cancelled. The opening hours of the fairs will be adjusted as below:20 July- The Hong Kong Book Fair will be extended and close at 11pm.- The Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks will be extended by one hour and close at 10pm.21 July- The Hong Kong Book Fair will open earlier at 9am and will be extended and close at 11pm.- The Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks will open earlier at 9am and will be extended and close at 10pm.The fairs, however, will remain closed for the day if the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 is cancelled after 4:30pm on 20 July. The opening hours of the fairs on 21 July will be adjusted as below:- The Hong Kong Book Fair will open earlier at 9am and will be extended and close at 11pm.- The Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks will open earlier at 9am and will be extended and close at 10pm.The opening hours on 22 July will remain as normal, with all three fairs open from 9am to 5pm.Media enquiriesHong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of SnacksYuan Tung Financial Relations:Agnes Yiu Tel: (852) 3428 5690 Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hkSalina Cheng Tel: (852) 3428 2362 Email: salcheng@yuantung.com.hkHKTDC Communications & Public Affairs Department:Snowy Chan Tel: (852) 2584 4525 Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.orgSerena Cheung Tel: (852) 2584 4272 Email: serena.hm.cheung@hktdc.orgHong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, World of SnacksHKTDC Communications & Public Affairs Department:Stanley So Tel: (852)2584 4049 Email: stanley.hp.so@hktdc.orgJane Cheung Tel: (852) 2584 4137 Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.orgHKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.comAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

HONG KONG, July 17, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Cornerstone Robotics (CSR), a leading medical innovator in precision surgical systems, signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Healthcare Group PTE LTD (NHG Health) and the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine) of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore to facilitate healthcare advancement in Singapore through collaboration in robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) in clinical research and application, surgical education, and healthcare innovation.Front row (from Left): Alexis Cheng, Co-Founder & Vice President of Operation and Business Strategy of Cornerstone Robotics, Professor Joe Sim, Group CEO, NHG, Professor Joseph Sung, Dean, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine; Back row (from left): Jerry Wang, Co-Founder, CTO & COO of Cornerstone Robotics, Professor Lam Khin Yong, Vice President (Industry), Mr. Ong Ye Kung, Minister of Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policy, Mr. Tan Tee How, Chairman, NHG The MOU, signed at the opening of CHI Innovate 2025 under the witness of Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health of Singapore, outlines that the three parties will jointly focus on two strategic areas: research in tele-surgical education and training, as well as cost-effectiveness studies which facilitate extending the accessibility of RAS.RAS is an important pillar of minimally invasive care. It is reshaping the field by improving precision in surgery through adopting high resolution imaging, smart algorithms, and the finest control of instruments, RAS results in better patient outcomes such as less invasiveness and fast recovery.As an innovator in this transformation, Cornerstone Robotics’ Sentire® Endoscopic Surgical Robot (C1000) is wholly developed in-house. It has completed clinical trials in Mainland China and Hong Kong and has received National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approval for clinical applications.The MOU represents a significant milestone in Cornerstone Robotics’ vision of “forging accessibility of robotic surgery” alongside its partnership with the Faculty of Medicine of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK).Professor Samuel Au, Founder and CEO of Cornerstone Robotics, said, “We are honoured to collaborate with NHG Health and LKCMedicine to further advance RAS in Singapore. By integrating precision engineering, intelligent algorithms, and insights from frontline surgeons, Cornerstone Robotics is dedicated to making advanced surgical robotic technology accessible to patients around the world.”Looking ahead, the three parties will continue to strengthen their collaboration to drive innovation, expand clinical impact, and cultivate surgical talent — working together to shape a smarter, more accessible future for surgical care across the region and beyond.About Cornerstone Robotics Limited (CSR)Cornerstone Robotics (CSR) is leading medical innovations to create a healthier world by advancing surgical care with cutting-edge robotic systems that make high-quality healthcare more accessible and efficient for everyone globally. Founded in 2019, CSR has assembled a global team of surgical robotics experts, clinical professionals, and multidisciplinary innovators, driving rapid growth with key hubs in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Beijing, Shanghai, Boston (US), and Amsterdam (NL), alongside an R&D collaboration hub in Portsmouth (UK). With multiple development pipelines, we are pioneering robotic solutions for soft tissue and other surgical specialties.To find out more information, please visit our website at https://en.csrbtx.com/ .About NHG HealthNHG Health is a leading public healthcare provider in Singapore recognised for its quality clinical care and its commitment in enabling healthier lives through preventive health, innovative solutions and person-centred programmes tailored to every life stage. Our integrated health system, which spans primary care, hospitals and national specialty centres, includes Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Woodlands Health, Yishun Community Hospital, NHG Polyclinics, the Institute of Mental Health, National Skin Centre and the National Centre for Infectious Diseases. Together with academic and industry partners, we advance medical education, research and healthcare innovation in Singapore, addressing areas that are critical to Singapore’s population needs. As the Regional Health Manager for Central and North Singapore, NHG Health partners general practices and health and social care agencies to ensure the physical, mental and social well-being of residents in the community. Together, we are committed to building healthier and resilient communities and Adding Years of Healthy Life to the people we serve.More information at www.nhghealth.com.sg.About Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore)A research-intensive public university, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) has 35,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students in the Business, Computing & Data Science, Engineering, Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences, Medicine, Science, and Graduate colleges. NTU is also home to world-renowned autonomous institutes – the National Institute of Education, S Rajaratnam School of International Studies and Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering – and various leading research centres such as the Earth Observatory of Singapore, Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute and Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N). Under the NTU Smart Campus vision, the University harnesses the power of digital technology and tech-enabled solutions to support better learning and living experiences, the discovery of new knowledge, and the sustainability of resources. Ranked amongst the world’s top universities, the University’s main campus is also frequently listed among the world’s most beautiful. Known for its sustainability, NTU has achieved 100% Green Mark Platinum certification for all its eligible building projects. Apart from its main campus, NTU also has a medical campus in Novena, Singapore’s healthcare district.For more information, please visit website www.ntu.edu.sg. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

HONG KONG, July 16, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hong Kong's cultural and creative industries have welcomed a new wave of talent. Organized by the Innovative Entrepreneur Association (“IEA”) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (“CCIDA”), the Hong Kong Picture Book Publishing Support Programme (“HKPSP” or the “Programme”) has successfully nurtured eight local illustrators to create internationally appealing silent books through a rigorous selection process. These works previously debuted at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair and the Beijing International Book Fair, where they garnered widespread attention. This week, they will be presented to local readers at the Hong Kong Book Fair 2025. Subsequently, the works will be displayed at other major international book fairs, marking the official entry of Hong Kong picture books onto the global stage and showcasing the city’s creative and cultural prowess to the international publishing community.Picture books are a key growth driver for the global publishing industry. Through a combination of simple text and illustrations, they can effectively enhance children's language skills, a benefit that is widely recognized. Visual storytelling and interpretation also aid in children's cognitive development. Additionally, picture books stimulate observation, creativity, and emotional understanding and serve as excellent educational tools. They provide opportunities for parents and children to bond through shared reading. Outstanding picture books transcend age barriers and are beloved by readers of all ages.With sponsorship from the CCIDA, the IEA launched the HKPSP to provide comprehensive support to local illustrators and publishers. The Programme encourages the creation and publication of high-quality picture books, both with and without text. Through cross-border collaborations and promotional activities, it aims to broaden the international perspective and market potential of Hong Kong's picture book industry.The Programme’s first phase features eight silent books created by illustrators selected for the inaugural "Go! Illustrators – Hong Kong Picture Book Illustrators International Book Fair Promotion Programme." These works demonstrate exceptional visual storytelling and creative passion. Each book conveys rich emotions and narrative tension, showcasing the illustrators’ talent and their ability to resonate with both children and adults.The eight illustrators selected for the inaugural "Go! Illustrators – Hong Kong Picture Book Illustrators International Book Fair Promotion Programme" are as follows:1. Keung (Keung Chi Kit), a popular Hong Kong children's comic artist. His book Life of a Painting tells the story of how the value and meaning of a canvas changes in the hands of different people, illustrating that the worth of an object depends on the perception of its owner.2. Amy Chai, a Hong Kong illustrator, whose work The Perfect Journey of Lily the Butterfly conveys the importance of cherishing the present and enjoying every beautiful experience.3. Isatisse (Isabel Tong), a Hong Kong illustrator, presents Just Close Your Eyes, a story that encourages readers to face and overcome their challenges.4. Threefire (Ceci Chow), an illustrator and animator, whose book Flow Flow Flow explores the idea of living freely and joyfully.5. Karman Chiu, a picture book creator, presents My Sadness Swallows Me Up – a story about a girl dealing with the loss of her beloved cat.6. Michelle Fung, a cross-media artist, whose work The Ice Queen tells the story of an ice queen who takes action to protect her damaged kingdom.7. Nalok.Lok, a committee member of the Hong Kong Society of Illustrators and a therapeutic picture book artist. Her book You Are Not Alone! tells the story of a special child overcoming challenges and learning self-acceptance while seeking true friendship.8. Bonnie Pang, an illustrator represented by the international agency Astound Agency, whose book My Unique Friend tells the story of a girl who befriends a flying crocodile-unicorn hybrid.The illustrators’ works will be showcased during the Hong Kong Book Fair. The public can meet them at Booth A02, Hall 3B at the following times:DateTimeAuthor16 July (Wed) 11:30 AM – 12:30 PMKeung (Keung Chi Kit)2:00 PM – 3:00 PMAmy Chai17 July (Thu)2:00 PM – 3:00 PMIsatisse (Isabel Tong)18 July (Fri)3:00 PM – 4:00 PMThreefire (Ceci Chow)19 July (Sat) 11:00 AM – 12:00 PMKarman Chiu3:00 PM – 4:00 PMMichelle Fung20 July (Sun) 11:00 AM – 12:00 PMNalok.Lok3:00 PM – 4:00 PMBonnie PangMs. Cherrie Chong, President of the Innovative Entrepreneur Association, said, "As an international metropolis blending Eastern and Western cultures, Hong Kong’s rich artistic heritage and diverse cultural background make it a fertile ground for nurturing high-quality picture books. With the generous support of the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, we have been able to help eight exceptionally creative illustrators transform their ideas into internationally competitive works. Each creator uses the unique medium of silent books to break language barriers and tell universal stories through visual language. These works not only showcase the social awareness of Hong Kong artists, but also demonstrate the potential of local creations to captivate global audiences. We hope to leverage platforms such as book fair workshops to allow more parents and children to experience the charm of Hong Kong picture books firsthand, while actively expanding our overseas distribution networks to showcase Hong Kong’s creative power to the world. In the future, the Programme will continue to discover new talent, support local creations, and establish picture books as a new cultural export of Hong Kong."Ms. Cherrie Chong, President of the Innovative Entrepreneur Association (fifth from the left, back row), is meeting the public along with illustrators selected for the "Go! Illustrators – Hong Kong Picture Book Illustrators International Book Fair Promotion Programme" and showcasing their works at the 2025 Hong Kong Book Fair.About the Innovative Entrepreneur AssociationThe Innovative Entrepreneur Association (IEA) consists of winners of the "Creative Entrepreneur Awards." It is committed to promoting "creative entrepreneurship" and business education in Hong Kong, mainland China, and overseas. The IEA collaborates with the government and other organizations to allow aspiring entrepreneurs to benefit from award winners' experiences and business strategies. It helps entrepreneurs face challenges, provides advice, enhances Hong Kong's competitiveness, and encourages award winners to fulfill social responsibilities, creating a win-win situation for members and the public.About the Hong Kong Picture Book Publishing Support ProgrammeThe Hong Kong Picture Book Publishing Support Programme, organized by the Innovative Entrepreneurs Association and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, aims to capitalize on Hong Kong's unique cultural and geographical advantages to encourage the creation and publication of locally produced picture books with international market potential. Key [initiatives/project achievements] include:1. Facilitated the Hong Kong publication of eight wordless picture books (Phase 1) created by illustrators selected from the inaugural “Go Illustrators! – Hong Kong Picture Book Illustrators at International Book Fairs Promotion Scheme.”2. Facilitated the Hong Kong publication of eight picture books (Phase 2), including six text-based works by Hong Kong illustrators and two wordless volumes created by mainland Chinese artists.3. Provided professional mentorship for selected illustrators to enhance the quality of their picture books under this scheme, while strengthening their potential for cross-industry collaborations and licensing opportunities.4. Organized a series of seminars, school workshops, and bookstore pop-up exhibitions across Hong Kong to promote the published picture books, fostering local readers' appreciation for both text-based and wordless picture books.5. Promoted the publications at the Hong Kong Book Fair 2025 as well as at international book fairs, including the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, Beijing International Book Fair, Southern China Book Festival, and China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair, showcasing exceptional Hong Kong picture books to local audiences while expanding their global reach.For details, please visit: https://hkpsp.hk/Media Inquiries:Strategic Financial Relations LimitedShelly Cheng: +852 2864 4857Iris Au Yeung: +852 2114 4913sprg_hkpsp@sprg.com.hk Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.