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| Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Rita Lau (left) congratulated Hong Kong comic illustrator Lau Wan-kit on his Gold Award at the Second International Manga Award organised by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Lau is pictured presenting his award-winning comic series "Feel 100%" and his latest creation to Mrs Lau as souvenir. |
On August 29, Hong Kong Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Rita Lau met Hong Kong comic illustrator Lau Wan-kit to congratulate him on his comic series “Feel 100%,” which won the Gold Award at the Second International Manga Award. The award is organized by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Hong Kong comic illustrators have won the top prize for two consecutive years at this international event, demonstrating that local comic talent has attained an international standard and is recognized in the global arena,” said Mrs. Lau. “I hope Mr. Lau and other comic artists will continue to create more quality works to promote Hong Kong's comic culture and foster the development of the comics and animation industry.”
Mrs. Lau said that to promote Hong Kong as a creative capital in the region, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government would continue to support the development of Hong Kong's comics and digital entertainment sector, which is an integral part of Hong Kong’s creative industry.
The government has strived to boost the development of the creative industry in recent years. Relevant initiatives included sponsoring the industry to organize international comics events, conducting roving shows locally and participating in regional exhibitions to tap the mainland China and overseas markets.
To nurture talent, the government also assists the industry by sponsoring the production of teaching materials and including comic production in the visual arts curriculum in secondary schools. The intent is to arouse youngsters’ interest in comic production so that more people will join the industry.
“We hope local cartoon talent can continue developing their works across multimedia channels, such as animation, movies, online games and ancillary merchandise, to promote the industry's prosperous growth,” she said, adding that the government also is providing support in various means, such as the Film Development Fund, to facilitate the industry's diversified development.
This year's award received 368 entries from 46 countries and regions. At the First International Manga Award last year, Hong Kong cartoon illustrators Lee Chi-ching won top prize and KAI received an encouragement award.
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