Dr Catherine Cheng, Lecturer of the Division of Languages and Communication of PolyU CPCE, was invited by the judging panel of the Hong Kong Division of the Lu Xun Youth Literature Award to serve as an expert judge and assess entries from the Hong Kong and Macao Division. Dr Cheng has extensive experience in teaching Chinese communication and takes a keen interest in creative expression and the application of digital media and artificial intelligence in language and creative arts education.
The “2026 Lu Xun Youth Literature Awards Hong Kong and Macao Division Presentation Ceremony and Exhibition of Selected Award-winning Works” was held in Hong Kong on 3 October 2026. This year marked the first time a joint Hong Kong and Macao Division was established, attracting 8,368 entries. The competition featured native- and non-native-language categories to encourage participation by young people from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Entries explored topics including artificial intelligence, China’s aerospace development and personal character growth. In his address, Mr Zhou Lingfei, Lu Xun’s eldest grandson and President of both the Lu Xun Culture Foundation and the Lu Xun International Federation of Literature and Art, said that commemorating and learning from Lu Xun does not mean placing him on a pedestal, but allowing his spirit to live in the present and illuminate the lives of young people.
Founded in 2009 by Mr Zhou Haiying, the late son of Lu Xun, the Lu Xun Youth Literature Award is one of China’s longest-running and most credible original writing competitions for young people. Guided by the principles of “respecting one’s mother tongue, learning languages, thinking independently and building resilience”, the competition encourages young people to observe society through writing, reflect deeply and develop their own distinctive voice.
The teaching direction of the Division of Languages and Communication aligns with the Award’s emphasis on language learning, independent thinking and creative expression. The Division is committed to promoting quality language education. While strengthening students’ language foundations, it incorporates creative writing, new media perspectives and applications of artificial intelligence, encouraging students to think across disciplines and create in diverse ways. Dr Cheng’s appointment as an expert judge also provided an opportunity for the Division’s teaching staff to engage in professional exchange through external language and literary activities.
Looking ahead, the Division of Languages and Communication will continue to encourage students to participate actively in major literary and language events such as the Lu Xun Youth Literature Award, using competitions to enhance learning and creative writing to foster growth.
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