“Reading the World: Food Culture. Future Living.”
— Hong Kong Book Fair 2025
ARPress has been actively participating in some of the world’s most prominent international book fairs, from the Bologna Book Fair and the London Book Fair to events in Miami, Beijing, and Sharjah. We’re excited to share that our journey doesn’t stop there. Our latest step forward: participation in the 35th Hong Kong Book Fair 2025. This expansion brings even more opportunities to connect with readers, authors, and publishers on a truly global scale, and we’re just getting started.
The 2025 Hong Kong Book Fair took place from July 16–22 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year’s theme, “Food Culture · Future Living,” served up a rich menu of tastily themed programming. Culinary literature from around the world was showcased, offering insights into food’s role in traditions, health habits, and even the future of dining through tech innovations. The World of Art & Culture zone elevated the experience, blending interactive art, dynamic videos, music, and literary commentary. Eight artists and several embassy installations illustrated how a dining table can be a cultural microcosm.
One highlight was the collaboration with Macao’s Cultural Affairs Bureau, which brought a “Macao Craft Market” to the fair. Around 40 creative brands presented handmade crafts, fashion, and lifestyle pieces that reflect Macao’s unique local identity. Mainland China also had a strong showing, with over 40 publishers and nearly 20,000 titles, including a spotlight on Sichuan’s cultural offerings.
Beyond browsing shelves, visitors immersed themselves in interactive experiences: AR photo booths, needlework demonstrations (such as Sichuan embroidery), panda-themed installations, and a civic education exhibition featuring Cantonese opera, ballet, game booths, and photo corners aimed at promoting awareness.
Book signings and author talks drew enthusiastic crowds. Fans queued to meet popular voices such as Ghost Writer (孤泣) and more. Seminars covered a wide range of topics, featuring international voices like Rie Qudan, Lindsay Varty, and Osamu Okamura, alongside local and regional authors. The fair hosted eight themed lecture series, including future living, local history, youth reading, and mindfulness.
To commemorate its 35th edition, the fair introduced several clever ticketing promotions: free admission for visitors born in 1990, special packages allowing five people to enter for the price of three, and limited-edition tote bags and gifts for shoppers who spent over HK$500. The fair didn’t just showcase books it offered an immersive cultural feast, blending reading, dining, art, craft, tech, and performance. It was a testament to how a book fair can go beyond the printed page, feeding the mind, the heart, and yes, even future appetites.
Last June 16-22, 2025, “Trashed or Treasured?” by Glenn Bryant Havumaki was featured at the 2025 Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF). The 31st edition of the Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF) unfolded as a vibrant tapestry of literary innovation, cultural exchange, and academic collaboration. Hosted at the China National Convention Center, this year’s fair showcased over 400,000 titles and introduced groundbreaking initiatives that highlighted the evolving landscape of global publishing.
“Trashed or Treasured?” by Glenn Bryant Havumaki, D. Min. has received acclaim from Barbara Bamberger Scott of the US Review of Books. Barbara highlighted that:
“He reminds readers that humans were created out of dust, and will return to dust, yet their restoration in spirit exists through the life and sacrifice of God’s son, Jesus.”
“Trashed or Treasured?” by Glenn Bryant Havumaki, D. Min. was also among the books displayed by Author Reputation Press during the Frankfurt Book Fair 2023 in Frankfurt, Germany, on October 18–22, 2023. The Frankfurter Buchmesse, reportedly known as the world’s largest trade fair for books, opened its doors to participants around the globe, celebrating books and their authors.
The author, Dr. Glenn Havumaki, has been ministering to older adults since 1976. For 35 years, he served as Director of Christian Ministries and Lead Chaplain at The Elim Park Baptist Home in Cheshire, CT. Since his retirement in 2014, he has served as a Certified Ministry Partner with the Christian Grandparenting Network (christiangrandparenting.com). He is married to Sandra, the father of three adult married children, and Papa has eight grandchildren.
“Trashed or Treasured?” poses that older adults should be supported in discovering purpose and opportunities to serve God throughout their remaining years. He underscores the importance of valuing, reconnecting with, and honoring the elderly, rather than casting them aside.
The author’s hope is that this book will challenge the reader to find a biblical basis for ministry that will prepare people to live out their older adult years purposefully. Older adults need to be prepared to cross over the bridge of eternal significance with the confidence that eternal life will be theirs as they enter into the presence of God with Jesus Christ.
Pacific Book Review also recommends the notable book “Trashed or Treasured?” by Glenn Bryant Havumaki, D. Min.
Here’s an excerpt from the book review written by Pacific Book Review that highlights its appeal:
“What sets Trashed or Treasured? apart is its grounding in Christian faith and the belief that every life, especially in old age, is precious and purposeful. Remarkably, Havumaki has woven biblical truths throughout, that investigates how to treat older adults and how that reflects on the spiritual health of those offering care within the church, families, and communities alike. He has largely emphasized the need to reconnect with and care for the elderly, encouraging communities to help older adults find meaning and ways to serve God until their final days.”