Wazzup Pilipinas!?
In a world gripped by chaos, disconnection, and digital noise, storytelling remains our most powerful weapon — and sanctuary. In 2026, that weapon finds its sharpening stone in the beating heart of Asia.
The Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) is once again opening the doors to one of the most coveted literary residencies in the region — the HKBU International Writers Workshop (IWW). Slated for March 2 to 29, 2026, this fully funded program will gather exceptional writers from across the globe in Hong Kong, offering not only a creative retreat but a cultural and intellectual convergence of the highest order.
No fees. No borders. No limits. Just the written word — in its purest, boldest form.
An Oasis for Writers in a World of Distraction
Imagine stepping away from the rush of your daily life to find yourself immersed in an international community of storytellers, each bringing a unique voice, history, and vision to the table. For four intense weeks, selected writers will live, write, and grow together — under the guidance and support of HKBU’s internationally acclaimed literary mentors and academic environment.
The best part? This rare opportunity costs nothing. The university will shoulder roundtrip airfare, accommodation, and provide a daily allowance to cover living expenses throughout the residency. There are no registration or participation fees, and more importantly, no age restrictions — a radical act of inclusion in a world that often places creativity on a ticking clock.
Whether you're a poet in your 60s, a dramatist in your 20s, or a novelist mid-career seeking new ground to break, if you’ve published at least one book, you’re eligible to apply.
The Global Stage Awaits
This is not just a workshop; it is a high-stakes intersection of cultures, languages, and disciplines. Writers will gather from every corner of the world to engage in workshops, dialogues, and literary exchanges that transcend borders. The program opens with a Welcome Ceremony, an intimate setting for introductions, reflections, and mapping the month ahead.
It culminates in the IWW Literary Festival, a high-profile event where participating writers will share their work publicly — provided it aligns with the festival’s 2026 theme: “Here and There.” This theme invites writers to interrogate the fragile tension between origin and destination, memory and imagination, nation and identity. It is as much about storytelling as it is about bearing witness.
What’s at Stake? Everything.
This isn’t about networking for a publishing deal or showing off on social media. The HKBU Writers Workshop is about the integrity of creation — about giving writers the space, time, and resources to confront the page and, in doing so, confront the world.
It is for writers who understand that the blank page is sacred.
It is for those who believe that literature is still a weapon, a refuge, a bridge.
It is for those who carry stories inside them that will not let them rest.
Eligibility at a Glance
To be considered, applicants must:
Have published at least one book in any genre.
Be currently residing outside of Hong Kong.
Possess strong proficiency in English or Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese).
Commit to the entire residency period, from March 2 to March 29, 2026.
Be prepared to participate in both the Welcome Ceremony and Literary Festival.
How to Apply
Writers must submit the following materials as a single PDF document to iww@hkbu.edu.hk by the deadline of September 7, 2025:
A one-page Artist’s Statement in English or Chinese (Chinese statements must include a short English summary).
A sample of 12–15 pages of recent creative work, in any of the following genres: fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, drama, libretti, digital writing, or graphic forms.
A curriculum vitae or resume.
Contact details of two referees.
A copy of the applicant’s passport.
All documents must be formatted in 12-point font with 1-inch margins.
A Legacy in the Making
There are residencies that offer comfort. Others offer connection. Rarely does one offer both — wrapped in the fierce intellectual climate of one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities.
Hong Kong is not merely a backdrop for this residency. It is a participant — vibrant, complex, and unyieldingly modern. To write in Hong Kong is to write on the edge of contradiction and beauty, ancient roots and electric progress.
For the writers who are chosen, this workshop will be a turning point — in their work, in their voice, in their personal narrative. Their time at HKBU will not be a pause in their journey, but a defining chapter.
So, if you are a writer who is not content with comfort zones, who wishes to interrogate the world through language, and who still believes in the revolutionary potential of literature — this is your invitation.
Answer the call. Apply before September 7, 2025. The world is waiting for your story.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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