Building Reading Communities: Initiatives Around Asia
PanelKristine Mandigma, Laura Mannering
Literacy is key to empowering individuals, fostering critical thinking, and building more inclusive, informed societies. Beyond the classroom, literary festivals and community reading initiatives offer dynamic, engaging platforms to cultivate a love for reading and storytelling—especially among young and emerging readers. This panel brings together organisers and advocates who are at the forefront of championing reading culture across Asia.
The speakers will share insights into the power of literary events and educational programmes to spark curiosity, bridge cultural gaps, and make reading more accessible and inclusive. The panel will also explore strategies for audience engagement, designing meaningful experiences for young readers and families, and measuring the impact of their outreach.
languagereading
Kristine Mandigma (Philippines)
Kristine "Tin" Mandigma is the President and CEO of Vibal Group and President of IBBY Philippines.
Laura Mannering (Hong Kong)
Through her work as an educator Laura has witnessed first-hand the power of books and words. An avid reader, and writer, whose love of literature and storytelling led her to the Hong Kong Young Readers Festival in 2022. She now leads the Hong Kong International Literary Festival, as Executive Director, advocating for language education and literacy. Laura is a member of the Hong Kong Women in Publishing Society and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She has a BA in Classical Literature from Dalhousie University, and a PDGE in Early Childhood Education from The University of Hong Kong.
Programme dates and times are subject to change.