The International Writers’ Workshop (IWW) of Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) held its 2025 Distinguished Writers Series from 22 to 23 October 2025, featuring acclaimed Australian novelist Ms. Jessica Au, winner of the inaugural Novel Prize for her novel Cold Enough for Snow. Ms. Au joined HKBU faculty, students, and the public for a Literary Reading and Conversation on 22 October, inspiring literary creativity through dialogue and excerpts from her work. The following day, she led a masterclass, sharing her insights into the craft of novel writing and providing guidance to HKBU students.

Founded in 2004, the IWW remains one of the signature programmes of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at HKBU, and one of the few writers-in-residence programmes in Asia. For 20 years, the initiative has hosted over 140 writers from more than 55 different countries and regions. As a non-profit initiative, the IWW has consistently organised free public events to promote literary and cultural exchanges between the local and global communities, with the funding support of sponsors, the University and the Faculty.