Even as a sci-fi-themed Hong Kong Book Fair reaches its peak hour, the city's small but committed community of sci-fi writers and fans seems to be quietly expanding, writes Melanie Ho.

Hong Kong author Albert Tam began writing science fiction after graduating from secondary school 30 years ago. "I enjoyed stories full of imagination with logical thinking," Tam says.

It's a genre that continues to fascinate Tam who is currently working on the fourth installment of his fantasy series The Cat Whisperer as well as a science fiction novel related to space exploration. As part of this week's HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, which focuses on the literary genres of science fiction and mystery, Tam will participate in several panel discussions about science fiction as well as a talk with local crime writer Chan Ho-kei about their respective genres.

Also participating in the fair is Hong Kong science fiction writer Eddy Lee, who welcomes this year's focus on sci-fi. Lee first became interested in science fiction in primary school when he read Chinese translations of the works of Jules Verne.

"Science fiction has been marginalized for a long time in Hong Kong, and rejected by mainstream publishers as something not worthy of their attention," Lee says. He feels the growing popularity of science fiction movies beginning with The Matrix in 1999 to the relatively more recent Her (2013) as well as the phenomenal success of Liu Cixin's novel The Three-Body Problem (which won the 2015 Hugo Award) could be reasons behind the selection of this genre as the theme for the 2019 Hong Kong Book Fair.

"This in my view is none too early - long overdue to be honest - as science fiction contains some of the most incisive observations on the human condition in general, and the impact of science and technology on our society in particular."

Both Tam and Lee say Hong Kong's sci-fi writing community is small: The Hong Kong Science Fiction Club, established 20 years ago, only has about 20 active members. As an author, Tam says he often reaches out to writers from other genres to discuss and exchange writing techniques.

"In Hong Kong, most science fiction writers write other genres as well," he says. "Few limit themselves to science fiction only. Maybe it is a tradition started by Ni Kuang. He writes everything - you name it." He adds that many Hong Kong writers who began by writing literary fiction have also tried their hand at sci-fi, "like Hon Lai-chu". "And most Hong Kong science fiction writers merge science fiction with other genres, like mystery, YA, wuxia, etc.," adds Tam.

A new platform

However, Hong Kong's sci-fi community is growing. Melon Sci-Fi is an annual conference launched in the city three years ago and features sci-fi filmmakers and writers, scientists and thought leaders from Hong Kong, the mainland and further afield. The 2019 edition in March featured authors such as Hugo and Nebula award-winning writer Jo Walton, Chinese Nebula award-winning author Chen Qiufan, and British Science Fiction Association award winner Aliette de Bodard. With some Chinese authors finding acclaim and audiences in the English-speaking world, opportunities also exist for the next wave of Chinese sci-fi writers to have their works read in translation.

"Yes, there are more and more amazing works being translated, led by the inimitable Ken Liu, an American-Chinese writer and translator; and Joel Mortensen, an exceptional Beijing-based translator," says Melon Sci-Fi founder Fritz Demopoulos.

Lee, who is currently working on a book titled The Future of Humankind - predicaments and prospects, says science fiction is a demanding genre that "requires extensive scientific knowledge and perspective, and a daring yet disciplined imagination". With their long working hours and daily stress, Lee says when Hong Kong people do turn to science fiction it's often through the medium of blockbuster Hollywood films rather than novels. But with the fair's spotlight on science fiction, there's hope that Hong Kong audiences for the genre will grow. As well as local authors, the fair will feature English-language mystery, sci-fi and fantasy genre writers including Emma Newman, Steven Erikson and Natasha Pulley.

Demopoulos believes Hong Kong's sci-fi fan and creator community will expand. "While the sci-fi community in Hong Kong is relatively small compared to other geographies, it has a loyal and passionate cohort of followers," he says.

"We expect our community to grow considerably over the next few years. We are excited about Melon 2020. We expect to build upon our momentum to create Asia's leading forum for sci-fi writers and filmmakers, scientists and passionate followers of the genre," adds Demopoulos.

That sees noted sci-fi writers from around the world converge in Hong Kong.

(HK Edition 07/19/2019 page10)