Dr Shawn Shao Dong, Acting Head of the Department of Creative Arts and Assistant Professor in the School of Arts and Social Sciences at Hong Kong Metropolitan University, has been shortlisted for the final selection of the “Blancpain-Imaginist Literary Prize 2025” with his newly published short story collection, The Unlocked Man. This marks the second time he has been shortlisted for the prize, following the inclusion of his debut short story collection, Air Guitar, on the final shortlist in 2023.

Dr Shao is the first and only writer from Hong Kong to receive recognition from this literary prize since its establishment in 2018. In his new work, Dr Shao explores the relationship between contemporary urban citizens and the internet, delving into societal issues such as the illegal collection and exposure of personal data, as well as voyeuristic behaviour online. His work also serves as a critique of injustice and reflects his keen observation of human loneliness.

The “Blancpain-Imaginist Literary Prize” is the first award in the Chinese literary world jointly established by a commercial brand and a publishing house. It aims to identify and support talented writers under the age of 45.