Category: Uncategorized

[HONG KONG – 20 November 2019] In view of the current situation in the city, Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) announced today the cancellation of this year’s Business of Design Week (BODW) Summit (2-7 December 2019), DFA Awards Presentation Ceremony (4 December 2019) and Fashion Asia Hong Kong programmes (3-10 December 2019).

The decision to cancel these programmes was made after consultation with key partners and the Department for International Trade (DIT) of the United Kingdom (UK), the partner country of BODW 2019.

HKDC sincerely apologises to the attendees, speakers, sponsors, partners and supporters for the inconvenience caused. Participants who have purchased tickets for the BODW Summit and Fashion Asia Hong Kong: Fashion Challenges Forum will be fully refunded. For details of how to obtain a refund, please check www.bodw.com (BODW Summit) and www.fashionasiahk.com (Fashion Asia Hong Kong).

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Media enquiries:
BODW Summit
Jessica Poon | jessica.poon@fleishmanhillard.com | (852) 2586 7870 / 6469 5522
Charlie So | charlie.so@fleishmanhillard.com | (852) 2586 7850 / 9326 8267

DFA Awards
Keith Yip | keith.yip@hkdesigncentre.org | (852) 3793 8450
Ivan Kwok | ivan.kwok@hkdesigncentre.org | (852) 3793 8445

Fashion Asia Hong Kong
fashionasia@hkdesigncentre.org

More than 70 international visionaries will champion the power of design and design thinking to create a positive tomorrow at Asia’s leading design, innovation and brands event

 

[HONG KONG – 6 November 2019]

Business of Design Week (BODW), Asia’s leading event on design, innovation and brands, has announced a diverse and powerful line-up of international and regional speakers this year. More than 70 design masters and influential business leaders from over 10 countries and economies are set to inspire BODW 2019 audiences in Hong Kong from 2-7 December.

Presented by Hong Kong Design Centre in collaboration with this year’s partner country, the United Kingdom (UK), BODW 2019 is curated on the visionary theme Design the Future, Create Tomorrow. The week-long event is anchored by the BODW Summit at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, with more than 20 forums, dialogues and exhibitions running concurrently around the city.

Coming to its 18^th year, BODW is an international flagship programme in Asia that aims to connect local and Asian designers and industries with innovators, designers and game-changers all over the world, fostering new inspiration through the exchange of knowledge and ideas. It also serves as a world-class platform to include local and Asian forces and projects, and strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international design hub in Asia.

“The calibre of our speaker line-up reflects BODW’s enduring global influence and reinforces Hong Kong’s status as a centre of design excellence in Asia. Once again, we have curated a powerful programme designed to foster creative exchange and collaboration between different sectors, disciplines and economies,” said Prof. Eric Yim, Chairman of HKDC.

Keynote speakers at the summit include Chairman of London Design Festival Sir John Sorrell CBE, champion of the UK’s creative industries for more than 50 years, who is leading the largest ever delegation of British designers to Hong Kong. BODW speakers will present at a host of forums and panels exploring the latest trends and ideas in branding, communication, product design, digital and technology, spatial design and architecture, and culture and city life, with special sessions that offer new insights into ‘Creative Mindset & Design Thinking’ and ‘Immersive Live Experience’.

BODW 2019 attendees also have the valuable opportunity to learn from a wealth of architecture experts, including Thomas Heatherwick CBE, the iconic designer of the New York City landmark, Vessel; Patrik Schumacher, the architect behind Beijing’s new Daxing International Airport; Dong-Ping Wong, creator of New York City’s +POOL, the world’s first, soon-to-be-realised floating, water-filtering pool; Young Wei-Yang Chiu of Foster + Partners, whose ongoing projects in Mainland China include the new DJI headquarters in Shenzhen; and Chanjoong Kim, the architect behind the iconic flower-shaped glass building at the new Botanic Park in Seoul, and creator of Kosmos, winner of the Wallpaper* Design Award for Best New Hotel this year.

In the realm of interior design, BODW will bring in diverse experts to reflect on projects that span retail, hospitality, leisure, infrastructure and more. Prominent speakers include André Fu, the forward-thinking designer of the new St Regis Hong Kong hotel; UK artist Morag Myerscough, one of the country’s most prolific artists/designers whose work captivates users with their boldness and strong colours; Simon Mitchell, the retail architect who transformed one of the largest luxury shopping malls in Asia, SKP Beijing; Ed Ng, one of the conceptual designers of the Opera Theatre at Hong Kong’s revered cultural-retail destination, K11 MUSEA; and Tim Kobe, founder and CEO of Eight Inc., whose portfolio spans high-profile companies like Apple and Nike.

Participants of BODW 2019 are also invited to transgress the boundaries between physical and digital experiences by some of the leading lights in the emerging ‘immersive live experience’ field. They include double BAFTA Award winner Kate Dawkins, who created the 360-degree, stadium-wide ‘audience pixels’ for the London 2012 Olympic ceremonies; Suhair Khan, Lead of Google Arts & Culture Projects; Fabien Riggall, Creator of Secret Cinema, the enigmatic pioneer of unique and immersive cinema experiences; Matt Clark, the mastermind behind striking installations and live performances for the likes of Massive Attack, Jay Z and U2; and Mike Hill, Co-Founder and CEO of Magnetic Asia, the company behind Clockenflap in Hong Kong.

The impressive speaker line-up also promises insights from some of the most cutting-edge leaders in product and industrial design. They include Jay Osgerby OBE, the creative mind of the London 2012 Olympic Torch; Marek Reichman, EVP and Chief Creative Officer of Aston Martin Lagonda; Stefan Ytterborn, serial entrepreneur and Founder of CAKE, who developed a new category of sustainable high-performance electric motorbikes, the Kalk; Victor Wong, local artist-inventor of the A.I. Gemini, a robot artist that produces Chinese ink paintings; Giovanni Fili, Founder and CEO of Swedish clean tech company Exeger; Michael Young, Hong Kong-based British industrial designer who works with famous international brands and Chinese companies including Haier, Zens and CIGA; Luo Cheng, Chairman and President of ARTOP Group, a leading China-based industrial design company with full industry chain capabilities; and Joe Kwan, Co-founder and Designer of Anicorn Watches, an eminent Hong Kong-brand whose collaboration with NASA created a 1-minute sold out record.

BODW will also explore how design is transforming urban culture and the everyday experiences of citizens by inviting diverse experts such as Deyan Sudjic OBE, Director of London’s celebrated Design Museum; and British sculptor and master of architectural illusion Alex Chinneck, who is best known for creating reality-defying buildings.

Visionary leaders speaking on the topic of branding, communication and design at BODW 2019 include influential designer and typographer Neville Brody RDI, who designs for global blue-chip brands like Samsung, LVMH, Uniqlo and The Coca-Cola Company; Tom Dixon, renowned British designer specialising in lighting, furniture and accessories; Teo Yang, Creative Director and CEO of EATH Library, a new skin care brand that combines technology and ingredients based on traditional Korean medicine; and Daniel Kerzner, Vice President Customer Experience of Virgin Atlantic.

Added to this powerful line-up are innovators who are transforming global design education and encouraging the public sector to deliver sustainable change through design. They include leaders of universities that topped the QS World University Subject Rankings for art and design in 2019: Paul Thompson, Vice-Chancellor of the Royal College of Art, and Nigel Carrington, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Arts London. BODW 2019 attendees will also hear from Martha Thorne, Executive Director of the Pritzker Architecture Prize and Dean of IE School of Architecture and Design; Eric Schuldenfrei, Head of the Department of Architecture of The University of Hong Kong; and Prof. Sadie Morgan, Director of dRMM Architects, Female Architectural Leader of the Year of the 2019 Building Design Awards and Commissioner of the National Infrastructure Commission, responsible for advising on major infrastructure project in the UK.

BODW is organised by Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) and co-organised by Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), with Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) as the Lead Sponsor.

Visit the BODW website (www.bodw.com/pr) to see the latest global speakers list and programme, and for more information about discount offers and ticketing.

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Business of Design Week 2019 – Event Details:

Date                             ：        2 – 7 December 2019 (Monday – Saturday)

Venue                          ：        Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Ticketing                     ：        www.bodw.com/pr

 

BODW 2019 Concurrent Events

• BODW City Programme* – a creative communities activation programme aimed at engaging the public and fostering collaboration with local brands and businesses
• DFA Awards Presentation Ceremony* – the most recognised design awards celebrating outstanding designs with Asian perspectives
• FASHION ASIA HONG KONG* – a fashion initiative combining conversations, interactions and cultural exchanges to position Hong Kong as an Asian hub for fashion trade and business development
• DesignInspire* – an international exhibition for global creative elites, design brands, design associations and institutes to showcase their creativity
• BIP Asia Forum* – an annual event bringing IP professionals and business leaders from all over the world to discuss the latest developments in IP
• deTour* – an annual creative festival with a variety of programmes featuring innovative designs to inspire creativity
• GDN Symposium* – a roundtable discussion and open dialogue organised by a design promotional body and supported by a strong international membership network
• M+ Matters Keynote – part of the M+ Matters public talks series featuring key figures from some of the most influential cultural projects of today
• Leadership Forum on Design Education* – a forum for global design leaders and educators to share their perspectives on the future of design education

 

* Sponsored by CreateHK of the HKSAR Government

 

About Hong Kong Design Centre

Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) is a non-governmental organisation, and was founded in 2001 as a strategic partner of the HKSAR Government in establishing Hong Kong as an international centre of design excellence in Asia. Our public mission is to promote wider and strategic use of design and design thinking to create business value and improve societal well-being, with the aim of advancing Hong Kong as an international design centre in Asia. Learn more about us at www.hkdesigncentre.org

 

About Create Hong Kong

Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) is a dedicated agency set up by the HKSAR Government in June 2009. It is under the Communications and Creative Industries Branch of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and dedicated to spearheading the development of creative industries in Hong Kong. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community. CreateHK sponsors HKDC to organise BODW and other projects to promote Hong Kong design. CreateHK’s website: www.createhk.gov.hk.

 

Media Contact

For further enquiries or interview requests, please contact:

 

Jessica Poon | jessica.poon@fleishmanhillard.com | (852) 2586 7870 / 6469 5522

Charlie So | charlie.so@fleishmanhillard.com | (852) 2586 7850 / 9326 8267

[Seoul, 24 October 2019] – The Republic of Korea is named the official partner country of Business of Design Week 2020, as formalised at a partnership signing ceremony by Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC), Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), and the Korea Institute of Design Promotion (KIDP) in Seoul on 15 October.

The agreement was signed by Executive Director of HKDC, Dr. Edmund Lee; Assistant Executive Director of HKTDC, Mr. Stephen Liang; and President of KIDP, Dr. Eune Juhyun at KIDP’s headquarters, in the presence of HKDC Chairman, Prof. Eric Yim, JP; Chairman of BODW Steering Committee, Mr. Victor Lo; Head of Create Hong Kong, The Government of the Hong Kong SAR, Mr. Victor Tsang; Executive Managing Director of Education and R&D Department, KIDP, Mr. Yun Byoungmun; Executive Managing Director of Business Promotion Department, Mr. Philhyun Kang; Vice Chairman, Korean Federation of Design Industry Associations, Ms. Soonmi Lee; and, other senior representatives of BODW’s strategic partners and of KIDP team.

Launched in 2002, BODW is Asia’s leading event on design, innovation and brands held annually in Hong Kong in December. It provides an international platform for prominent business and design leaders from around the world to exchange creative ideas and innovation trends, and explore the power of design for transforming the future of our lives and cities.

Each year, BODW teams up with a different partner city or country to bring new cultural perspectives and influences to international audiences, as well as promote cross-learning and collaboration among the international community.

“The Republic of Korea is widely recognised as a design capital with a rich culture and dynamic creative industries, and looked upon as a global trend-setter in many areas,” said Prof. Eric Yim, JP, Chairman of HKDC. “Our partnership for BODW 2020 will surely bring a robust exchange creative ideas and foster new collaboration among the global business and design communities.”

“KIDP’s participation in BODW 2020 would serve as a great chance to connect the creative communities of Korea and Hong Kong to bring out active exchanges,” said Dr. Eune Juhyun, President of KIDP. “We are excited about the vast opportunities to showcase Korean design perspectives and celebrated projects at an international exchange platform like BODW next year.”

“The HKTDC is most delighted to have Korea as the partner country of DesignInspire 2020, which is a design exhibition partnering with BODW every year. The very inspirational and innovative designs of Korean artists will be showcased to design- lovers and the general public throughout the three days of this exhibition,” said Mr. Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC.

The partnership signing ceremony rounded up a 2-day study trip to Seoul on 14-15 October, led by HKDC with support from KIDP. The delegation met with some of Korea’s leading creatives in architecture, brand, digital and product design, most of which are well-recognised pioneers in their field. A longer and more in-depth Korean study trip for BODW organisers and partners is being planned for Spring 2020.

Now approaching its 18th year, BODW is HKDC’s annual flagship programme, providing a valuable platform for professionals across industries to network, exchange ideas and explore new collaboration. The week-long programme features over 20 events including forums, dialogues and exhibitions, with the BODW summit as an anchor event.

The BODW summit is organised by Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) and co- organised by Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), with Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong SAR as the Lead Sponsor.

About Hong Kong Design Centre
Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) is a non-governmental organisation, and was founded in 2001 as a strategic partner of the HKSAR Government in establishing Hong Kong as an international centre of design excellence in Asia. Our public mission is to promote wider and strategic use of design and design thinking to create business value and improve societal well-being, with the aim of advancing Hong Kong as an international design centre in Asia. Learn more about us at www.hkdesigncentre.org

For more information, please contact:
Candy Yuen | candy.yuen@hkdesigncentre.org | (852) 3793-8413
Selina Lo | selina.lo@hkdesigncentre.org | (852) 3793-8497

Creative Leaders Shaping the Future of Business and Our Cities to Converge at Asia’s Premier Design and Innovation Event, Business of Design Week on 2-7 December 2019

[HONG KONG – 18 September 2019]

Business of Design Week (BODW), Asia’s leading event on design, innovation and brands, will gather outstanding design masters and influential business leaders from around the world in Hong Kong on 2-7 December 2019. In collaboration with its partner country this year – the United Kingdom, one of the world’s greatest cultural nations with a thriving creative sector – BODW will bring together over 70 design and business visionaries to inspire audiences to take note of the latest global innovation trends, and the power of design for transforming businesses and cities of the future.

Coming to its 18th edition, BODW remains Asia’s most significant event on design and innovation in the international calendar. BODW features over 20 events including forums, dialogues and exhibitions, with the BODW summit as an anchor event. The programme aims to foster creative exchange and collaboration between different sectors and disciplines, and across the region among participating economies, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a centre of design excellence in Asia.

The BODW summit is organised by Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) and co-organised by Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), with Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) as the Lead Sponsor.

Designing the Future, Create Tomorrow

Working with the United Kingdom (UK) as the partner country, BODW 2019 is curated on the theme Design the Future, Create Tomorrow. From fashion to film, architecture to advertising, UK creatives have a well-earned reputation for challenging conventions and embracing the new with professionalism and flair. The UK is also identified by trend forecasters as a key market for new trends to take off globally.

With strong participation from UK creatives and other international experts, the BODW 2019 summit will present a host of forums and panels exploring the latest trends and ideas in branding, communication, product design, digital and technology, spatial design and architecture, culture and city life. Special sessions will be held to offer new insights into ’Creative Mindset & Design Thinking’ and ‘Immersive Live Experience’ – an emerging field of design that invites us to reimagine the line between our physical and digital experiences. The summit provides a mega platform for business and creative leaders to exchange innovative ideas, network, and explore new business opportunities.

Stellar Line-up from Acclaimed International Projects

Keynote speakers at the summit include Chairman of London Design Festival Sir John Sorrell CBE, who has championed the UK’s creative industries for more than 50 years; Thomas Heatherwick OBE, the architectural icon behind New York City’s latest landmark -Vessel, the UK Pavilion at Expo 2010, and Google’s new London and California headquarters now under construction; Patrik Schumacher, Principal of Zaha Hadid Architects, a leading architectural studio of the Morpheus Hotel in Macau and the new Beijing Daxing International Airport, scheduled for opening later this year; Edward Barber OBE and Jay Osgerby OBE, the award-winning creative duo behind the London 2012 Olympic Torch; Morag Myerscough, one of the UK’s most prolific artists/designers whose work is characterised by boldness, strong colours and high levels of energy to captivate users; and legendary typography master and art director Neville Brody RDI, who designs for global blue-chip brands like Samsung, Yamaha, LVMH, GAP, Uniqlo, The Coca-Cola Company, Nike and NIKON.

Other prominent UK figures who will share their insights with a global audience at BODW 2019 are Kate Dawkins, a double British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) winner who designed the 360 degree, stadium-wide ‘audience pixels’ for the London 2012 Olympic ceremonies; Matt Clark, Founder of United Visual Artists (UVA), the collective behind striking installations and live performances for the likes of musicians such as Massive Attack, Jay Z and U2; and VP Customer Experience at Virgin Atlantic Daniel Kerzner, who champions the strategic vision of the airline’s customer experiences in the air and on the ground.

Apart from UK speakers, other top local and international names taking the stage in December include Founding Director of Food New York Dong-Ping Wong, who conceived +POOL, the world’s first, soon-to-be realised water-filtering floating pool in the river; and serial entrepreneur and Founder of CAKE Stefan Ytterborn, who developed the Kalk, a new category of sustainable high-performance electric motorbikes, etc. Prominent local speakers include Michael Young, a Hong Kong-based British industrial designer who works with famous Chinese companies and start-ups like Haier, Zens and CIGA; and acclaimed architect and interior designer André Fu, who redefined the notion of hospitality with his design of the world-renowned Upper House hotel and the new St. Regis Hong Kong hotel, among other speakers.

Stay tuned to the BODW website for the full list of global speakers from a wide range of creative disciplines. For the latest information about this year’s programme and ticketing, please visit www.bodw.com/pr.

Business of Design Week 2019 Event Details:
Date： 2 – 7 December 2019 (Monday – Saturday)
Venue： Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Ticketing： www.bodw.com/pr

BODW Early Bird Tickets now available! Visit the BODW website to get your tickets.

BODW 2019 Concurrent Events

BODW City Programme* – a creative communities activation programme aimed at engaging the public and fostering collaboration with local brands and businesses
DFA Awards Presentation Ceremony* – the most recognised design awards celebrating outstanding designs with Asian perspectives
FASHION ASIA HONG KONG* – a fashion initiative combining conversations, interactions and cultural exchanges to position Hong Kong as an Asian hub for fashion trade and business development
DesignInspire* – an international exhibition for global creative elites, design brands, design associations and institutes to showcase their creativity
BIP Asia Forum* – an annual event bringing IP professionals and business leaders from all over the world to discuss the latest developments in IP
deTour* – an annual creative festival with a variety of programmes featuring innovative designs to inspire creativity
GDN Symposium* – a roundtable discussion and open dialogue organised by a design promotional body and supported by a strong international membership network
M+ Matters Keynote – part of the M+ Matters public talks series featuring key figures from some of the most influential cultural projects of today
Leadership Forum on Design Education* – a forum for global design leaders and educators to share their perspectives on the future of design education

* Sponsored by CreateHK of the HKSAR Government

About Hong Kong Design Centre

Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) is a non-governmental organisation, and was founded in 2001 as a strategic partner of the HKSAR Government in establishing Hong Kong as an international centre of design excellence in Asia. Our public mission is to promote wider and strategic use of design and design thinking to create business value and improve societal well-being, with the aim of advancing Hong Kong as an international design centre in Asia. Learn more about us at www.hkdesigncentre.org

About Create Hong Kong

Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) is a dedicated agency set up by the HKSAR Government in June 2009. It is under the Communications and Creative Industries Branch of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and dedicated to spearheading the development of creative industries in Hong Kong. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community. CreateHK sponsors HKDC to organise BODW and other projects to promote Hong Kong design.

CreateHK’s website: www.createhk.gov.hk.

Media Contact
For further enquiries or interview requests, please contact:

Jessica Poon | jessica.poon@fleishmanhillard.com | (852) 2586 7870 / 6469 5522
Charlie So | charlie.so@fleishmanhillard.com | (852) 2586 7850 / 9326 8267

Over 120,000 international participants attended the week-long event; BODW announces the United Kingdom as partner country in 2019

 

[HONG KONG – 10 December 2018]

Asia’s leading international event on design, innovation and brands, Business of Design Week (BODW), concluded its 2018 Summit on 8 December (Saturday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. An annual flagship event co-organised by the Hong Kong Design Centre and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, and sponsored by Create Hong Kong, BODW brought to Hong Kong some of the world’s most influential and inspirational design masters, brand leaders and business figures across a large range of different industries and sectors, who inspired an international audience of over 120,000 on driving good design and business connections across all levels of society through topical presentations, forum discussions and networking events during the week.

 

BODW is highly regarded as a valuable platform for professionals across sectors to network, exchange ideas about innovation and design and explore business opportunities. In collaboration with this year’s partner city Melbourne, BODW 2018 consisted of a main summit (3-8 December), a BODW City Programme to activate creative communities in different districts across Hong Kong, and over 20 concurrent events to foster innovation and business connections that promote the development of Hong Kong’s creative industries.

 

This year’s summit took on the theme ‘Think ∙ Collaborate ∙ Create’.  Of over 80 international speakers at the event, more than 20 came from this year’s partner city Melbourne, which has won the accolade of the world’s most liveable city by the Economist Intelligence Unit for seven consecutive years (2011-2017). The speakers shared the latest innovative ideas and industry insights in the fields of urban planning, architecture, culture, technology and digital design.

 

Professor Eric Yim, JP, Chairman of Hong Kong Design Centre, the organiser of this year’s BODW said, “This is the first time that BODW has teamed up with Melbourne, a unique city in the southern hemisphere. Through this meaningful partnership, BODW can reach a wider audience and create even more new business opportunities. It has been a privilege to see the meeting of minds of these two creative hubs, and I am sure this cross-territorial exchange will continue to go from strength to strength well after the event.”

 

Mrs Carrie Lam, GBM, GBS, JP the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR officially opened this year’s event on Thursday, 6 December. BODW aligns with the Hong Kong SAR’s direction of cultivating design thinking and people-centred innovation and promoting wider and more strategic use of design in the city for problem solving, wealth creation and societal wellbeing.

 

Spreading the Creative Vibe Around in the City

Having made its debut in Wan Chai and other districts in Hong Kong in November, the BODW City Programme is an extension of the main BODW summit. It helps to forge collaborations between local designers, businesses and brands to celebrate good design and innovation and strengthen Hong Kong as a creative hub in Asia through exciting art installations, exhibitions, creative tours, and education and community programmes. Featuring nearly 200 exciting happenings on a city-wide scale, BODW City Programme will prolong the momentum generated by the main summit until January 2019. Beyond the main BODW summit, a number of concurrent partner events also took place: the DFA Awards Presentation Ceremony, FASHION ASIA HONGKONG, DesignInspire, BIP Asia Forum, deTour, WORKTECH Hong Kong, GDN Symposium, M+ Matters Keynote, and the Leadership Forum on Design Education.

 

Unveiling a new partnership for 2019

As this year’s summit drew to a close, BODW announced the United Kingdom as the official partner country for BODW 2019. The United Kingdom is renowned for its flourishing architecture and design communities and as a country with a creative, vibrant and exhilarating atmosphere, where arts, culture, architecture and design all thrive together. It is home to some of the best art and design schools, and brings cutting-edge design to its world-famous architecture. With a partner of such rich design heritage, BODW 2019 is set to be another breath-taking event for those who look for endless inspiration and meaningful cultural exchange.

 

NOTES TO THE EDITOR

More information about this year’s programme can be found at bodw.com.

 

About Hong Kong Design Centre

Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) was founded in 2001 as a strategic partner of the HKSAR Government in establishing Hong Kong as centre of design excellence in Asia. HKDC continues its public mission to promote wider and strategic use of design and design thinking to create business value and improve societal well-being. Our initiatives are anchored by five major work directions: CONNECT, CELEBRATE, NURTURE, ADVANCE and ENGAGE.

 

HKDC’s flagship programmes include Business of Design Week (since 2002) – Asia’s leading annual conference and event on Design, Innovation and Brands; DFA Awards (since 2003) – a widely recognised design awards that celebrates outstanding designs with Asian perspectives; Design Incubation Programme (since 2012) and Fashion Incubation Programme (since 2016) – 2-year incubation programmes to nurture future design and fashion entrepreneurs; FASHION ASIA HONGKONG (since 2016) – a fashion initiative combining conversations, interactions and cultural exchanges to energise the city’s image, and position it as an Asian hub for fashion trade and business development; Knowledge of Design Week (since 2006) – an annual thematic design knowledge sharing platform that explores how design can solve complex challenges of our society.

 

Media Contact

For further enquiries or interview requests, please contact

Sybil Kot | sybil.kot@ogilvy.com | (852) 2884 8529 / (852) 9775 3068
Gabriel Chan | gabriel.chan@ogilvy.com | (852) 2884 8387/ (852) 61995608

Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam attended as Guest of Honour of today’s opening ceremony for Asia’s premier event on design, innovation and brands

 

[HONG KONG – 6 December 2018]

Asia’s leading international event on design, innovation and brands, Business of Design Week (BODW), officially opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The annual flagship event co-organised by Hong Kong Design Centre and Hong Kong Trade Development Council, BODW consists of a main summit (3-8 December), a BODW City Programme to activate business creative communities in different districts, and over 20 concurrent events to foster innovation and business connections that promote the development of Hong Kong’s creative economy.

 

Dignitaries including the Honourable Mrs Carrie Lam, GBM, GBS, JP, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, The Honourable Ms. Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria, Australia, the Honourable Dr. Bernard Chan, JP, Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Professor Eric Yim, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Design Centre, Mr Victor Lo, Chairman of BODW Steering Committee of the Hong Kong Design Centre, Ms Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr Victor Tsang, Head of Create Hong Kong and Dr Edmund Lee, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Design Centre were among those in attendance to officially kick off this year’s event, the 17th edition of the international design and business summit.

 

Design & Innovation in Hong Kong

Co-organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by Create Hong Kong, BODW aligns with the Hong Kong SAR’s direction of cultivating design thinking and people-centred innovation and promoting wider and more strategic use of design in the city for problem solving, wealth creation and societal wellbeing.

Mrs Carrie Lam, GBM, GBS, JP, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said at the Opening Ceremony today: “This creative coming together makes smart design sense. It makes great business sense, too. Melbourne and Hong Kong, after all, offer singular strengths in business and design.” She further added, “My Government is also committed to developing design thinking as a problem-solving capability. In the past year, the Design Centre has been organising classes and seminars both at the community level and within the Hong Kong Government. We are now working with the Design Centre to establish an event space, here in the vibrant community of Wan Chai, to enhance public appreciation of design and design thinking.”

 

A Conversation about Liveability

In collaboration with this year’s partner city Melbourne, which has won the accolade of the world’s most liveable city by the Economist Intelligence Unit for seven consecutive years (2011-2017), BODW continues to provide a platform for business and creative leaders to present the latest innovative ideas and industry insights. This year’s summit will take on the theme of ‘Think ∙ Collaborate ∙ Create’. Featuring more than 20 speakers from the city of Melbourne, the event draws inspiration from Melbourne’s strategic and thoughtful approach to design.

Speaking at today’s Opening Ceremony, the Honourable Ms. Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria, Australia said: “What makes a great design city? I think it’s a mindset that Melbourne shares with Hong Kong and other great design centres in the world. It’s an understanding that contextually appropriate ideas always underpin the most inspiring original design. Great design is without doubt a collaborative mindset of creativity and conceptual thinking and collaboration. May I thank Hong Kong for gathering design talents from every corner of the globe and for helping to foster that collaborative mindset in this largest design event in Asia.”

 

Strengthening Hong Kong’s Regional Design Leadership

Each year, BODW brings to Hong Kong some of the world’s most celebrated design masters, brand leaders and business figures across a variety of fields, to inspire both international and Hong Kong audiences on the merits of good design. The annual event serves as a valuable platform for professionals across sectors to network, exchange ideas and explore business collaborations.

 

Professor Eric Yim, JP, Chairman, HKDC said: “As Asia’s leading annual event on design, innovation and brands, Business of Design Week is committed to facilitating cultural exchange and driving innovations in the community. With a stellar line-up of designers from Melbourne and around the world, our week-long programme will explore design-driven innovation and the role of design in the betterment of society. Through this rich context, we hope to continue to champion design as a key driver of innovation and stimulus for economic growth”

 

Building on the success from previous editions, BODW 2018 is set to explore new frontiers of design in the world of digital design and investigate how technology can enhance our everyday experiences. In addition, the newly introduced ‘Greater Bay Area & Design’ track provides knowledge on how to leverage the business opportunities created under the Greater Bay economic policy spearheaded by the central government of the People’s Republic of China.

 

BODW Summit’s Plenary sessions feature more than 80 international innovators and creative powerhouses from over 15 countries and regions across a multitude of disciplines, including Martha Thorne, scholar and executive director of Pritzker Architecture Prize (US); Li Edelkoort from Trend Union, one of the world’s leading industry trend forecasters (France); Prof. Rob Adams AM, director city design and projects of City of Melbourne (Melbourne); Ben van Berkel, founder / principal architect of international design network UNStudio (The Netherlands); Ron Arad, acclaimed industrial designer, artist and architect (UK); Charles Renfro, distinguished architect and partner of Diller Scofidio + Renfro (US); and Toyo Ito, multi-award winning Japanese architect (Japan).

 

BODW’s extensive range of programmes celebrates design, innovation and brands across various disciplines, covering themes relating to Brands & Innovation, Communication & Design, Design for Asia, Space & Design, Product & Technology, Creative Mindset and Culture & The City. Programme highlights this year include new tracks on Digital & Design, Greater Bay Area & Design, and a special seminar on Liveability, Sports & Design. This year’s Masterclass will feature iconic architect Carol Ross Barney to discuss design for social good.

 

A City-wide Celebration of Design

The week-long event will feature more than 20 events, including the BODW Summit, BODW City Programme and a series of concurrent events, all with the aim of providing a platform for business and creative leaders to exchange ideas, network, and explore new business opportunities.

 

The BODW City Programme was launched in 2017 as a new extension of BODW, taking the form of an annual creative community activation featuring exciting art installations, exhibitions, creative tours, and education and community programmes. Having made its debut in Wan Chai and other districts in Hong Kong in November, the Programme aims to foster stronger collaborations between local designers, businesses and brands to celebrate good design and innovation, and strengthen Hong Kong as a creative hub in Asia.

 

Beyond the main programming of BODW, a number of satellite events are also taking place concurrently to celebrate the creative spirit in the city. These include: the DFA Awards Presentation Ceremony, FASHION ASIA HONGKONG, DesignInspire, BIP Asia Forum, deTour, WORKTECH18 Hong Kong, GDN Symposium, M+ Matters Keynote, and the Leadership Forum on Design Education.

 

NOTES TO THE EDITOR

More information about this year’s programme can be found at bodw.com.

 

About Hong Kong Design Centre

Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) was founded in 2001 as a strategic partner of the HKSAR Government in establishing Hong Kong as centre of design excellence in Asia. HKDC continues its public mission to promote wider and strategic use of design and design thinking to create business value and improve societal well-being. Our initiatives are anchored by five major work directions: CONNECT, CELEBRATE, NURTURE, ADVANCE and ENGAGE.

 

HKDC’s flagship programmes include Business of Design Week (since 2002) – Asia’s leading annual conference and event on Design, Innovation and Brands; DFA Awards (since 2003) – a widely recognised design awards that celebrates outstanding designs with Asian perspectives; Design Incubation Programme (since 2012) and Fashion Incubation Programme (since 2016) – 2-year incubation programmes to nurture future design and fashion entrepreneurs; FASHION ASIA HONGKONG (since 2016) – a fashion initiative combining conversations, interactions and cultural exchanges to energise the city’s image, and position it as an Asian hub for fashion trade and business development; Knowledge of Design Week (since 2006) – an annual thematic design knowledge sharing platform that explores how design can solve complex challenges of our society.

 

Media Contact

For further enquiries or interview requests, please contact

Sybil Kot | sybil.kot@ogilvy.com | (852) 2884 8529 / (852) 9775 3068
Gabriel Chan | gabriel.chan@ogilvy.com | (852) 2884 8387/ (852) 61995608

Over 70 speakers from more than 15 countries to present at this year’s BODW Summit at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre with concurrent city-wide events

 

[HONG KONG – 7 November 2018]

Organised by Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC), co-organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by Create Hong Kong, Business of Design Week (BODW), Asia’s leading annual design event, will be held in Hong Kong from 3-8 December, 2018.

 

This year’s summit will take on the theme of ‘Think ∙ Collaborate ∙ Create’ and be presented in collaboration with partner city Melbourne, cited as the world’s most liveable city by the Economist Intelligence Unit for seven consecutive years (2011-2017). The event features more than 70 speakers from over 15 countries and regions to present the latest industry insights and to promote the advancement of the creative industries.

 

“BODW represents a core component of Hong Kong Design Centre’s public mission to promote a good design culture and cultivate design thinking for all,” said Dr. Edmund Lee, Executive Director of HKDC. “We are thrilled to see this event grow from strength to strength since its inception in 2002 to become one of the most important events on the global design calendar.”

 

The week-long event will feature more than 20 events, including the BODW Summit, BODW City Programmes and a series of concurrent events, all with the aim of providing a platform for business and creative leaders to exchange ideas, network, and explore new business opportunities.

 

An anchor event of the week, the BODW Summit presents a stellar lineup of international speakers to share latest industry insights and to promote the wide and strategic use of design for cities, the economy, culture and living. In addition, new sessions focusing on Digital & Design, Greater Bay Area & Design and more, will be introduced this year.

 

BODW Summit’s Plenary sessions feature a lineup of design experts including Martha Thorne, scholar and executive director of Pritzker Architecture Prize (US); Prof. Rob Adams AM, director of city design & projects of City of Melbourne (Melbourne); and Ben van Berkel, founder / principal architect of international design network UNStudio (The Netherlands), and the designer of the Lyric Theatre of the West Kowloon Cultural District; Ron Arad, acclaimed industrial designer, artist, and architect (UK); Charles Renfro, distinguished architect and partner of Diller Scofidio + Renfro (US), and Toyo Ito, multi-award winning Japanese architect (Japan).

 

The ‘Brand Asia Forum’ and ‘Communication & Design’ tracks will explore the future of brands and how the shifts in lifestyle are transforming businesses and changing the way we connect and communicate. Influential leaders and visionary creative minds include Erik Spiekermann, iconic type and information designer as well as an expert in letterpress printing (Germany); Antonio Colombo, president of Cinelli & Columbus (Gruppo Company) (Italy); Tony Chambers, creative consultant and founder of studio of TC & Friends, and former Editor-in-Chief of Wallpaper* (UK); Suzanne Santos, chief customer officer of Aesop (Melbourne). Other participating brands include naked Group (Mainland of China) and BEYORG (Hong Kong).

 

In the ‘Product & Technology’ track and the newly introduced ‘Digital & Design’ session, BODW will explore how technology and its application are changing our everyday experiences with speakers such as Sonny Tilders, animatronics designer, creative director & CEO of Creature Technology Co. (Melbourne); Ken Wong, game designer, creative director and founder of crafts games studio Mountains who won the Award at Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers’ Conference (Melbourne), Leah Heiss, Melbourne-based designer combining design research and technology to benefit the health industry, who has won a Premier’s Design Award for her design of the world’s first modular hearing aid product – Facett (Melbourne); Rex Sham, co-founder & chief science officer of Insight Robotics; Michael Stoddart, Director, Creative Cloud, Asia Pacific of Adobe; and a panel of speakers and disruptors coming from across the fintech, healthtech, retail and hospitality sectors.

 

Newly introduced in 2018, the ‘Greater Bay Area & Design’ track provides knowledge into the business opportunities created under the Greater Bay economic policy spearheaded by the mainland Chinese government. Speakers include Jia Wei, founder and chairman of LKK Design Company (Mainland of China); Mann Lao, founder and creative director of Chiii Design (Macau); Elaine Yan Ling Ng, founder of THE FABRICK LAB (Hong Kong); and Hong Ko, partner of KL & K Design (Hong Kong / Mainland of China)

 

The ‘Creative Mindset’ session will feature speakers including Patrick le Quément, co-founder and president of the Advisory Board, The Sustainable Design School (France) and Sebastian Conran, CEO of Sebastian Conran Associates and Consequential Robotics (UK). In response to Melbourne’s globally recognised status as the world’s most liveable city from 2011 to 2017, a special seminar on ‘Liveability, Sports & Design’ will feature prominent speakers from the city of Melbourne, Hong Kong and beyond. Jill Garner, Victorian Government Architect; Brian Morris, CEO of Melbourne & Olympic Parks Trust; and Alastair Richardson, director of Cox Architecture, will bring valuable insights on how forward-thinking sports venue design and strategic redevelopment of existing sports facilities can increase the liveability of a city and benefit its economy. Margaret Brooke, co-founder of Heritage Hong Kong Foundation and Very Hong Kong Fondation, will also share her insights into the liveability and wellbeing industry from a Hong Kong perspective.

 

This year’s Masterclass will feature Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, renowned architect, urbanist, educator, and design principal of Ross Barney Architects (US). She will discuss the making of liveable cities and how to design for social good.

 

BODW City Programme

Launched this year as a new extension of BODW, the BODW City Programme is an annual creative community activation programme featuring exciting happenings such as art installations, exhibitions, creative tours, and education and community programmes. It will debut in Wan Chai and other districts in Hong Kong with the vision to engage both business and the public. The BODW City Programme aims to foster stronger collaborations between local designers, businesses and brands to celebrate good design and innovation, and strengthen Hong Kong as a creative hub in Asia. The annual programme will take place from November 2018 to January 2019.

 

Other Events

• DFA Awards Presentation Ceremony – the most recognised design awards celebrating outstanding designs with Asian perspectives
• FASHION ASIA HONGKONG – a fashion initiative combining conversations, interactions and cultural exchanges to position Hong Kong as an Asian hub for fashion trade and business development
• DesignInspire – an international exhibition for global creative elites, design brands, design associations and institutes to showcase their creativity, 90 designers and 5 universities and focus on the ways in which design is shaping everyday life
• BIP Asia Forum – an annual event bringing IP professionals and business leaders from all over the world to discuss the latest developments in IP
• deTour – an annual creative festival with a variety of programmes featuring innovative designs to inspire creativity
• WORKTECH Hong Kong – a leading international workplace conference
• GDN Symposium – a roundtable discussion and open dialogue organised by a design promotional body and supported by a strong international membership network
• M+ Matters Keynote – part of the M+ Matters public talks series featuring key figures from some of the most influential cultural projects of today
• Leadership Forum on Design Education – a forum for global design leaders and educators to share their perspectives on the future of design education

For the latest information about ticketing and this year’s programme, please visit bodw.com.

 

NOTES TO THE EDITOR
Details of ticket sales are now available. Register on BODW’s official website now to receive Special Offer now.

 

About Hong Kong Design Centre
Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) was founded in 2001 as a strategic partner of the HKSAR Government in establishing Hong Kong as centre of design excellence in Asia. HKDC continues its public mission to promote wider and strategic use of design and design thinking to create business value and improve societal well-being. Our initiatives are anchored by five major work directions: CONNECT, CELEBRATE, NURTURE, ADVANCE and ENGAGE.

 

HKDC’s flagship programmes include Business of Design Week (since 2002) – Asia’s leading annual conference and event on Design, Innovation and Brands; DFA Awards (since 2003) – a widely recognised design awards that celebrates outstanding designs with Asian perspectives; Design Incubation Programme (since 2012) and Fashion Incubation Programme (since 2016) – 2-year incubation programmes to nurture future design and fashion entrepreneurs; FASHION ASIA HONGKONG (since 2016) – a fashion initiative combining conversations, interactions and cultural exchanges to energise the city’s image, and position it as an Asian hub for fashion trade and business development; Knowledge of Design Week (since 2006) – an annual thematic design knowledge sharing platform that explores how design can solve complex challenges of our society.

 

Media Contact
For further enquiries or interview requests, please contact
Sybil Kot | sybil.kot@ogilvy.com | (852) 2884 8529 / (852) 9775 3068
Claudia Cheng | claudia.cheng@ogilvy.com | (852) 2884 8651

Save the date to join international masters of design and luminaries of businesses at BODW from 3-8 December 2018 at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

 

[HONG KONG – 2 October 2018]

Organised by Hong Kong Design Centre, co-organised by Hong Kong Trade Development Council and sponsored by Create Hong Kong, Business of Design Week (BODW), Asia’s leading annual design event, will be held in Hong Kong from 3-8 December, 2018. Delivering a host of international innovators and creative powerhouses from across a multitude of disciplines, the 17^th edition of BODW continues to provide a platform to present the latest industry insights and to promote the wide and strategic use of design for cities, the economy, culture and the living.

 

The 2018 edition of BODW will take on the theme ‘Think ∙ Collaborate ∙ Create’. Presented in collaboration with partner city Melbourne – the world’s most liveable city for seven consecutive years, according to The Economist Intelligence Unit, this year’s programme will focus on design and innovation in branding, space, communication, product, culture and the city. In addition, new sessions focusing on Digital & Design, Greater Bay Area & Design and more, will be introduced this year.

 

Melbourne’s approach to design is thoughtful and strategic; driven by the formation of productive partnerships and deep connections; working collaboratively towards solutions; innovations and designs that inspire and create meaningful impact. These are key values that BODW endorses and looks to promote throughout the event.

 

BODW has invited leading design practitioners from Melbourne to present at the event, including Prof. Rob Adams AM, veteran architect and urban designer who serves as the director of city design of Melbourne; Suzanne Santos, chief customer officer of Aesop, who has been involved in the critical aspects of the brand’s successful development; Ken Wong, the founder and creative director of craft games studio Mountains; and Leah Heiss, a brilliant designer combining design research and technology to benefit the health industry.

 

BODW 2018 will also showcase the most influential thought leaders in design with a stellar line up of speakers including: industry leading trend forecaster Li Edelkoort from Trend Union (France); Ron Arad, industrial designer, artist architect and co-founder of Ron Arad Associates (UK); Martha Thorne, scholar and the executive director of Pritzker Architecture Prize (US); Ben van Berkel, founder and principal architect of international design network UNStudio (The Netherlands); Charles Renfro, partner of Diller Scofidio + Renfro (US); Antonio Colombo, president of Milan-based bicycle manufacturing brands Cinelli & Columbus (Italy); and Marc Cansier, founding partner of branding and design agency Marc & Chantal (Hong Kong).

 

The BODW City Programme, an annual creative community activation programme featuring exciting happenings, will debut in Wan Chai and other districts in Hong Kong to engage business industries and the public. As an extension of the main BODW event, the annual City Programme aims to foster stronger collaborations between local designers, businesses and brands. The annual programme will take place from November to January.

 

Launched in 2002, BODW has brought international design masters and the world’s most influential business figures into Hong Kong. Providing a forum for global exchange, BODW continues to champion design as a key driver of innovation and stimulus for economic growth.

 

For the latest information about ticketing and this year’s programme, please visit bodw.com. 

 

 

NOTES TO THE EDITOR

Details of ticket sales is now available. Register on BODW’s official website now to receive Early Bird Offer.

 

About Hong Kong Design Centre
Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) is a non-profit organisation founded in 2001 as a strategic partner of the HKSAR Government in establishing Hong Kong as a centre of design excellence in Asia. HKDC continues its public mission in using design and innovation to drive value creation of business development and improve the well-being of society, through the provision of diverse innovation-oriented knowledge sharing and exchange platforms, anchored by five major work directions: CONNECT, CELEBRATE, NURTURE, ADVANCE and ENGAGE.

 

HKDC’s flagship programmes include Business of Design Week (since 2002) – Asia’s leading annual conference and event on Design, Innovation and Brands; DFA Awards (since 2003) – the most recognised design awards from an Asia perspective; Design Incubation Programme (since 2012) and Fashion Incubation Programme (since 2016) – 2-year incubation programmes to nurture future design and fashion entrepreneurs; FASHION ASIA HONG KONG (since 2016) – a new initiative combining conversations, interactions and cultural exchanges to energise the city’s image, and positioning it as an Asian hub for fashion trade and business development; Knowledge of Design Week (since 2006) – an annual thematic design knowledge sharing platform on how design can solve complex challenges of our society.

(Hong Kong, 13 December 2017) The highly successful 2017 edition of Asia’s leading international event on design, brands and innovation, Business of Design Week (BODW), officially came to a close on 9 December. The week-long flagship event of the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) brought to Hong Kong some of the world’s most influential and inspirational design masters, brand leaders and business figures across industry and sector, who inspired an international audience of over 120,000 on the merits of good design, along with other concurrent programmes throughout the week.

A platform for exchange

BODW 2017 welcomed more than 70 creative minds across industry and sector to speak in a broad scope of programmes pertaining to design, innovation and brands – 23 of whom came from Italy, the Partner Country of this year’s event. From the architects behind some of the world’s most iconic modern masterpieces to the innovative leaders behind cutting-edge products, speakers from 16 countries and regions actively participated in a total of 12 sessions covering a wide range of themes.

“BODW has once again served as a world-class platform in Asia for the business communities and creative industries to come together,” says Professor Eric Yim, JP, Chairman, HKDC. “This leading event on design, innovation and brands allows established and emerging professionals and organisations a chance to share knowledge, exchange ideas and explore new collaborative opportunities, confirming Hong Kong’s standing as the region’s premier design hub.”

Italy made a difference

BODW 2017, which was generously supported by a number of Italian government-affiliated bodies, offered a new perspective towards design-driven innovation through meaningful dialogue between Italy and Hong Kong. Guided by the curatorial theme “Italy Makes A Difference”, BODW 2017 brought to Hong Kong some of Italy’s most influential designers and thought leaders, who shared their own insights to embolden the global creative community and inspire the next generation of design talent.

Italy hands the baton of Official Partner for BODW 2018 to the city of Melbourne, the first city in the southern hemisphere to partner with the event. As a fast emerging global capital of creativity and design, Melbourne has become one of the world’s most diverse and progressive centres of design and innovation, globally renowned for its deep respect of design heritage as well as its championing of new ways of approaching design.

“Design is in the DNA of Melbourne. It’s a huge part of our past – and it will play a key role in shaping the city’s identity in the future. We can’t wait to be back here again next year to showcase our city as a design leader that is proud to think, collaborate and create, ” says Mr Martin Foley, MP, Minister for Creative Industries, State Government of Victoria, Australia at the Plenary III: Culture & The City II at BODW 2017.

Complementing BODW 2017 were a series of concurrent programmes around Hong Kong, activating and engaging the wider public with concepts related to design. Under the banner of BODW Satellite Events x deTour, BODW 2017 showcased a world of inspiration and offered insight into design and business success to an international audience. Concurrent event highlights included:

• FASHION ASIA 2017 HONG KONG “Fashion Challenges” Forum, which addressed the challenges facing the business of fashion today with an impressive line-up of local and international fashion industry leaders speaking over two days;
• “10 Asian Designers to Watch” Exhibition, a showcase at PMQ which provided a platform for the region’s most promising emerging designers to exhibit their talent and innovation; and
• deTour, which showcased the most original, bold and stimulating work of emerging designers from Hong Kong and abroad over a 10-day programme at PMQ.

Along with satellite events and partnerships with celebrated local and international brands, the rich programme of BODW 2017 expanded the creative horizons of the general public, ensuring that the creative spirit will continue to be felt citywide.

 

Photo Captions

Photo 1: BODW 2017 welcomed more than 70 creative minds across industry and sector to inspire audience in a broad scope of programmes pertaining to design, innovation and brands

Photo 2: Mr Martin Foley, MP, Minister for Creative Industries, State Government of Victoria, Australia, delivers his remarks at the Plenary III: Culture & The City II

Photo 3: Professor Eric Yim, JP, Chairman, Hong Kong Design Centre, delivers his remarks at the Plenary III: Culture & The City II

Photo 4: Closing Keynote presented by Mr Sou Fujimoto, Director of Sou Fujimoto Architects Inc., Japan at BODW 2017

Photo 5: Mr Massimiliano Fuksas, Founder and Principal of Studio Fuksas, speaks at Plenary I of BODW 2017

Photo 6: Mr Michele de Lucchi presides over a full house with a private masterclass during BODW 2017

High-resolution images can be downloaded here:
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/5achmacz38acrb1/AAByyJ74ylE0T3zgXjBXEOTqa?dl=0
Password: bodw2017

About Hong Kong Design Centre
Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) is a non-profit organisation founded in 2001 as a strategic partner of the HKSAR Government in establishing Hong Kong as a centre of design excellence in Asia. HKDC continues its public mission in using design and innovation to drive value creation of business development and improve the well-being of society, through the provision of diverse innovation-oriented knowledge sharing and exchange platforms, anchored by five major work directions: CONNECT, CELEBRATE, NURTURE, ADVANCE and ENGAGE.

HKDC’s flagship programmes include Business of Design Week (since 2002) – Asia’s leading annual conference and event on Design, Innovation and Brands; DFA Awards (since 2003) – the most recognised design awards from an Asia perspective; Design Incubation Programme (since 2012) and Fashion Incubation Programme (since 2016) – 2-year incubation programmes to nurture future design and fashion entrepreneurs; FASHION ASIA HONG KONG (since 2016) – a new initiative combining conversations, interactions and cultural exchanges to energise the city’s image, and positioning it as an Asian hub for fashion trade and business development; Knowledge of Design Week (since 2006) – an annual thematic design knowledge sharing platform on how design can solve complex challenges of our society.

Media Contacts
For more information or to request interviews, please contact Sinclair at (852) 2915 1234 or Hong Kong Design Centre at (852) 2522 8688:

Sinclair
Jessica Man | jessicam@sinclaircomms.com I (852) 6083 0157
Adrian Lo | adrian@sinclaircomms.com | (852) 9128 5466
Nikki McLucas | nikki@sinclaircomms.com | (852) 6895 0534

Hong Kong Design Centre
Anna Choi | anna.choi@hkdesigncentre.org | (852) 3793 8427
Helen Lai | helen.lai@hkdesigncentre.org | (852) 3793 8413

Business of Design Week 2017 Officially Opened
Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam was the Guest of Honour at today’s opening ceremony for Asia’s premier event on design, innovation and brands
#BODW2017

(Hong Kong, 7 December 2017) Asia’s leading international event on design, brands and innovation, Business of Design Week (BODW), was officially opened at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Dignitaries including The Honourable Mrs Carrie Lam, GBM, GBS, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR, Mr Antonello De Riu, The Consul General, Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong and Macau, The Honourable Edward Yau, GBS, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong SAR, Professor Eric Yim, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC), Mr. Victor Lo, Chairman of BODW Steering Committee of Hong Kong Design Centre, Ms. Margaret Fong, Executive Director of Hong Kong Trade Development Council , Mr Michele Scuotto, Italian Trade Commissioner of the Italian Trade Commission Hong Kong Office and Mr Victor Tsang, Head of Create Hong Kong were among those in attendance to officially open this year’s event, the 16th edition of the landmark international summit.

Design & Innovation in Hong Kong
With CreateHK as major sponsor and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) as the co-organiser, BODW aligns with the HKSAR’s direction of cultivating design thinking and people-centred innovation, and promoting wider and strategic use of design in the city for problem solving, wealth creation & societal wellbeing. Mrs Carrie Lam, GBM, GBS, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR, said at the Opening Ceremony today: “Design is among the fastest growing of our creative industries, and my government is committed to supporting and expanding the design sector. We are doing this not only for their economic value, but also because the creative industries open up massive opportunities for our young people. Hong Kong Design Centre, which is our long-term partner, as well as BODW’s organiser, will be actively involved in helping to nurture Hong Kong’s design talent.”

An international exchange
Italy returns as Official Partner Country for BODW 2017, ten years after the global design powerhouse first partnered with the event. Speaking at today’s Opening Ceremony, Mr Antonello de Rui, The Consul General, Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong and Macau, said: “Top Italian creative minds guided by the curatorial theme “Italy Makes A Difference”, together with an awesome exhibition curated by prominent architect Dario Curatolo, will enrich Business of Design Week and showcase to the Hong Kong public the best in Italian design philosophy and production.”

The design world looks to Hong Kong
Professor Eric Yim, JP, Chairman, HKDC said: “As a world-class hub in Asia for cultivating enterprising creativity, Business of Design Week attracts the world’s greatest minds in business and design to Hong Kong each year. In one of the world’s great financial metropolises, I am proud that a summit such as Business of Design Week, which places design and innovation at its core, has become one of the most important international events on the city’s calendar.”

Each year, BODW brings to Hong Kong some of the world’s most celebrated design masters, brand leaders and business figures across a number of fields, to inspire an international audience on the merits of good design. The annual event serves as a valuable platform for professionals across sector to network, exchange ideas and explore business collaborations, and represents a world-class hub in Asia for the business communities and creative industries.

BODW 2017 builds on the legacy of previous editions to bring to Hong Kong a star-studded line-up of international masters of design and innovation, with a focus on the world of architecture. Influential thought leaders speaking at this year’s event include Massimiliano Fuksas (Studio Fuksas); Professor Jacques Herzog (Herzog & de Meuron); Alberto Meda (Alberto Meda Design); Mario Bellini (Mario Bellini Architects); Sou Fujimoto (Sou Fujimoto Architects Inc.); Marco Balich (Balich Worldwide Shows); Dr Paul Thompson (Royal College of Art); Artist Edoardo Tresoldi; Mitja Borkert (Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.); Oscar Farinetti (Eataly); Rocco Yim (Rocco Design Architects Ltd), and many more.

BODW’s comprehensive scope of programmes celebrates design, innovation and brands from a wide-reaching perspective, covering themes relating to Brands & Innovation, Communication & Design, Product & Design, Design for Asia, Space & Design, and Culture & The City. New programme highlights this year include a session on Heritage & Design, an intimate masterclass by iconic architect and designer Michele De Lucchi, and a forum on Cultivating a Future Mindset – Creative Leadership, made its debut yesterday (5 December) to champion the need for design thinking and creative education across disciplines.

Beyond the main programming of BODW, a number of satellite events under the banner of BODW Satellite Events x deTour will take place from December onwards to ensure the creative spirit is felt citywide. At HKCEC, the FASHION ASIA 2017 HONG KONG “Fashion Challenges” Forum will address the challenges facing the business of fashion today, with an impressive line-up of local and international fashion industry leaders speaking over two days. At PMQ, the “10 Asian Designers to Watch” Exhibition will provide a platform for the region’s most promising designers to exhibit their talent and innovation.

More information about this year’s programme and details for ticket purchase can be found at bodw.com.

High-resolution images can be downloaded here:
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/5achmacz38acrb1/AAByyJ74ylE0T3zgXjBXEOTqa?dl=0
Password: bodw2017
Photo Caption: http://hkdesigncentre.org/workspace/froala/files/abd09a0c95fbaf18cb730a4f13f88ab7.pdf

About Hong Kong Design Centre
Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) is a non-profit organisation founded in 2001 as a strategic partner of the HKSAR Government in establishing Hong Kong as a centre of design excellence in Asia. HKDC continues its public mission in using design and innovation to drive value creation of business development and improve the well-being of society, through the provision of diverse innovation-oriented knowledge sharing and exchange platforms, anchored by five major work directions: CONNECT, CELEBRATE, NURTURE, ADVANCE and ENGAGE.

HKDC’s flagship programmes include Business of Design Week (since 2002) – Asia’s leading annual conference and event on Design, Innovation and Brands; DFA Awards (since 2003) – the most recognised design awards from an Asia perspective; Design Incubation Programme (since 2012) and Fashion Incubation Programme (since 2016) – 2-year incubation programmes to nurture future design and fashion entrepreneurs; FASHION ASIA HONG KONG (since 2016) – a new initiative combining conversations, interactions and cultural exchanges to energise the city’s image, and positioning it as an Asian hub for fashion trade and business development; Knowledge of Design Week (since 2006) – an
annual thematic design knowledge sharing platform on how design can solve complex challenges of our society.

Media Contacts
For more information or to request interviews, please contact Sinclair at (852) 2915 1234 or Hong Kong Design Centre at (852) 2522 8688:
Sinclair
Jessica Man | jessicam@sinclaircomms.com I (852) 6083 0157
Adrian Lo | adrian@sinclaircomms.com | (852) 9128 5466 Nikki McLucas | nikki@sinclaircomms.com | (852) 6895 0534

Hong Kong Design Centre
Anna Choi | anna.choi@hkdesigncentre.org | (852) 3793 8427
Helen Lai | helen.lai@hkdesigncentre.org | (852) 3793 8413

Presence of the world’s top architectural masters a highlight this year’s edition, which will also shine a spotlight on Italy’s legacy of cutting-edge design

4-9 December, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

#BODW2017

(Hong Kong, 1 November 2017) Business of Design Week (BODW), Asia’s leading annual event of design, innovation and brands, returns to Hong Kong from 4-9 December. An initiative of the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) with CreateHK as major sponsor and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) as the co-organiser, BODW 2017 sees Italy return as official partner country, with leading Italian and international designers across a number of fields actively participating in the week-long event. Guided by the curatorial theme “Italy Makes A Difference”, BODW 2017 will unlock new business opportunities at an international level through a broad scope of programmes covering themes such as Brands & Innovation, Communication & Design, Product & Design, Design for Asia, Space & Design, Culture & The City, and Heritage & Design, which makes its debut at this year’s edition.

BODW 2017 will see some of the most influential thought leaders in the business of design share their fascinating insights with audiences, with an impressive lineup of experts from architecture. Masters speaking at this year’s edition include Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas (Studio Fuksas); Professor Jacques Herzog (Herzog & de Meuron); Alberto Meda (Alberto Meda Design); Mario Bellini (Mario Bellini Architects); Sou Fujimoto (Sou Fujimoto Architects Inc.); Marco Balich (Balich Worldwide Shows); Ben van Berkel (UNStudio); Dr Paul Thompson (Royal College of Art); artist Edoardo Tresoldi; Mitja Borkert (Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.); Oscar Farinetti (Eataly); Rocco Yim (Rocco Design Architects Ltd), and many more.

The Heritage & Design session makes its debut at BODW 2017, and is anchored by a string of leading creative minds from Italy who have been invited to share their insights with attendees. Speakers in this session will include master luthier Lapo Vettori (Paolo Vettori Daughter & Sons), Giulio Vinaccia (Giulio Vinaccia & Associates), Jacopo Foggini (Galleria Jacopo Foggini), musician and independent producer Zhu Zheqin, Dadawa (KANJIAN Creation) and more. The new focus on design heritage is part of the ongoing growth in scope of BODW, representing the event’s legacy of celebrating the rich world of design. The multi-disciplinary event serves as a valuable platform for professionals across industry and sector to network, exchange ideas and explore business collaborations, through programme highlights including the BODW summit, a gala dinner, networking events and concurrent events, as well as an fascinating roster of satellite events taking place throughout Hong Kong to ensure that the creative spirit is felt citywide.

The collaboration between Hong Kong Design Centre and Italy comes ten years after the European nation was most recently selected as partner country for the leading design event. “Following a successful and very well received partnership at BODW a decade ago, Hong Kong Design Centre is delighted to once again be partnering with Italy for Business of Design Week,” says Professor Eric C. Yim JP, Chairman of Hong Kong Design Centre. “Regarded as a worldwide powerhouse of style and design, Italy has led the way in the worlds of luxury, interior design, fashion, automobile design, and architecture, among others, and we look forward to once again providing a leading global platform in Asia for individuals and organisations from the business communities and creative industries across sector and profession to exchange knowledge and insights with some of the world’s leading industry experts across a diverse range of disciplines.”

The logo and curatorial theme for BODW 2017 were masterminded by leading Italian architect Dario Curatolo, of Rome-based design firm Four in the Morning. “I am truly honoured to have been selected to help showcase Italian designs to an international audience,” says Curatolo. “It is not just one Italian designer who has made a difference though – our rich cultural heritage and appreciation of beauty in all its forms speak to a vision and a methodology that runs through the Italian DNA. It’s this way of thinking which means that Italian design continues to make a true difference to people’s lives.”

BODW is an accredited event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. A number of ticket packages are available, with early bird prices until 6 November. For more information about this year’s programme and ticket purchase, please see bodw.com.

Pictures: Project reference of highlighted speakers at BODW 2017

  

High-resolution images can be downloaded here:

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/5achmacz38acrb1/AAByyJ74ylE0T3zgXjBXEOTqa?dl=0

 

About Hong Kong Design Centre

Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) is a non-profit organisation founded in 2001 as a strategic partner of the HKSAR Government in establishing Hong Kong as a centre of design excellence in Asia. HKDC continues its public mission in using design and innovation to drive value creation of business development and improve the well-being of society, through the provision of diverse innovation-oriented knowledge sharing and exchange platforms, anchored by five major work directions: CONNECT, CELEBRATE, NURTURE, ADVANCE and ENGAGE.

 

HKDC’s flagship programmes include Business of Design Week (since 2002) – Asia’s leading annual conference and event on Design, Innovation and Brands; DFA Awards (since 2003) – the most recognised design awards from an Asia perspective; Design Incubation Programme (since 2012) and Fashion Incubation Programme (since 2016) – 2-year incubation programmes to nurture future design and fashion entrepreneurs; FASHION ASIA HONG KONG (since 2016) – a new initiative combining conversations, interactions and cultural exchanges to energise the city’s image, and positioning it as an Asian hub for fashion trade and business development; Knowledge of Design Week (since 2006) – an annual thematic design knowledge sharing platform on how design can solve complex challenges of our society.

 

Media Contacts

For more information or to request interviews, please contact Sinclair at (852) 2915 1234

Jessica Man | jessicam@sinclaircomms.com I (852) 6083 0157

Adrian Lo | adrian@sinclaircomms.com | (852) 9128 5466
Nikki McLucas | nikki@sinclaircomms.com | (852) 6895 0534

Anna Choi | anna.choi@hkdesigncentre.org | (852) 3793 8427

Helen Lai | helen.lai@hkdesigncentre.org | (852) 3793 8413

[HONG KONG – 18 May 2017] Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC), the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), and the State Government of Victoria, Australia, signed a Letter of Intent at the Melbourne Design Showcase held at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum on 17 May to officially signify their partnership for Business of Design Week 2018 (BODW 2018).

The BODW, HKDC’s flagship programme with Create Hong Kong as the major sponsor and HKTDC as the co-organiser, is Asia’s leading annual event on Design, Innovation and Brands. Melbourne of the State of Victoria has been chosen by HKDC as their partner city for BODW 2018, a premiere week-long event typically attracting more than 120,000 leading international designers, businesses and public from around the world to its wide range of programmes including BODW Summit, Fashion Asia HongKong Forum, BIP Asia Forum, Global Design Network Symposium, DesignInspire exhibition, deTour community programme, Design For Asia Awards Presentation , Design Education Session, and other concurrent events in the city.

Professor Eric Yim, Chairman of HKDC announced the partnership witnessed by premier of Victoria, The Hon Daniel Andrews, at the Melbourne Design Showcase, a display of the city’s vibrant design-based businesses including virtual reality/ digital games, architecture, food innovation, fashion and product design.

Entering the league of design capitals such as Italy, Chicago, Barcelona and Sweden, Melbourne will be the first city in the southern hemisphere to be chosen as partner city for the event, creating an opportunity for both cities to reach a global audience and generate new business of design opportunities.

Lead-in programmes such as exhibitions, roundtables, placements for young designers and trade delegations across both cities will take place as early as the late 2017. The Letter of Intent also reaffirms the partners’ resolve to curate, design, and produce a partner pavilion at BODW’s concurrent event – DesignInspire 2018, showcasing the best of Australia’s designs in influencing the cities, economy, culture and living.

Quote attributable to Ms Susie Ho, Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Creative Industries), HKSAR Government

“The HKSAR Government has been actively promoting the development of creative industries. We are committed to facilitating cross-territorial collaboration and, through sponsoring signature events like the Business of Design Week, we reach out to the most talented designers in the world. I am most excited to see Melbourne to be the partner city of our signature event in 2018 and I very much look forward to witnessing the collaboration of these two creative hubs on design.”

Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews, State Government of Victoria

“Victoria is Australia’s design capital. The Government is proud to support Victoria’s creative industries – one of the cultural and economic foundations of our state – on a global stage.

“We are proud to partner with BODW 2018 to share expertise and support creative exchanges between Melbourne and Hong Kong.”

Quote attributable to Prof Eric Yim, Chairman of HKDC

“We are excited for the partnership. Melbourne, being recognised as the world’s most liveable city, will present new insights into how design, technology and innovation will create impact on health, wealth, and well-being for the city’s economy and living.”

“The partnership kick-starts the exciting opportunities for exchange and idea sharing among the business and creative communities at BODW 2018.”

Quote attributable to Mr Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director, HKTDC

“DesignInspire is an international exhibition about creativity staged in Hong Kong. We are glad to have Melbourne, a world’s leading creative economy, as our 2018 Partner City and present their best design and innovation to inspire the regional public and business communities.”

Media Enquiries

Virginia Wan	Milk Cheng
Tel: +852 3793 8432 / 6026 1439	Tel: +852 3793 8409 / 6037 0307
Email: virginia.wan@hkdesigncentre.org	Email: milk.cheng@hkdesigncentre.org

 

Event Photos

Photo 1

Prof. Eric Yim, Chairman of HKDC, announced Melbourne as the partner city for BODW 2018 in his welcome remarks.

Photo 2

Premier Daniel Andrews, State Government of Victoria expressed that BODW 2018 offers a valuable opportunity for creative exchanges between Melbourne and Hong Kong.

Photo 3

(bottom row, from left) Ms Jenny Koo, Director, Service Promotion, HKTDC; Dr Edmund Lee, Executive Director of HKDC; and Mr Tim Dillon, Commissioner to Greater China, signed the Letter of Intent with witnesses, (top row, from left) Mr Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director, HKTDC; Mr Victor Lo, Chair of BODW Steering Committee; Premier Daniel Andrews; and Prof. Eric Yim.

Photo 4

Group photo of full delegation from Victoria, Ms Susie Ho, Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Creative Industries); Mr Jerry Liu Wing-leung, Head of CreateHK, Ms Doris Fong, Head of Creative Industries, Invest Hong Kong; Board of Directors from HKDC, and representatives from HKTDC.

Photo 5

Premier Daniel Andrews, Mr Tim Dillon, and Prof. Eric Yim visited the RIMIT Centre for Games Research and Design VR area.

Photo 6

Premier Daniel Andrews and Hong Kong representatives visited Victorian Architecture area.

Download the press release here.

(HONG KONG, 3 December 2016) Another Business of Design Week (BODW) conference has come to successful end. The BODW 2016 Summit gathered over 60 top design professionals and executives from around the world – including a sizeable group of creative experts from Chicago, this year’s partner city, to share their insights and stories, and explore new ideas and trends in design, business, technology and brands.

During the conference, the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) also hosted its annual Design for Asia (DFA) Awards Presentation Ceremony, which celebrated outstanding design achievements in Asia, and nurtured local young designers as well as design school graduates. In the final plenary, audience was delighted when it was announced that BODW 2017’s partner country will be none other than Italy.

Attendance over 100,000

With great support and participation from the entire design industry, this year’s BODW hosted 13 sessions focusing on a range of themes, with over 20 major and concurrent exhibitions and events throughout the week. The number of participants in the BODW Summit reached over 100,000. Presented in Hong Kong for 15 years, BODW has become a valuable platform for design and industry leaders around the world to network, exchange ideas and explore business cooperation.

The Chicago Experience

Noted for its influential reputation as the heart of American architecture, the ‘Windy City’ starred as BODW 2016’s partner city. Bringing to Hong Kong the ‘ChicagoMade’ theme and spirit, and their city’s creativity icons, architects and speakers from Chicago enlightened the conference with innovative ideas on urban planning and public space renewal. The Summit also encouraged the design community in Asia to exchange their distinct concepts and rich visions with industry leaders and colleagues around the world.

Design Powerhouse Italy

As BODW successful wrapped up another year, its organiser Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) announced Italy will be next year’s partner country. Renowned worldwide as a powerhouse in style and design, Italian artists and artisans have led the way in areas including décor and interior design, fashion, automobile, and architecture. Since the Renaissance period and even before, Italy’s cultural impact has been extensive and far-reaching. The HKDC is honoured to have Italy as its 2017 partner and looks forward to a grand programme for next year’s BODW.

Prof. Eric Yim, Chairman of Hong Kong Design Centre and Michele Scutto, the Trade Commissioner at the Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong, were on the stage to announce partnership between Hong Kong and Italy in 2017. Prof. Eric Yim said, “This year BODW has launched new sessions covering new upcoming themes, such as FASHION ASIA, Food and Design, Workspace and Design. BODW 2017 will continue to explore in interesting topics. So, the partner country of BODW2017, Italy, will appeal to the most amazing talents to come to Hong Kong again.”

And Prof. Yim’s counterpart Michele Scutto also announced, “At the 2017 BODW, Italy intends to bring the specificity of Italian design to the attention of the public through the key concept of design-driven innovation, namely innovation driven by design that generates those “meanings” that are inherent in products of Italian companies together with the values that they take on for consumers which then go to enrich life experiences.”

Creative and Informative Highlights

Highlights from the week-long conference include informative sessions, entertaining exhibitions of deTour at PMQ, and many participatory activities in design, creativity, technology, branding and management. Beyond the conference sessions, the event remains a crucial industry platform for networking, exchange, and development of business cooperation.

Rounding out the design week were BODW concurrent programmes, including:

• FASHION ASIA 2016 HONGKONG, combining conversations, interactions and cross-pollination energising the city’s image, and positioning it as an Asian hub for fashion trade and business development;
• deTour 2016, a 10-day fest celebrating creative education and fostering young talents, held this year at Central’s iconic venue PMQ;
• The Business of IP Asia Forum in which business leaders from around the world came together to share their IP insight;
• The annual symposium of the Global Design Network, a Hong Kong-based design promotional body supported by a strong international membership network;
• InnoDesignTech Expo showcasing projects and innovations to help trading, manufacturing and service sectors enhance their capacity to supply world markets

 

Stay connected #BODW2016
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Media Enquiries
bodw@dtdigitalasia.com
+852-3696-6963

– End –

(HONG KONG, 1 December 2016) At the opening ceremony of the Business of Design Week (BODW) 2016 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre,  Mr. C Y Leung , the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region and Mr. Steve Koch , the Deputy Mayor of the city of Chicago are the Guests of Honour.

  Mr. Koch said, “Chicago is proud to be the first North American city to participate in the Hong Kong Business of Design Week by exhibiting ChicagoMade: Great Ideas of Humanity.”  Mr. Koch reckoned that BODW commands the attention of those who are passionate about design. It provides a valuable platform for the elites of the global design and leader in the business sectors to exchange ideas in design, innovation and brands.

Facilitating international cooperative commerce

Chief Executive Mr. C Y Leung and the Deputy Mayor of the City of Chicago Mr. Steve Koch, shared the excitement of the grand opening of the annual flagship event in  the  design field, together with the Chairman of Hong Kong Design Centre Prof. Eric Yim, Chair of BODW Steering Committee, Mr. Victor Lo, Consul General of the United States of America to Hong Kong, Mr. Kurt Tong and the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council Ms. Margaret Fong.

Demonstrating the outstanding creativity in Hong Kong

The Chairman of Hong Kong Design Centre Prof. Eric Yim said,  “ BODW has brought together the world’s finest elites, thought leaders and innovators in the design sectors to share their insights.” He also said, “Much as a renowned financial centre as Hong Kong, Chicago boosts a cityscape with a harmonious blend of classical architecture with the modern ones. BODW is a unique platform for the design professionals of two cities to share their insights on employing distinctive design for the betterment of our society.” 

Driving international innovation development  

Mr. Koch stated that “Chicago’s place in design history is legendary. From the city’s roots as an agricultural centre, where the steel plow, assembly line, and commodities trading were invented; to the advent of mail-order retail, the car radio, and cell phone; Chicago design drives global innovation.”

Globe elites in creativity to share experience

Elites in the creative industry from around the world, especially from the city of Chicago, will attend various forums during the week to share their experiences and insights into creative design, technology and brand management. There are also exhibitions  featuring the winning projects with 3D effect and Virtual Reality (VR) technology which will provide visitors with an innovative and a more involving experience.
Stay connected #BODW201 6

BODW 201 6 :  http://www.bodw.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/bodwhkdc

 

Media Enquiries

bodw@dtdigitalasia.com

+852-3696-6963

 

 

 

– End –

BODW2016 Press Release

[HONG KONG – 3 November 2016, 2016] The Business of Design Week (BODW), Asia’s leading annual design event, returns 28 November to 3 December, 2016, to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for another informative year. The conference gathers pioneering designers and creative executives from across the world and different disciplines to share their insights and stories, and to explore new ideas and trends in design, business, technology and branding.

2016 Partner City – Chicago

With an illustrious reputation as the influential centre of American architecture, the ‘Windy City’ in Illinois has long been associated with landmark buildings. As BODW’s 2016 partner city, its ‘ChicagoMade’ slogan will be a theme at this year’s forum. Numerous Chicago architecture and creative experts will offer their insights on design and architectural topics from urban renewal to public space usage.

A prime example is the Chicago Riverwalk, a contemporary urban planning project on public land started in 2001 and completed this year. Its new waterfront has redefined the downtown core integrating a scenic new pedestrian walk with its historic neo-classical skyscrapers. Carol Ross Barney, Design Principal of Ross Barney Architects, the head design firm for The Chicago Riverwalk, will speak on the topic on the first day plenary this year. She will share her architectural insights and experiences on sustainability issues and working on public space. In the same plenary, Carlo Ratti, Director at MIT Senseable City Lab and Founder of Carlo Ratti Associati, will discuss his interactive vision of architecture that senses and responds.

Plenary II will feature the unique creative vision of design thinker Tim Brown, CEO and President of IDEO, as well as Dutch landscape architect Winy Maas, Co-founding Director of MVRDV; and French Botanist & Artist Patrick Blanc.

Online Business Trends

This year’s Brand Asia Forum theme is ‘Brand & Innovation’ and Tencent’s Corporate Vice President Julian Ma will be the keynote speaker imparting his thoughts on growth trends and strategies of Tencent’s map, vehicle connectivity and autonomous driving business.

Two retail experts from prominent brands will enlighten with their expertise. Rowan Lodge, Head of Retail Design and Development at Aēsop, and Miguel Fluxà Orti, CEO of Spanish shoemaker Camper, will lead the discussion with their branding genius and experience.

In addition, Raaja Nemani, Co-founder and CEO of Bucketfeet, the Chicago label specialising in artist-designed casual footwear, will elaborate on his effort in turning art and creative design into economics.

Local Artist Going Global

Hong Kong illustrator Victo Ngai, who will appear in the Communication & Design session, produces works of vivid colours with fantastic imagery. She will detail her inspiring story from dreaming in Hong Kong to achieving success in the United States. Plus, Wesley Grubbs, Founder and Creative Director of San Francisco’s Pitch Interactive, will detail his data visualisation work in infographics.

The Product & Design session features Scott Wilson, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Chicago-based MINIMAL, a design firm known for its innovative product design. He will share his expertise in product development and technology integration. Joining him are Nicol Boyd and Tomas Rosén, who will explain the importance of simple and practical design and why they launched Office for Product Design.

3D Printing for Product Design

Those curious about the potential of 3D printing should check out the Tech & Design session. Speaking is Netherlands’s Gijs van der Velden, Co-founder and Chief Managing Officer of groundbreaking robotic 3D print tech firm MX3D, who has used 3D printing technology to create bicycles and bridges.

For the new Workspace & Design session, South Korea’s Younjin Jeong will elaborate on URBANTAINER, the famous Seoul shopping mall ‘Common Ground’ created entirely from shipping containers.

A ‘Food & Design’ New Entrée

Food-lovers can whet their appetite for the new session titled Food & Design, featuring Martin Kastner who is on the Future Laboratory’s list of the 100 most influential individuals in contemporary design. His company Crucial Detail collaborates with Chicago’s top chefs to create innovative tools and utensils.

Other inspiring guests include internationally acclaimed American artist Janet Echelman, who incorporates wind, water and light to create multi-media public environment art. In the Plenary III: Culture & The City session, she will talk about her experience combining art and technology.

Architect Minsuk Cho, Principal of Seoul studio Mass Studies, and Jennifer Dunlop Fletcher, Helen Hilton Raiser Curator of Architecture + Design at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, will explore the interaction between architecture, design, culture and cities.

Apart from the four-day BODW conference, this year’s schedule will include deTour’s series of exhibitions, workshops and programmes for the general public, and the annual DFA Awards Presentation Ceremony organised by the Hong Kong Design Centre to promote and recognise outstanding industry professionals. The diverse range of events brings the design world’s best to Hong Kong, allowing creative and professional experts to network and exchange ideas, while encouraging artists and businesses to unleash the power of design. It is also a chance for Hong Kong to showcase its dynamic design and innovation appeal.

Stay connected #BODW2016
BODW 2016: http://www.bodw.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bodwhkdc

Media Enquiries
bodw@dtdigitalasia.com
+852-3696-6963

– End –

 

About Hong Kong Design Centre

Design for Society is the major undertaking of Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC). HKDC is a non-profit organisation and a strategic partner of the HKSAR Government in developing Hong Kong as an international design hub in Asia. Since 2002, HKDC has been on a public mission to (i) champion strategic and wider use of design for creating business value and community benefits; (ii) promote and celebrate design excellence; and (iii) educate the professions and the community to be resourceful champions for sustained developments through design and innovation.

About Business of Design Week

Business of Design Week (BODW) is a flagship event organised by Hong Kong Design Centre since 2002. The week-long design, innovation and branding event is a valuable platform for participants to network, exchange ideas and explore business cooperation. With CreateHK as major sponsor, each year BODW attracts to Hong Kong outstanding international designers and influential design executives who inspire with their creative thinking and design management.

This year’s partner city is Chicago and the conference theme ‘ChicagoMade’ focuses on reinventing, conceiving and branding development through creative thinking and new ideas. This year’s sessions will explore various topics such as the Brand Asia Forum, Communication & Design, Product & Design, DFA: Design For Asia, Tech & Design, Workspace & Design, Food & Design, and Culture & The City.

I take pleasure to share with you the exciting BODW 2016 programme and the speakers’ line-up that we have for you.

In this edition of BODW 2016 (28 Nov – 3 Dec), the BODW 2016 Forum will take place from 30 Nov – 3 Dec. There will be a new FASHION ASIA 2016 HONGKONG Forum on 28-29 Nov. and 10 Asian Designers To Watch through the week.  

Design is beyond aesthetics, functionality and efficiency. The great act of designing calls for our ability to read deep into people’s behaviour, to understand our environment and culture, and to co-create solutions for better quality of living, user experience and well-being. Creativity aside, design is serious business too. 

Facing our future with competition, uncertainty and complexity, BODW embodies great minds, innovative designs and projects that inspires us to re-imagine new possibilities for our city and economy.

For the BODW 2016 Forum, we have a string of business and creative minds from Chicago to substantiate the ChicagoMade spirit of re-invigorating and futuring. Altogether, we have a global mix of speakers, such as:

·       Design Thinking guru Tim Brown (USA)

·       Carlo Ratti of MIT Senseable City Lab (USA)

·       Vertical Wall Garden Designer Patrick Blanc (France)

·       A Great River Chicago Architect Carol Ross Barney and expert in architecture of public places and spaces (Chicago, USA)

·       Illustrator Victo Ngai – Forbes 30 under 30 illustrators & Society of Illustrator Gold Medalist (USA/HK)

·       Infographics & Data Visualization Designer Wesley Grubbs (USA)

·       Designing Smart Cities from Open Data to Array of Things John Tolva (Chicago, USA)

·       Reinterpreting places and spaces, Architect, urban designer & landscape architect Winy Maas (NL) 

·       Urban Transformation Artist & Sculptor Janet Echelman (USA)

·       Beyond typography Graphic Designer, Ahn Sang-soo (S. Korea)

·       Future Work Designers Jeremy Myerson (UK) & Philip Ross (UK)

·       Beyond Product Design for brands & startups Nicol Boyd & Tomas Rosén (HK)

·       Future Wheelchair Designer Satoshi Sugie (Japan)

·       Brand-defining & Venture-oriented Product Designer Scott Wilson (Chicago, USA)

·       Futuring hospitality with digital by Richard Hatter (HK)

·       Charting Future Architect Jeanne Gang (Chicago, USA)

·       Naman Retreat Designer, Vo Trong Nghia Architects (Vietnam)

·       Eating Designer Marije Vogelzang (The Netherlands)

·       Designer Martin Kastner (Chicago, USA), Future Laboratory’s list of 100 most influential individuals in contemporary design, with collaboration with the world’s finest chefs, bars, hoteliers

·       Award-winning architect of Korean Pavilion at World Expo 2010 Shanghai & Venice Biennale 2014, Minsuk Cho (S. Korea)

·       Under-Secretary for the Environment Christine Loh & Design Architect Thomas Schinko: T-Park as a new green force for the community (HK)

·       Vicky Chen (designing Hayashi as a cultural window to Tainan, Taiwan)

·       WKCD updates by CEO Duncan Pescod (HK)

·       Renowned museum leaders and curators including Alice Black of The Design Museum (UK), Zoë Ryan of The Art Institute of Chicago (Chicago, USA), Jennifer Dunlop Fletcher of SFMOMA (USA)

We also have an exciting line-up of speakers from brands to talk about innovation and enterprising creativity, and strategic deployment of design, digital, art and technology for business strategy, branding, experiential customer engagement and stakeholder value delivery. Participating brands include Tencent, Porsche Design, LG, Aesop, Camper, Airbnb, Hotel ICON, Bucketfeet and many more. 

 

During the week-long event, there will also be a new FASHION ASIA 2016 HONGKONG Forum (on 28-29 Nov) where around 300 brand creators, strategists, designers, marketers, buyers, media and industry professionals gather to discuss fashion disruption and revitalisation. The 2-day fashion conference focusing on “Commerce Re-shaped” and “Brand, Image & Media” will address key Fashion Challenges faced by brands and retailers and the changing roles of players of the fashion ecosystem in the new economic order.

There will be a mix of talks, interviews and panel discussions. We anticipate the following speakers such as:

·       Burak Cakmak (Dean, School of Fashion, Parsons School of Design)

·       Tom Chapman (Co-founder of MatchesFashion.com)

·       Caroline Issa (Chief Executive & Fashion Director of TANK Magazine)

·       Andrew Keith (President, Lane Crawford & Joyce)

·       Jason Wu (Fashion Designer)

·       Stefano Martinetto (CEO of Tomorrow Showroom)

·       Antoine Floch (Co-founder and Creative Director of MAN/WOMAN Showroom)

·       Fan Yang (Founder of YCO Foundation)

·       Christopher Raeburn (Fashion Designer)

·       Chris Morton (Co-founder and CEO of Lyst)

·       Patrick Li (Founder and Creative Director of Li, Inc.)

·       Ryuta Shiiki (Founder & CEO of Dream Link Entertainment)

·       Luke Grana (Co-founder and CEO of Grana)

There will also be a week-long showcase of “10 Asian Designers To Watch” at PMQ. Among the 10 designers selected, 3 are from HK and others from Mainland China (3), Japan (1), S.Korea (2) & Malaysia (1). They are selected by an international judging panel, out of a list of names contributed by the Fashion Advisory Group members and our consultants/advisors. Each of the 10 designers will present a pre-season /capsule collection with 5 looks to showcase their brand stories, creativity and craftsmanship.

 

Excellent learning, exchange & networking opportunities. BODW 2016, in association with the new Fashion Asia 2016, will make this week a unique programme of its kind. Together with exhibitions for the public and trades, namely the IDT Expo (HKTDC), other concurrent programmes such as Business of Intellectual Property Conference (HKSAR Government, HKTDC, HKDC), Global Design Network Conference (Federation of HK Design Associations, HKDC) and the deTour (PMQ, HKDC) community programme, this week will attract 100+ international and local speakers, 100,000+ participants from around the world, as well as global media representatives.

The BODW 2016 Gala Dinner will take place at HKCEC on Fri, 2 Dec. There will also be a Fashion Gala Evening on Mon, 28 Nov at Hotel ICON. 

Design is about attitude, aesthetic & cultural sensibility, strategy, competence and solution. Tackling challenges, we need human-centred design, creative mindset, empathy muscles, collaborative synergy and business rigour.  

With a broad scope of Design embracing fashion, product, communication, tech, workspace, food, and culture and the city, the programme is for decision makers, strategists, brand and creative leaders, city planners, innovators, architects, designers, marketers, educators, entrepreneurs, technologists, trend forecasters, researchers, students and the public.

Don’t miss the BODW 2016 programme, see you there!  

Buy tickets now (early bird till end-October)   www.bodw.com; www.fashionasiahk.com 

 

(BODW substantiates the stewardship and sponsorship of CreateHK in advancing design, fashion and creative industry development. It, together with our other programmes and platforms, underpins the unique public mission of Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) in shaping wider and strategic use of design as integral part of our city, economy, living and the culture.)