Regional Dialogue to Inspire Youth Leadership Building an Inclusive Society and Developing Social Creativity

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 6 December 2021 – Co-led by Citi Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and organized by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS), the 2021 Youth Co:Lab Hong Kong Dialogue took place last week themed “Youth’s Wellbeing and Health”. The event brought together hundreds of educators, social workers, government officials, social entrepreneurs and young people to examine critically the health and wellbeing issues affecting young people in Hong Kong. Various perspectives, ranging from policy, service and social innovation to finding solutions for building a more inclusive and pluralistic society, were explored through online seminars, creative experiential workshops and interactive sharing sessions.

Officiating at the opening session of the Hong Kong Dialogue were: Mr. Chris Fung, Principal Assistant Secretary for Food and Health of the Hong Kong SAR Government; Ms Susan Kwek, Managing Director and Head of Operations & Technology at Citi Hong Kong; Mr. Beniam Gebrezghi, Programme Specialist of Youth and Civic Engagement of the United Nations Development Programme Bangkok Regional Hub; and Mr. Chua Hoi Wai, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service.

Hong Kong Dialogue is one of 11 Youth Co:Lab national dialogues being held around the region this year. Youth Co:Lab, which was co-created in 2017 by Citi Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is the largest youth social entrepreneurship movement in Asia Pacific and aims to drive a shared agenda for Asia-Pacific countries to empower young people to accelerate the implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leadership, social innovation and entrepreneurship.

Mr. Chris Fung, Principal Assistant Secretary for Food and Health of the Hong Kong SAR Government remarked: “Youth is an exciting yet turbulent stage in life, especially when it is coupled with the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the Government has spared no effort to handle the mental health needs and wellbeing of our young people.

The Government has been adopting an integrated and multi-disciplinary approach towards mental health. Other than treatment, we also focus on promotion, prevention, early identification, timely intervention, and rehabilitation. In doing so, we rely not only on the support of our healthcare professionals, but also of other key stakeholders in the society, including professionals in the social welfare and education sectors.”

Ms Susan Kwek, Managing Director and Head of Operations & Technology, Citi Hong Kong, said: “We are excited to bring Hong Kong Dialogue to the city and to engage youth social entrepreneurs and people from different walks of life together to discuss their opportunities as well as the social challenges that the city is facing. Citi Foundation will continue investing in Youth Co:Lab to reach more young people across the Asia Pacific, to deepen mentorship capacity for youth entrepreneurs through the Springboard program and to engage ecosystem partners in the development of young people’s future skills training.”

Mr. Beniam Gebrezghi, Programme Specialist of Youth and Civic Engagement of the United Nations Development Programme Bangkok Regional Hub, remarked: “The inspirations we receive and actions we take today will ensure we are better placed to respond to the challenges of tomorrow.”

“Under the new normal, it is inevitable that people will be under pressure to adapt to a new lifestyle. We hope the Hong Kong Dialogue can create a platform to bring the issue of youth mental health and well-being to the forefront, and find answers together,” said Mr. Hoi Wai Chua, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service. “In recent years, we have noticed young people expressing their aspirations through different creative approaches, engaging in social innovation and community programmes. We hope this year’s Hong Kong Dialogue will showcase the multi-faceted nature of young people.”

Youth Co:Lab “Hong Kong Dialogue” was held from December 3 to 4. The event included a series of online seminars, sharing sessions and creative experiential workshops to explore how young people can prepare themselves to cope with adversity and rise to the challenges of the new normal. It also covered the impact of social innovation and how it can help build a resilient society.

A number of scholars in the field of adolescent mental health were invited to attend the keynote session, including Professor Eric Chen, Chair Professor of the Department of Psychiatry, University of Hong Kong (HKU), and Dr. To Siu Ming, Associate Professor of the Department of Social Work, Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). In the keynote session, the two academics shared their key research findings on the stress and mental health risks young people face in the context of social change, as well as innovative ways in which society can reconnect to its young people.

Young social entrepreneurs from different parts of Asia Pacific and young people with non-mainstream aspirations were invited to share their experiences on how to live out their values through different forms of social innovation and contribute to the promotion of social inclusion and diversity. In addition, a number of local social innovation groups organized a variety of creative experiential workshops, utilizing music, art, and sports to explore issues of youth wellbeing and mental health.

Over the last four years, Youth Co:Lab has been implemented in 28 countries and territories across the region, reaching over 202,000 participants. The initiative has benefitted more than 9,500 young social entrepreneurs and helped launch or improve nearly 1,240 social enterprises. Youth Co:Lab has also established partnerships with more than 200 key ecosystem players to strengthen the Youth Empowerment Alliance.

Photo caption

This year’s Youth Co:Lab “Hong Kong Dialogue”, with the theme of “Youth’s Wellbeing and Health”, has now successfully concluded. The two-day event explored mental health and wellbeing issues faced by young people in Hong Kong from multiple perspectives, and developed a spirit of co-creation, promoting holistic health, and finding appropriate solutions to build an inclusive and pluralistic society.

Officiating guests, facilitator and speakers of the keynote session:

(Upper row from left to right) Mr. Hoi Wai Chua, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service; Mr Chris Fung, Principal Assistant Secretary for Food and Health, Hong Kong SAR Government; Ms. Susan Kwek, Managing Director & Head of Operations & Technology, Citi Hong Kong and Mr. Beniam Gebrezghi, Programme Specialist of Youth and Civic Engagement, United Nations Development Programme Bangkok Regional Hub.

(Lower row from left to right) Mr. Wong Kin Wai, Anthony, Business Director, HKCSS; Prof. Eric Chen, Chair Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Hong Kong; Dr. To Siu Ming, Associate Professor, Department of Social Work, Chinese University of Hong Kong and Mr. Cliff Choi, Business Director, HKCSS.

Citi Foundation

The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant cities. The Citi Foundation’s “More than Philanthropy” approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. For more information, visit www.citifoundation.com

Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS)

The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) works to promote a just and inclusive society by promoting collaborative efforts among NGOs in service planning and development, facilitating cross-sectoral partnership, advocating equality, justice, social integration and a caring community. The Council has now become an umbrella organisation of over 490 Agency Members that provide quality social welfare services for those in need through service units all over Hong Kong.

Additional information may be found at www.hkcss.org.hk | Facebook: www.facebook.com/hkcssfans

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP

#CitiFoundation #HKCSS # UNDP

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 6 December 2021 – The 18th World Congress of Chinese Medicine (WCCM), one of the world’s largest academic events in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), was successfully held in Hong Kong for the first time at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 4 December 2021.

Officiating guests including: the Hon Mrs. Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the People’s Republic of China (6th from left), Mr. C Y Leung, GBM, GBS, JP, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the People’s Republic of China (4th from right), Mr. Tan Tieniu, Vice Director of Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong S.A.R. (4th from left), Professor Sophia Chan Siu-chee, JP, Secretary for Food and Health of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, The People’s Republic of China (3rd from right), Dr. Chui Tak-yi, JP, Under Secretary for Food and Health of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, The People’s Republic of China (3rd from left), Dr. Ronald Lam, JP, Director of Health of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, The People’s Republic of China (2nd from left), Dr. Margaret Chan Fung Fu-chun, former Director-General of the World Health Organization (2nd from right), Ms. Feng Jiu, Permanent President of Hong Kong Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioners Association (5th from left), Mr. Tommy Li Ying-sang, Chairman of the Federation of the Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Chinese Medicine Traders Association (1st from right), and Professor Lyu Aiping, Dean of School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (1st from left) joined hands to kick off The 18th World Congress of Chinese Medicine.

The 18th World Congress of Chinese Medicine

Thanks to the bidding efforts of the Hong Kong Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioners Association, which is a member of the Hong Kong Convention Ambassador (HKCA) programme, initiated by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), in collaboration with the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies (WFCMS), the hybrid event attracted more than 2,000 TCM academics and experts, generated over 3.8 million views from over 60 countries and regions.  

As physical gatherings resumed for the first time since the pandemic started, WCCM provided a platform for participants to engage in meaningful dialogue, covering TCM practices, benefits, opportunities and challenges, and the development potential of TCM.

Mr. Ma Jianzhong, President of WFCMS, said, “We are pleased to host this edition of WCCM in Hong Kong for the first time. Embracing Chinese philosophy and culture, Hong Kong is the ideal place for academic and cultural exchanges to explore the way forward for furthering the global development of TCM, and its role in combating the pandemic through collaboration between practitioners and public sectors.”

Mr. Sang Binsheng, Vice President and Secretary General of WFCMS added, “Hong Kong is renowned for being the ‘World’s Meeting Place’ thanks to its globally accessible and convenient transport network, large-scale world-class venues, facilities and professional services. We look forward to gathering again in Hong Kong and navigating the future of TCM development together.”

With its unrivalled fundamentals, Hong Kong is the core international city in the Greater Bay Area, a super-connector in the Belt and Road Initiative, and the ideal platform to promote TCM on the global stage.

HKTB Executive Director Mr Dane Cheng said, “Hong Kong enjoys unique geographical and cultural advantages, and is the ideal destination for international conventions. Many such events have taken place recently, demonstrating Hong Kong’s ability to host large-scale global events safely and efficiently. Apart from TCM, Hong Kong will continue to leverage the city’s advantages as an East-meets-West showcase to promote the very best of Chinese heritage.”

The congress received extensive support from government and industry bodies. The National Administration of TCM and the Hong Kong Food and Health Bureau acted as advisors, and it was organised by the WFCMS, along with the Hong Kong Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioners Association and the WFCM (Hong Kong) Council Members Association as local hosts.

Hong Kong – A World-Class Medical Convention Hub

Hong Kong is a cultural melting pot, bringing together the best that the world has to offer, demonstrating the true definition of ‘East meets West’, even in the field of medicine. With its high global professional standing in medical science, Hong Kong plays a bridging role to contribute to the further development of TCM, as well as many Western medical disciplines.

This winter, the city will also play host to key medical conventions, including the International Annual Congress of the Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeons of Asia (ELSA) 2021, and the Hong Kong International Dental Expo and Symposium (HKIDEAS) 2021, both of which are led by Convention Ambassadors of the two organisations under the HKCA programme.

About the Hong Kong Convention Ambassador (HKCA) programme

Initiated by the HKTB, the HKCA programme brings together distinguished leaders from business and professional bodies to make Hong Kong the premier choice for regional and global meetings, conventions and exhibitions. HKTB provides comprehensive professional support and services to HKCAs, from event planning, bidding and preparation to execution. For more details, visit www.mehongkong.com/hkca.

#HongKongConventionAmbassador

• Following the disposal, the Group intends to strategically diversify into the production and financing of Korean drama and US movies

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 6 December 2021 – Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (the “Group“), one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups, wishes to announce that it has successfully completed the disposal of its subsidiary Zip Cinema Co., Ltd. for S$19.8 million (the “Disposal“).

Following the Disposal, the Group intends to strategically diversify into the production and financing of Korean drama and US movies, which are potentially more profitable than Korean films due to a wider international audience base.

Recent well-known Korean drama productions such as Netflix’s most-watched show ever[1], SQUID GAME (2021) starring rising international Korean star Wi Ha-jun of the Group’s associated company Spackman Media Group Limited (“SMGL“), MY NAME (2021) which is gaining traction following the success of SQUID GAME, and Netflix’s latest Korean blockbuster hit show HELLBOUND (2021), serve as exemplary projects that attract huge viewership not only in the US, but globally. 

In terms of the North American film sector, demand for Korean productions has been burgeoning recently. Oscar-winning Korean film PARASITE (2019) and Oscar-nominated Korean film MINARI (2020) are examples of critically acclaimed films that have captured the hearts of US film critics and international audiences.

Mr. Na Kyoungwon, Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer and President of the Group, said, “Ever since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been many significant changes and developments in regards to how, where and who consumes Korean entertainment content. Korean content is increasingly becoming global, and we feel the need to make significant changes in our overall business model in order to capitalize on this changing landscape. The sale of one of our main production labels and the new focus on K-dramas and international films signal a new start for our Group.”

Leveraging on the popularity and globalization of Korean content, the Disposal will provide the Group with the capital support to look for opportunities to develop, produce and invest into film and drama projects targeted at international audiences.

About Spackman Entertainment Group Limited

Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (“SEGL” or the “Company“), and together with its subsidiaries, (the “Group“), founded in 2011 by Charles Spackman, is one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups. SEGL is primarily engaged in the independent development, production, presentation, and financing of theatrical motion pictures in Korea. According to Variety, Korea was the world’s fourth largest box office market in 2019, behind only North America, China and Japan.

The Group also invests into and produces Korean television dramas. In addition to our content business, we also own equity stakes in entertainment-related companies and film funds that can financially and strategically complement our existing core operations. SEGL is listed on the Catalist of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited under the ticker 40E.

Production Labels

SEGL owns Novus Mediacorp Co., Ltd. (“Novus Mediacorp“), an investor, presenter, and/or post-theatrical distributor for a total of 79 films (58 Korean and 21 foreign) including ROSE OF BETRAYAL, THE OUTLAWS and SECRETLY, GREATLY, which was one of the biggest box office hits of 2013 starring Kim Soo-hyun of MY LOVE FROM THE STARS, as well as FRIEND 2: THE GREAT LEGACY. In 2012, Novus Mediacorp was also the post-theatrical rights distributor of ALL ABOUT MY WIFE, a top-grossing romantic comedy produced by Zip Cinema. In 2018, THE OUTLAWS, co-presented by Novus Mediacorp broke the all-time highest Video On Demand (“VOD“) sales records in Korea. For more information on Novus Mediacorp, do visit http://novusmediacorp.com.

The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Simplex Films Limited (“Simplex Films“) which is an early stage film production firm. The maiden film of Simplex Films, JESTERS: THE GAME CHANGERS (2019), was released in Korea on 21 August 2019. Simplex Films has several line-up of films including HURRICANE BROTHERS (working title).

The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Take Pictures Pte. Ltd. (“Take Pictures“) which produced STONE SKIPPING (2020) and THE BOX (2021), and shall release GUARDIAN (working title) in 2021 tentatively.

The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Greenlight Content Limited (“Greenlight Content“) which is mainly involved in the business of investing into dramas and movies, as well as providing consulting services for the production of Korean content. Through the acquisition of Greenlight Content, the Group’s first co-produced drama, MY SECRET TERRIUS, starring top Korean star, So Ji Sub, achieved #1 in drama viewership ratings for its time slot and recorded double digits for its highest viewership ratings. Greenlight Content was one of the main investors of MY SECRET TERRIUS.

The Company owns a 20% equity interest in The Makers Studio Co. Ltd., which plans to produce and release four upcoming films, the first of which will be THE ISLAND OF THE GHOST’S WAIL, a comedy horror film.

Our films are theatrically distributed and released in Korea and overseas markets, as well as for subsequent post-theatrical worldwide release in other forms of media, including online streaming, cable TV, broadcast TV, IPTV, video-on-demand, and home video/DVD, etc. We release all of our motion pictures into wide-theatrical exhibition initially in Korea, and then in overseas and ancillary markets.

Talent Representation

The Company holds an effective shareholding interest of 43.88% in Spackman Media Group Limited (“SMGL“). SMGL, a company incorporated in Hong Kong, together with its subsidiaries, is collectively one of the largest entertainment talent agencies in Korea in terms of the number of artists under management, including some of the top names in the Korean entertainment industry. SMGL operates its talent management business through renowned agencies such as MSteam Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Son Ye-jin, Lee Min-jung, Ko Sung-hee), UAA&CO Inc. (Song Hye-kyo, Yoo Ah-in, Park Hyung-sik), Fiftyone K Inc. (So Ji Sub, Ok Taec-yeon), SBD Entertainment Inc. (Son Suk-ku), and Kook Entertainment Co., Ltd. Through these full-service talent agencies in Korea, SMGL represents and guides the professional careers of a leading roster of award-winning actors/actresses in the practice areas of motion pictures, television, commercial endorsements, and branded entertainment. SMGL leverages its unparalleled portfolio of artists as a platform to develop, produce, finance and own the highest quality of entertainment content projects, including theatrical motion pictures, variety shows and TV dramas. This platform also creates and derives opportunities for SMGL to make strategic investments in development stage businesses that can collaborate with SMGL artists. SMGL is an associated company of the Company.

The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Constellation Agency Pte. Ltd. (“Constellation Agency“). Constellation Agency, which owns The P Factory Co., Ltd. (“The P Factory“) and Platform Media Group Co., Ltd. (“PMG“), is primarily involved in the business of overseas agency for Korean artists venturing into the overseas market. The P Factory is an innovative marketing solutions provider specializing in event and branded content production. PMG is a talent management agency which represents and manages the careers of major artists in film, television, commercial endorsements and branded entertainment.

Strategic Businesses

The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Frame Pictures Co., Ltd. (“Frame Pictures“). Frame Pictures is a leader in the movie/drama equipment leasing business in Korea. Established in 2014, Frame Pictures has worked with over 25 top

directors and provided the camera and lighting equipment some of Korea’s most notable drama and movie projects including ITAEWON CLASS (2020), HOW TO BUY A FRIEND (2020), KIM JI-YOUNG, BORN 1982 (2019), FOUR MEN (2019) and ASADAL CHRONICLES (2019).

We also operate a café-lounge called Upper West, in the Gangnam district of Seoul and own a professional photography studio, noon pictures Co., Ltd.

For more details, do visit http://www.spackmanentertainmentgroup.com/

#SpackmanEntertainmentGroup

• With HKDC stepping into its 20th anniversary, the 2021 edition of CityProg has taken the theme “20s: Reflect‧Refresh‧Reset”
• In November and December, CityProg will bring together over 100 partners to spark more than 200 happenings around the city through its three distinct platforms
• “Design City Hunt” will return; new initiatives “Design !n Action “, “Design Explorer” and “OpenHouse!HK” will be launched

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 6 December 2021 – Organised by Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC), with Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as the Lead Sponsor, BODW CityProg (CityProg) is a citywide design activation programme that aims to foster exchange and collaborations among creative and design units, businesses and community organisations. Joining forces with different partners, CityProg creates shared values through design, makes the community a better place and creates positive social impact; as well as fosters creativity for our city and economy and nurtures a thriving creative ecosystem in Hong Kong. With HKDC stepping into its 20th anniversary, the 2021 edition of CityProg has taken the theme “20s: Reflect‧Refresh‧Reset”. Bringing together over 100 creative partners to spark more than 200 happenings around the city, CityProg strives to make a positive impact to the community with good design, adhering to a “business for good” concept. As a community extension programme of Business of Design Week (BODW), CityProg’s major happenings take place in November and December near BODW annually, peaking from 27 November to 5 December for the 2021 edition.

With three distinct platforms at its core, CityProg 2021 will present 16 one to two-day “Anchor Site Festivals”, 5 “Design EduVation” Programmes focusing on design education, and over 100 “Satellite Events  & Offers”. Last year’s highly acclaimed “Design City Hunt” will also return, offering public the chance to win fabulous prizes by participating in the events and supporting local brands in the neighbourhood.   

In addition, CityProg 2021 will launch a new initiative, “Design !n Action”, bringing together local design and creative talents and businesses to contribute their spare time and skills to work with the local community, NGOs and youths to create shared values through design and design thinking, as well as create positive social impact. Through the power of “business for good”, “Design !n Action” will start with nurturing the new generation by organising two programmes, “Design Explorer” and “OpenHouse!HK” which are tailor made for students from local primary and secondary schools, and design department of local tertiary institutions respectively. The programmes are designed to guide the new generation to develop a positive attitude towards the world, work and consumption through an understanding of design thinking and global sustainability trends.

Prof. Eric Yim, Chairman of Hong Kong Design Centre said, “we believe that design can spark inspiration and empower people, create positive behavioural changes. Designers are enablers to influence people’s values and aspirations, making a better community. We hope that through the BODW CityProg we can connect creative talents from all walks of life, make the best of their resources and expertise to create shared values, and work together to harness the power of design to bring innovation to the community and improve people’s lives, so that the public can discover more about the possibilities and social value of design, driving the long-term development of Hong Kong’s creative economy.”

“NFT x Design: Digital Design Battle” as kick-off event for BODW CityProg 2021

The NFT (Non-Fungible Tokens) scene continues to boom, bringing innovations and new business opportunities. NFTs not only disrupt the art market and commercial brands but also help designers discover new markets, fostering a diversified economy in the creative industries. Hong Kong Design Centre is staging a kick-off event for BODW CityProg 2021 on 10 November 2021, Digital Design Battle at Central Market, exploring the possibilities of NFT x Design.

Conducted in a one-on-one format and within a time limit of 20 minutes, each participating local young designer will create a digital work based on a topic provided by the organiser on the spot during the two sessions of Digital Design Battle. The works will then be selected by a professional judging panel, and the works will be available for sale on UCOLLEX’s NFT platform. Audience who stay to cheer for the participating designers will have a chance to receive the winning NFT works for free.

5 major events in Sham Shui Po – a creative design hub to promote sustainable development of the local creative economy, cultural conservation and better community living through design

Sham Shui Po is being revitalised into one of the cultural and creative landmarks in the city. This year, 5 major events will be held in this creative design hub in November and December, bringing out the three key sustainable development concepts of design as a catalyst for the local creative economy, historical and cultural conservation and good community living.

Dr Joseph Wong, Executive Director of Hong Kong Design Centre said, “Sham Shui Po is a hub of creativity and design inspiration where the old meets the new, and Hong Kong Design Centre will set up a new design and fashion base in the district in the near future. We are inviting all creative partners, SMEs and NGOs to collaborate and exchange ideas with us through BODW CityProg, and work together to preserve the traditional culture of the old district and add sustainable design elements to the city, thereby promoting the sustainable development of the creative ecosystem of Sham Shui Po and shaping a better and more liveable community.”

2×2 Studio’s “Gwaden: Made in Hong Kong” and openground’s “The Fabric Commune” to pursuit sustainable creative economy through design and giving back to the community

2×2 Studio and openground, CityProg’s “Design EduVation” partners this year, are putting into practice the concept of “taken from the community, giving back to community”. Stimulating the promotion of sustainable creative economy in the community through design.

2×2 Studio brings cross-sectoral production projects to the community, with the hope of achieving mutual learning and sustainable production. Continuing with the “Gwaden” project at Amazing Land in Tai Po, the workshop will invite fashion designer Mr Hung Ming-kin to lead youths from H.K.S.K.H. Kowloon City Children and Youth Integrated Service Centre to participate in the “Made in Hong Kong” project, which aims to educate and nurture youths on the concepts of green design and living. The project includes a guided tour to the fabric market “Pang Jai”, to get to know more about the knowledge of raw materials used in garment making.

Located at Tai Nan Street, openground, is a concept venue rolling café, bookstore and workshop space into one. This year, openground brings “The Fabric Commune” project as an extension of last year. The project focuses on researching the soft goods shops in Sham Shui Po and refining the “Material Map” produced in 2020. Workshops will be held to educate the public on integrating design into their lives by linking material supply with design thinking.

Orient Occident Atelier’s “Between Hither and Hill” and THY LAB’s “Memory Lane 1921-2021” to demonstrate the feasibility of design as a catalyst for historical and cultural conservation

Design plays a vital role in the preservation of the historical buildings and culture in Sham Shui Po. Orient Occident Atelier, another “Design EduVation” partner of CityProg 2021, uses VR technology to bring back the temporary strengthening Grade 1 historic building “Ex-Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir” (as known as “Bishop Hill Service Reservoir”) to life. In “Between Hither and Hill – VR and the Bishop Hill Underground Service Reservoir”, the public will be invited to participate in a series of workshops to learn about the monument through VR experiences and professional sharing by building conservation professionals, followed by urban orientation and discussion. 3D scanning will be used to bring out the public’s associative approach towards conservation.

As for the “Anchor Site Festivals”, CityProg 2021’s partner THY LAB brings a series of design book sharing sessions and design thinking workshops with local typographers and sign makers on the theme of “Typography” and “Hong Kong Signboards”. These are cultural features found everywhere in Sham Shui Po, through workshops we can stimulate and discuss the importance of conservation culture. In addition, “Hong Kong Signboards” exhibition will be one of the highlights at THY LAB to showcase the history and design evolution of Hong Kong signboards over the past century.

Milk Design and Kennifstudio’s “Signage Lab” to co-design for better living community

Every sign in a city has meaning behind it, and well-designed street signs can often enhance our daily lives. Milk Design and Kennifstudio, the partners of “Design EduVation” in CityProg 2021, will jointly present the “Signage Lab”, a series of activities to guide participants to understand how street sign design can shape a better community life and using Sham Shui Po community as the theme. The programme will start with a guided tour, where participants will learn about the design of street signs in Sham Shui Po as idea stimulation. Participants then turn their ideas into artworks through workshops and share on social media platform for public voting. The ten designs with the highest number of votes will be produced in different materials and installed on the streets in Sham Shui Po. This project aims to foster community communication and building a healthy living environment for the mind, body and soul.

More exciting events in November and December to ignite city’s design and creative fire

Apart from the above 5 major events in Sham Shui Po, CityProg 2021 will also link up with various creative partners in November and December to bring more “Anchor Site Festivals”, “Design EduVation” Programmes and “Satellite Events & Offers” to energise the city with creative design atmosphere.

These include a community design workshop in collaboration with ROUGH C, “Design EduVation” partner, to collect second-hand material for upcycling in various districts across the territory. Other key partners of “Anchor Site Festivals” include: the Waste Upcycling Competition and Exhibition at K-Farm at Kennedy Town Waterfront, which uses design and creative perspectives to turn “waste” into value; and the impactful project “Made in Hong Kong 2.0” by GLOs Café by foody, which uses a mentorship model to organise a series of youth-led creative bazaars, talks, demonstrations, guided tours and musical performances, allowing people to show support and engage with various “Made in Hong Kong” brands; Making on Loft‘s “Creating as Usual –  Cultural and Creative Hangout in To Kwa Wan“, an “unearthed artefact” made in Hong Kong, will bring about a radical change in the district with the opening of the MTR Tuen Ma Line. Local creative designers and cultural workers take part in a series of guided tours, workshops and sharing sessions to encourage the public to rediscover the history and stories of the area through the lens of design. The Warehouse Teenage Club, located in the Grade 2 historic building former Aberdeen Police Station, aims to inspire the youth with “play” and blend design into entertainment by putting up “Re-imagine Backyard Warehouse” project. Last but not least, HKFYG Tsuen Wan Youth S.P.O.T.’s “PLAY in Tsuen Wan (Playtime Leisure Activation Youth)” project, focuses on ‘discovery’, ‘exploration’, ‘creation’ and ‘experience’, with a variety of community design activities and workshops to draw the attention of young people and the public to Tsuen Wan community and apply design thinking in their daily lives.

If you are interested in knowing more about CityProg, please visit the official website and social media platforms to receive the latest information about the events.

About Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC)

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.

HKDC’s flagship programmes include Business of Design Week (BODW; since 2002) – Asia’s leading annual event on design, innovation and brands; DFA Awards (since 2003) – a well-recognised annual awards that celebrate outstanding designs with Asian perspectives; and Knowledge of Design Week (KODW; since 2006) – an annual thematic programme that gathers the global design community to explore how design can solve complex challenges of our society.

We also manage a Design Incubation Programme and Fashion Incubation Programme (since 2012 and 2016) – 2-year programmes to nurture future design and fashion entrepreneurs; and launched FASHION ASIA HONG KONG (since 2016) – an initiative combining conversations, interactions and cultural exchanges to position the city as an Asian hub for fashion trade and business development.

Learn more about us at www.hkdesigncentre.org

#HKDC

About BODW CityProg (CityProg)

BODW CityProg (CityProg) is a citywide creative business and community activation programme initiated in 2018 by Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC). It aims to foster exchange and collaborations among creative and design units, businesses and community organisations in rolling out a series of activities and events that create shared values through design, make the community a better place and create positive social impact. Each year, CityProg brings together over 100 partners to spark more than 200 happenings around the city through its three distinct platforms: “Anchor Site Festivals“, “Design EduVation” programmes, and “Satellite Events & Offers“, fostering creativity for our city and economy and nurturing a thriving creative ecosystem in Hong Kong.

A community extension programme of HKDC’s annual flagship event Business of Design Week (BODW), CityProg spans throughout the year, with major happenings in November and December near BODW annually, peaking from 27 November to 5 December for the 2021 edition. With HKDC stepping into its 20th anniversary, the 2021 edition of CityProg has taken the theme “20s: Reflect‧Refresh‧Reset“. It will join forces with different sector partners and the wider public to make a positive impact to the community with good design, adhering to a “business for good” concept.

Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is the Lead Sponsor of BODW and CityProg.

Find out more at https://www.bodwcityprog.com/

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, BODW CityProg and other projects to promote Hong Kong design.

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