The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) marked its 60th anniversary with the Wan Chai Community Art Creation Workshop, held today during the Hong Kong Book Fair. Approximately 100 students from primary and secondary schools in Wan Chai collaborated with local artist Jane Lee, known as Messy Desk, to create drawings of Hong Kong landmarks and city scenes. These illustrations will serve as inspiration for a large-scale artwork commemorating the HKTDC's six decades of service.
HKTDC Chairman Prof Frederick Ma and Executive Director Sophia Chong attended the event, observing the students' artistic depictions of Hong Kong's economic and industrial strengths. Prof Ma emphasized the HKTDC's commitment to community and youth development, stating, 'The Wan Chai Community Art Creation Workshop enables young people to draw a vibrant picture of Hong Kong through art. Every pen stroke vividly reflects their perspective on the city’s global role.' He noted that the HKTDC has been based in Wan Chai for decades, helping link Hong Kong with global markets, and that this project fosters the growth of Wan Chai’s creative sector and the exchange of ideas.
The artwork, themed 'Hong Kong Trade · Connecting the World,' incorporates Hong Kong landmarks, scenes from exhibitions and conferences, and elements depicting shipping and air freight, alongside community and business life. It creatively expresses Hong Kong’s 'Four Centres and One Hub' positioning under the national 15th Five-Year Plan, highlighting the city’s roles as an international financial, shipping, trading, and innovation and technology centre, as well as a global hub for high-calibre talent. The piece underscores Hong Kong’s strengths in connecting global markets and showcases the vitality of Wan Chai as a hub for international conventions, exhibitions, and business activities.
The students' drawings will be compiled to inspire the final artwork, which will undergo refinement by the artist and be displayed from 2 to 29 October at the eastbound tram stop at O'Brien Road in Wan Chai. This public exhibition allows the community to witness the HKTDC's milestone anniversary.
During the Hong Kong Book Fair, the HKTDC also facilitated free visits to the Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo, and World of Snacks for participating students, broadening their horizons through cultural activities. The HKTDC, established in 1966, promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub, organizing international exhibitions, conferences, and business missions to create opportunities for companies, particularly SMEs. For more information, visit the HKTDC's 60th Anniversary Celebration Activities page at https://60.hktdc.com/en and the HKTDC Media Room at https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en.
