The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) marked its 60th anniversary today with a community art workshop at the Hong Kong Book Fair, bringing together about 100 students to create drawings that will inspire a large-scale artwork by local artist Jane Lee, who works under the pseudonym Messy Desk. The Wan Chai Community Art Creation Workshop aimed to engage young people in illustrating Hong Kong's economic and industrial strengths, according to a press release from the HKTDC.
HKTDC Chairman Prof Frederick Ma and Executive Director Sophia Chong attended the event, which highlighted the council's commitment to community and youth development. “The Wan Chai Community Art Creation Workshop enables young people to draw a vibrant picture of Hong Kong through art,” Ma said. “Every pen stroke vividly reflects their perspective on the city's global role. The HKTDC has been based in Wan Chai for decades, helping link Hong Kong with global markets. Through this project we are fostering the growth of Wan Chai's creative sector and the exchange of ideas, creating momentum for the future.”
The artwork, centred on the theme “Hong Kong Trade · Connecting the World,” incorporates Hong Kong landmarks, scenes from exhibitions and conferences, and elements depicting the shipping and air freight sector alongside community and business life. It aims to convey Hong Kong's “Four Centres and One Hub” positioning under the national 15th Five-Year Plan, highlighting the city's role 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.
Students from primary and secondary schools in Wan Chai participated through the Boys' & Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong, Methodist Centre and St James’ Settlement. Their drawings will be compiled to serve as inspiration for 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. The HKTDC also facilitated free visits to the Book Fair, the Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks for participating students, enabling them to broaden their horizons through cultural activities.
The HKTDC, established in 1966, is a statutory body that promotes, assists and develops Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, it organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create opportunities for companies, particularly SMEs. More information about the 60th anniversary activities is available at https://60.hktdc.com/en.
