The West Kowloon Cultural District (West K) is welcoming students from both Hong Kong and Beijing, as they immerse themselves in the city's creative energy, nurturing the next generation of cultural leaders.
The Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) hosted a Cultural Pioneers Dialogue on Saturday (Aug 9) to announce the fourth edition of its flagship youth-learning initiative, the "Bi-city Youth Cultural Leadership Programme," running through July and August.
The program has engaged nearly 150 university students from Beijing and Hong Kong since its 2022 launch, with Swire Properties as lead sponsor.
A total of 16 outstanding students have been selected for this year's program, representing diverse disciplines including arts, art history, architecture, philosophy, politics, and finance.
"The program is a key cultural exchange and education initiative of our Museum," said Louis Ng Chi-wa, Museum Director of the HKPM. "This was the first cultural-leadership exchange program launched since the inception of the HKPM in 2022."
During the sharing session, the students shared their aspirations for Hong Kong’s cultural industries, engaging in a dialogue with Ng and Tim Blackburn, Chief Executive of Swire Properties.
Their proposals focus on creating connections between West K and local young artists, building West K's brand image, and enhancing West K’s services for local residents.
These insights followed two weeks of immersive learning in Hong Kong, including exploration of cultural districts across the city, engagement in cultural brand and IP development, community participation, and sustainable development initiatives.
Meanwhile, participants are completing four-week internships at leading cultural institutions, including West K facilities, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Swire Properties, One Bite Design Studio, and Quarryside.
"The program provides hands-on experience rather than just observation, unlike other short-term programs I've joined," said Leong Cheng-kai, a participant from Beijing Language and Culture University.
"It also guided us to refine our proposals for practical implementation,” she added. “These are invaluable opportunities for students."
In the final two weeks, students will visit major cultural venues in Beijing and Shanghai, the latter being a new addition to this year's itinerary.
"What surprised me most about the Beijing visit is the dialogue with the creator of a popular bar IP in Beijing," said Qu Shendi, a University of Hong Kong student. "The cross-industry discussion is fascinating."
A key highlight of the cultural exchange will be the visit to the Palace Museum in Beijing, where students will participate in a cultural exchange session with Wang Xudong, Director of the Palace Museum.
Students will also visit Swire Properties’ landmark developments in Shanghai, including Taikoo Li Qiantan, HKRI Taikoo Hui, and Zhangyuan.
