Global youth drawing contest to strengthen cross-cultural bonds

A Hong Kong foundation is introducing an international drawing competition that spotlights national treasure animals, encouraging children and teenagers worldwide to illustrate these icons of their country’s heritage to foster diplomacy and cultural exchange.

Shine Tak Foundation chairman Lam Kwok-hing said the overseas winners of the National Treasures International Drawing Competition will be invited to attend a themed carnival after the competition, and they will form a “Cultural Ambassadors Delegation” to visit Hong Kong and the mainland, with reciprocal exchanges arranged for Chinese winners to visit other participating nations.

When the winners come to Hong Kong, they will don creative costumes representing their winning designs. The giant panda will serve as the “Chief Cultural Ambassador” and lead the delegation to immerse in Chinese historical and cultural experiences, including cuisines and customs.

“This engagement will foster youngsters’ deeper knowledge of diverse cultures, social contexts, and traditions, ultimately realizing the ‘people-to-people bond’ and advancing cross-cultural dialogue,” Lam said at the launching ceremony on Monday.

Lam also highlighted the foundation’s plans for diplomatic education programs, including Model United Nations competitions featuring lectures on China’s diplomatic history, policies and protocol. He believes the Model UN will help participants develop global vision, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as career and interpersonal abilities, as they deliberate on global hot issues as delegates from different countries.

“It is encouraging that our concepts and program initiatives receive full support from relevant government departments and academic institutions. This recognition further strengthens our resolve to advance this mission with resolute commitment,” Lam said.

In a video address, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu emphasized the government’s commitment to youth development through exchange and internship programs. Lee said his administration is fully implementing the measures laid out in the Youth Development Blueprint and vowed to continue to promote civic and national education through lectures and exhibitions.

The drawing competition will have two categories: children aged six to 12 and teenagers aged 13 to 18. Participants from China will draw the giant panda, while overseas organizers will select animals symbolizing their country. The top winners from each group will receive cash prizes and an invitation to Hong Kong for the carnival and award ceremony. Selected national panels will choose outstanding works in their own countries.

Selected artworks will be compiled into the “World Treasures Album” as gifts to government departments, educational institutions, and libraries in participating countries.

(Jamie Liu)