| For Immediate Release | 20 August 2025 |
Beijing and Hong Kong youth reimagine the future of cultural districts
The highlight of the Hong Kong Palace Museum's (HKPM or the Museum) fourth "Bi-city Youth Cultural Leadership Programme" (the Programme) - a cultural exchange session with Dr Wang Xudong, Director of the Palace Museum - was held successfully in Beijing today.
Guests and student participants engaged in insightful discussions at the Palace Museum in Beijing
as part of the fourth edition of the "Bi-city Youth Cultural Leadership Programme".
Sixteen student participants from universities in Beijing and Hong Kong engaged in an insightful and exclusive dialogue with Director Wang at the Palace Museum, centred on the theme "The Vision of Youth for the Future of Cultural Districts".
With Swire Properties as the Lead Sponsor, the flagship learning programme of the HKPM is supported by the Palace Museum and The Office of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China in Beijing. Guest attending today's exchange event in Beijing, joining Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the HKPM, included Dr Wang Xudong, Director of the Palace Museum; Lou Wei, Executive Deputy Director of the Palace Museum; Amy Yuen, Deputy Director of the Office of the Government of the HKSAR in Beijing, and Arthur Burnand, Chief Operating Officer - Chinese Mainland of Swire Properties.
This youth leadership programme echoes the National 14th Five-Year Plan and embodies the Museum's vision to promote Chinese arts and culture both locally and globally. By enhancing cultural development in both cities, it strengthens Hong Kong's position as an East-meets West centre for international cultural exchange.
The Palace Museum not only carries the rich heritage of Chinese civilisation, but also exemplifies how heritage preservation and innovation can harmoniously coexist. During the exchange session, Dr Wang highlighted the Palace Museum's unwavering commitment to safeguarding China's cultural relics. He emphasised its role in advancing cultural heritage conservation through innovative strategies and international collaboration.
Bringing a fresh perspective, the students shared ideas on digital storytelling, visitor engagement and cultural branding, drawing on their learning journey and internship experience under the Programme in Hong Kong and Beijing. The students highlighted the importance of providing platforms to young local artists, integrating audience traffic across different venues within a cultural district, thereby creating inviting spaces that encourage longer visits. Their insights also included the need to bridge the gap between the districts and local grassroots communities, ultimately enhancing cultural exchange and community involvement.
The students also visited the Sensory Experience Gallery of the Palace Museum, where they engaged in a sharing session by the representatives from the Cultural Creativity Department, deepening their understanding of specific areas such as cultural intellectual property, brand operation, and the development of cultural and creative products. Their visit to the Digital and Information Department's "The Palace Museum ‧ Tencent Joint Innovation Lab" showcased the application of emerging technologies in enhancing storytelling and visitor engagement within a heritage context.
Dr Wang Xudong, Director of the Palace Museum, said, "We are pleased to welcome students from the 'Bi-city Youth Cultural Leadership Programme' to the Palace Museum. The Palace Museum is not only a guardian of heritage but also a catalyst for innovation and dialogue. This meaningful initiative offers young people a platform to explore the changing landscape of cultural institutions and apply their creativity to real-world challenges. Their participation brings fresh perspectives and energy into the future of cultural districts. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with the Hong Kong Palace Museum to jointly nurture cultural talents and advance our shared mission of Chinese culture."
Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the HKPM, said, "With the ongoing support of the Palace Museum and Swire Properties, the fourth edition of the 'Bi-city Youth Cultural Leadership Programme' invites students to envision the future of cultural districts through creativity, community, and innovation. The Programme underscores our mission to nurturing cultural leadership through cross-boundary collaboration and contributing to sustainable urban development. We are proud to see students exploring complex cultural questions and proposing thoughtful ideas that reflect both ambition and a grounded understanding of the opportunities and challenges shaping the cultural landscape across different cities."
Tim Blackburn, Chief Executive of Swire Properties, said, "Empowering youth has always been a key focus of our community investment efforts. As Hong Kong continues to develop as an international hub for arts and culture, we are proud to support this vision by nurturing young talent through this programme. I am delighted to see this year's participants' enthusiasm as they explore different possibilities in the industry. I hope that our experience in integrating arts and culture across our developments in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland will inspire them during their journeys. I was truly impressed by all 16 students - their enthusiasm and passion for learning shone through in their presentations. Many of their concepts, especially around visitor experience, community engagement and support for local artists, are fresh perspectives that will help us continue to build vibrant communities."
Besides the Palace Museum visit, the Beijing stage of the Programme will allow students to participate in inspiring dialogues with industry experts, and a uniquely curated district city walk in Beijing, exploring key locations such as Taikoo Place Beijing, Taikoo Li Sanlitun and ArtDist.
After Beijing, the students will conclude their cultural journey in Shanghai, where they will visit several of Swire Properties' landmark developments and urban cultural hubs. A key highlight of the Shanghai trip will be a panel discussion to be held at Taikoo Li Qiantan, featuring leaders from the Hong Kong Palace Museum, Taikoo Li Qiantan, Museum of Art Pudong, Museum of Contemporary Art Shanghai and the Museum of Fudan University. The discussions will centre on "Transforming Tradition: Innovative Partnerships and Community Co-creation in Modern Museums", offering students valuable insights into the shaping of Shanghai's dynamic cultural landscape through ongoing cross-sector collaboration.
Since its launch in 2022, the Programme has engaged nearly 150 students from Beijing and Hong Kong. Designed by the Museum's programme partner Ednovators, a Hong Kong-based charity, it has successfully inspired many young participants, igniting their passion and enthusiasm for Hong Kong's arts and culture sector.
-End-
WestK's websites:
Hong Kong Palace Museum website: https://www.hkpm.org.hk/
WestK website: https://www.westk.hk/
WestK App:
About the Hong Kong Palace Museum
Through innovative curatorial approaches, the Hong Kong Palace Museum presents priceless treasures from the Palace Museum along with the finest collections from other world-renowned institutions. The Museum is also in the process of building its own world-class collection. Opened in 2022, the Museum is a leading institution for the study and appreciation of Chinese art and culture and the promotion of dialogue among world civilisations. The Museum is a collaborative project between the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and the Palace Museum. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust made a donation of HK$3.5 billion for its establishment, as well as some of the annual exhibitions and education programmes in 2023-2031.
Through research, exhibitions, publications, and educational and professional exchange programmes, the Museum builds international partnerships and positions Hong Kong as a global hub for art and culture. A resource that belongs to the local community, the Museum inspires community engagement, fosters dialogue, and promotes creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration. https://www.hkpm.org.hk/
Facebook: @hongkongpalacemuseum
Instagram: @hongkongpalacemuseum
LinkedIn: @Hong Kong Palace Museum
微信：香港故宫文化博物馆
小紅書：香港故宫文化博物馆
About the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK)
WestK is one of the largest and most ambitious cultural hubs in the world and Hong Kong's new cultural tourism landmark, spanning 40 hectares alongside Victoria Harbour. WestK comprises a mix of landmark arts and cultural facilities, including world-class museums M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, intricately designed performing arts venues the Xiqu Centre and Freespace, the 11-hectare Art Park with a waterfront promenade, and the upcoming WestK Performing Arts Centre.
Hosting over 1,000 exhibitions, performances, programmes, and events each year, WestK provides a vital platform for both emerging and established artists. WestK welcomes more than 10 million visitors each year, evolving as the international cultural brand of Hong Kong and strengthening the city's strategic role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
https://www.westk.hk
About the Swire Group
Swire Properties develops and manages commercial, retail, hotel, and residential properties, with a particular focus on mixed-use developments in prime locations at major mass transportation intersections. Swire Properties is listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong.
In Hong Kong its investment portfolio includes Taikoo Place, Pacific Place, Cityplaza and Citygate. The Company's completed portfolio in Hong Kong comprises approximately 1.54 million sqm (approximately 16.5 million sq ft) of space.
In the Chinese Mainland, Swire Properties has six completed mixed-use developments. They include Taikoo Li Sanlitun and INDIGO in Beijing, HKRI Taikoo Hui and Taikoo Li Qiantan in Shanghai, Taikoo Hui Guangzhou and Taikoo Li Chengdu. Taikoo Place Beijing^, Taikoo Li Xi'an, Sanya development project (Phase 3)*, New Bund Mixed-use Project* and Lujiazui Taikoo Yuan in Shanghai and Taikoo Li Julong Wan Guangzhou are currently under development. The Company's completed portfolio in the Chinese Mainland comprises approximately 1.3 million sqm (14 million sq ft) of space.
In addition to Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, the Company has a presence in Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and Miami, USA.
Swire Properties has achieved global leadership in sustainable development with its No. 1 ranking in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class World Index 2024 (formerly known as Dow Jones Sustainability World Index), in the Real Estate Management & Development Industry category.
Visit Swire Properties' website at www.swireproperties.com
^Taikoo Place Beijing will include the existing INDIGO upon completion.
*Project name to be confirmed.
Please note that the images are for Editorial Use Only; reproduction, distribution or framing of the photos for any other use is only permissible subject to prior written approval from the Hong Kong Palace Museum.
Download high resolution images and captions https://bit.ly/3HF3Ays
|
Dr Wang Xudong, Director of the Palace Museum; Lou Wei, Executive Deputy Director of the Palace Museum; Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM); Amy Yuen, Deputy Director of the Office of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, and Arthur Burnand, Chief Operating Officer - Chinese Mainland of Swire Properties, gathered with the student participants of the fourth edition of the "Bi-city Youth Cultural Leadership Programme" at the Palace Museum in Beijing to have an insightful discussion. (second from the left in the back row) Ada Wong, Chair, Ednovators; Arthur Burnand, Chief Operating Officer - Chinese Mainland of Swire Properties; Amy Yuen, Deputy Director of the Office of the Government of the HKSAR in Beijing; Dr Wang Xudong, Director of the Palace Museum; Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the HKPM; Lou Wei, Executive Deputy Director of the Palace Museum © Hong Kong Palace Museum |
 |
Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the HKPM introduced the fourth edition of the "Bi-city Youth Cultural Leadership Programme". © Hong Kong Palace Museum |
 |
Arthur Burnand, Chief Operating Officer - Chinese Mainland of Swire Properties delivered his speech. © Hong Kong Palace Museum |
 |
The student participants from Beijing and Hong Kong shared their creative ideas on the topic of "The Vision of Youth for the Future of Cultural Districts". © Hong Kong Palace Museum |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
The student participants explored key locations such as ArtDist, Taikoo Place Beijing, and Taikoo Li Sanlitun in Beijing. © Hong Kong Palace Museum |
 |
|
 |
The student participants visited several cultural facilities in Hong Kong, including the Xiqu Centre and Quarryside. © Hong Kong Palace Museum |
 |
| © Copyright 1996-2025 irasia.com Ltd. All rights reserved. |
|
DISCLAIMER: irasia.com Ltd makes no guarantee as to the accuracy or completeness of any
information provided on this website. Under no circumstances shall irasia.com Ltd be liable
for damages resulting from the use of the information provided on this website.
TRADEMARK & COPYRIGHT: All intellectual property rights subsisting in the contents of this website belong to irasia.com Ltd or have been lawfully licensed to irasia.com Ltd for use on this website. All rights under applicable laws are hereby reserved. Reproduction of this website in whole or in part without the express written permission of irasia.com Ltd is strictly prohibited. TERMS OF USE: Please read the Terms of Use governing the use of our website. |