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The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is a staunch supporter of innovation and design, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Eddy Chan, said today (December 9).
Speaking at the opening ceremony of DesignEX・08 at the InnoCentre, Mr Chan said the Government launched in 2004 the DesignSmart Initiative with a funding commitment of HK$250 million to support projects that would promote the wider use of design and its integration into mainstream business processes.
He added that the InnoCentre, where DesignEx・08 is taking place, is also a major programme of the Initiative to cultivate a design cluster. To further enhance Government・s support for design, another funding commitment of HK$100 million was earmarked in 2007 to support the operation of the Hong Kong Design Centre for five years.
Mr Chan said the Business of Design Week, organised by the Hong Kong Design Centre, had also received funding support from the DesignSmart Initiative.
"I am very pleased to see that the Hong Kong Design Centre is making good progress in bringing design to industry. The Business of Design Week has become not only the largest annual design event in Asia, but one of the leading design events in the world despite its very short history. And every year with a partnering country, we will not only have the opportunity to open our eyes but the opportunity to also open our minds,；he said.
DesignEX・08 showcases the best of Dutch design in various design disciplines, from visual arts, products and fashion to multimedia.
Mr Chan said that Dutch design was internationally famous for its innovative, daring approach and modern appearance.
：I am pleased that the Netherlands is the partnering country for Business of Design Week this year. This gives us the opportunity to share the success of Dutch design,；he said.
Over 100 exhibits have been brought to Hong Kong for display at the InnoCentre. Dutch design masters have also come and are holding forums, master class workshops and experience sharing sessions to impart a deeper understanding of their design concepts and processes.
The exhibition has not only invited the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, Amsterdam Fashion Institute and the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague, to showcase their best, but will also display posters jointly designed by Dutch and Hong Kong designers, demonstrating the creative interaction and cultural cross-fertilisation between the two places.
Ends/Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:06
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