​Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the grand opening ceremony of Business of Design Week 2025 today (December 3):

His Excellency Massimo Ambrosetti (Ambassador of Italy to the People's Republic of China), Mr Joseph Lo (Chairman of the Hong Kong Design Centre), Ms Sophia Chong (Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning.  

     I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you especially those of you who have travelled near and far to join us at the grand opening of this year's Business of Design Week (BODW). While I come here with a heavy heart following the recent fire in Tai Po, it gives me much comfort to see that Hong Kong does not face its challenges alone. Thank you for being here today – while our city continues to grieve and bravely confront the aftermath of the fire. Your presence is a meaningful gesture of the support indeed.  

     Debuting in 2002, the BODW is Hong Kong's flagship annual design event. It has been sponsored for many years by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and its predecessor, CreateHK. In the last two decades, it has grown into a globally acclaimed platform that fosters international exchange and business collaboration. True to its legacy, this year's edition offers a series of thought-provoking programmes, centred around the theme "Curiosity Ignites Design Innovation" – reflecting how curiosity fuels creativity across arts, architecture, and manufacturing.  

     Over the next three days, more than 50 world renowned creative and business leaders will share insights on how curiosity drives creativity and paves the way toward a more sustainable and inclusive future. Masters from various design disciplines will guide us on a journey to rediscover how good design enhances our quality of life – and reimagine how it can help shape a better tomorrow. 

     This year, we have the privilege to welcome Italy once again as our partner country, building on our successful collaborations in 2007 and 2017. As 2025 also marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and Italy, this reunion at the BODW is both timely and meaningful. It also reaffirms Hong Kong's role as an East meets‍ West centre for international cultural exchange.

     I would like to thank the Hong Kong Design Centre for delivering yet another outstanding BODW programme – one that strengthens Hong Kong's standing as a global design hub. Italy, a country globally celebrated for its design, aesthetics and creativity, will continue to inspire us as we reinforce our role as the creative capital of Asia.  

     Before I close, I would once again like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your friendship and for the care you have shown Hong Kong. May you enjoy an inspiring and rewarding creative journey throughout this year's BODW. Thank you.

Ends/Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Issued at HKT 10:48

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