On Sept. 27, Hong Kong Shine Tak Foundation proudly hosted the Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony for the 2025 National Treasures Drawing Competition & International Cultural Exchange at the Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel. The event welcomed esteemed partners from Laos, Vietnam, and Indonesia, along with an assembly of consuls general, representatives of consulates general and distinguished guests from various circles. This gathering marked a significant step forward in fostering youth development and strengthening cross-cultural understanding through artistic exchange.
The Ceremony was greatly honored by the presence of Mr. Clement Woo Kin-man, MH, JP, Under Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs of the HKSAR; H.E. Mr. Souliya Keophilavong, Deputy Secretary General of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Youth Union; Mr. Ammala Saenchonghack, Consul General of Lao People's Democratic Republic in Hong Kong; and Mr. Lam Kwok-hing, MH, JP, Honorary Consul and Chairman & Founding Board Member of Shine Tak Foundation. It is noteworthy that the Consulate General of Indonesia in Hong Kong will serve as the domestic organizer in its nation, the Indonesian Consulate's representative signed the MOU on-site, underscoring a shared commitment to fostering youth creativity and dynamic cultural exchange across nations.
Chairman Lam addressed in his inspiring speech that Shine Tak Foundation has long been committed to youth development, with a mission to empower youngsters through civil education, art & culture. This year, the Foundation is spearheading a brand-new cross-cultural initiative: the National Treasures Drawing Competition & International Cultural Exchange, which aims to foster mutual learning and understanding among young people across nations through cultural dialogue. This project not only showcases the rich concept of "harmony in diversity" among world civilizations but also facilitates a new generation with enhanced cultural awareness and global perspective, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious, interconnected, and inclusive future.
The National Treasures Initiative is dedicated to establishing a platform for global youth artistic exchange. It aims to foster open-mindedness among the next generation and strengthen connections with the international community. To date, 14 diplomatic missions, including those of Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Turkey, Belarus, Pakistan, Senegal, Iran, Dominica, Kazakhstan, Zambia, Guyana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar, have officially endorsed this project as Supporting Organizations. And 14 countries' Ambassadors and Consuls General are serving as Honorary Advisors to guide the program toward its fullest potential.
Lewis Chan. (Shine Tak Foundation)
Mr. Lewis Chan, Chairman of the Organizing Committee and Vice Chairman of Shine Tak Foundation, outlined the initiative's threefold mission, "First, to nurture national pride and cultural understanding by encouraging youth to artistically interpret their countries' most symbolic treasures; To broaden horizons and cultivate intercultural competence, embracing the beautiful diversity worldwide; To promote the values of peace, friendship and harmony, as well as positioning Hong Kong as a bridge connecting different civilizations. Today's MOU signing with Lao, Vietnamese and Indonesian partners marks a historic milestone as the first international agreements for this groundbreaking inter-cultural initiative."
The Foundation envisions this project as a platform to unite with all sectors of society and international partners in leading young people to build bridges of communication through art, promoting the spirit of amity, inclusion, and innovation. This collaborative effort also aims to solidify Hong Kong's position as a rising hub for international cultural exchange.
Shine Tak Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to all participating and supporting partners for their interest and dedication. It is expected to continue collaboration with partners from various sectors at home and abroad to jointly create more meaningful cultural milestones. May the National Treasures Initiative illuminate the path for mutual learning among civilizations, inspiring young people worldwide to creatively envision the future, transcend cultural boundaries, and realize the vision of intergenerational harmony.
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