The National Treasures Drawing Competition & International Cultural Exchange, officially launched on April 27, 2025 during the Inauguration Ceremony of Hong Kong Shine Tak Foundation's 6th Board of Directors, reached another milestone on September 27 with the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with partners from Laos, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The event gathered diplomatic representatives from Asia, Europe and Africa, marking a significant international cultural exchange initiative that uses art as a universal language and empowers youth as its core participants.
Centered around the theme of "National Treasures," the project invites adolescents worldwide to draw inspiration from animals representative of their countries, and express their understanding of national culture and identity. More than just a cross-border competition designed to spark creative thinking, it serves as a sound platform for cultural dialogue, fostering mutual understanding and building international friendships. As the event host, Shine Tak Foundation not only provides the platform and essential resources but also leverages Hong Kong's unique position as a cultural hub in Asia to connect youth and relevant parties globally, deepening and broadening the scope of cross-cultural exchange.
Voices from Partner Nations:
Ms. Soukphaphone Phanit, Founder of the Learning House for Children in Laos, emphasized the project's significance: "For a small country like Laos, this initiative represents a vital international approach. Our children can not only showcase their creativity but also, through interaction with peers all over the world, learn about other cultures, share lifestyles, and develop a global perspective." She highlighted the elephant, Laos's cultural symbol embodying the historical spirit of the "Land of a Million Elephants" (Lan Xang), representing peace, wisdom, unity, and harmony with nature.
Mr. Nguyen Bao Anh and Mr. Bui Cong Hoan, representatives from Vietnam, mentioned the very importance of art education today, especially amidst the global wave of AI and digitalization, they stressed the need for youth to reconnect with the intention of creation. Water buffalo was identified as Vietnam's national treasure, symbolizing agricultural culture and family values, an animal with which children feel a deep, familiar connection. "This competition offers them a chance to step onto the international stage, tell their own cultural stories, and learn from the youth of other nations," they added. "Art helps build students' confidence and engages them in healthy, meaningful activities, steering them away from excessive reliance on digital devices."
Mr. Clemens Triaji Bektikusuma, Consul for Culture of the Republic of Indonesia in Hong Kong, highlighted Indonesia's immense biocultural diversity, which from the tigers and elephants of Sumatra to the orangutans of Borneo and the birds of paradise of Papua, each animal represents the cultural spirit of its region. Indonesia chooses the Komodo Dragon, symbolizing strength, perseverance, and uniqueness, as its national treasure representative. "Youth are the future," he stated. "They need opportunities to engage with the world, understand other cultures, and establish their values to become true global citizens. This project is an excellent starting point, allowing students from different countries to inspire, learn from, and co-create the future with one another."
Over the past six months, the project, orchestrated by the Shine Tak Foundation, has successfully established a window for international youth cultural exchange. In collaboration with a number of diplomatic and cultural institutions, it aims to guide youngsters in strengthening their own cultural identity, broadening international horizons, and fostering a global cultural perspective rooted in equality, respect, and inclusivity.
This National Treasures initiative has garnered participation from Governments in 14 countries: Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Turkey, Belarus, Pakistan, Senegal, Kazakhstan, Zambia, Tanzania, Guyana, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar. Furthermore, 14 Ambassadors to China and Consuls General in Hong Kong (and Macao) have accpeted to serve as the Honorary Advisors, lending their distinguished reputation and influence to endorse the project.
Utilizing the boundless language of art, the National Treasures Drawing Competition & International Cultural Exchange is dedicated to nurturing cross-cultural literacy and a global mindset built on shared values and respect for differences amid diversity. Hong Kong is actively connecting with the world through this initiative, nurturing the next generation, and shaping its new chapter as a pivotal hub for international cultural exchange.
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