• [ 메디채널 김장윤(JASON KIM) 기자 ] The International Design Summit: A prestigious gathering of world-renowned design visionaries including Dr. Carlo Ratti, designer of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic games torches; Michele De Lucchi, pavilion architect at the Osaka World Expo 2025; and numerous creative visionaries from global corporations such as Ferragamo, Buccellati, EssilorLuxottica, the Design Museum, Monotype and more
• Exploration of innovative topics: The six key pillars include Urban Visions, Mobility Revolution, Crafted Living, Luxury Reimagined, Innovating with AI & Technology, and Cultural Innovation & Creativity
• In-depth dialogues between Italy and China: Leveraging upon the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations to jointly explore the synergy of traditional craftsmanship and innovative design with year-long Partner Country Italy

HONG KONG, Oct. 17, 2025 -- This winter, Hong Kong will transform into a stage for the world's cutting-edge design trends, gathering master designers who have shaped the world's iconic architecture and products around the globe. The Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC)'s annual flagship event, Business of Design Week 2025 (BODW 2025), will be held from 1 to 6 December this year. This event is once again lead sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and co-organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

2025 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union, as well as the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Italy, a key EU member state. Coinciding with Italy's upcoming hosting of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, BODW 2025 has invited Italy to be its year-long Partner Country. With the theme 'Curiosity Ignites Design Innovation', the event will explore how curiosity has fuelled Italy's creativity and innovative momentum across diverse fields such as art, architecture, fashion, and manufacturing, and sparked the creation of its most iconic, world-class projects, while showcasing Hong Kong's role as a 'Super Connector' and 'Super Value-Adder' in bridging the East and West, solidifying its position as the international cultural exchange.

At the heart of the event is the BODW 2025 Summit, which will take place from 3 to 5 December at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. It will gather more than 50 creative leaders and business decision-makers from Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Czech Republic, Japan, the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, and more. Featured speakers include:

Sculptor of the Olympic Flame

Dr. Carlo Ratti, a renowned Architect, Engineer, and Curator of the Venice Biennale Architettura 2025, will be presenting the torches he designed for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic games as a case study, and sharing his forward-looking design philosophy at the opening keynote of the Summit.

Architects of National Pavilions

Designers of pavilions at the Osaka World Expo 2025, Michele De Lucchi, Founder of AMDL CIRCLE who designed the Nordic Pavilion; and acclaimed Architect Tereza Šváchová who designed the crystalline Czech Pavilion; will demonstrate how national identity can be brought to life via architectural experiences.

Pioneers of the Mobility Revolution

David Imai, who defined the Tesla iconic aesthetic and is now pioneering the luxury electric boat brand Arc; and Dr. Andrea Ferraresi, the Strategy & Centro Stile Director who is helming the legendary motorcycle brand Ducati, will reveal how innovative strategies and design thinking are rewriting the blueprint of mobility design.

Captains of Luxury Craftsmanship and Innovation

Angelica Visconti, Vice Chairman of Ferragamo, will share how the luxury house leverages curiosity to drive patent technology and material research, translating these advancements into a steadfast commitment towards sustainability and masterful craftsmanship. Nicolas François Luchsinger, CEO of Buccellati Holding Italia S.p.A., will elaborate on how the brand, rooted in a rich heritage and dedication to exquisite craftsmanship, adopts an innovative approach towards the future.

This year's Summit will take place on the Main Stage of the HKCEC, featuring world-class speakers and exploring the six key pillars: Urban Visions, Mobility Revolution, Crafted Living, Luxury Reimagined, Innovating with AI & Technology, and Cultural Innovation & Creativity. These high-level discussions will span a broad spectrum of topics, from the Winter Olympic torches to the architecture design of the headquarters of tech giants, electric vehicle and boat ecosystems, motorcycle and aircraft design, luxury branding, VR eyewear, typography, AI development, next-generation entertainment, and more. The programme will feature insightful keynote speeches, creative dialogues and forums, with select sessions specially presented by MGM China, the M+ museum, and Maison&Objet.

The Summit will also adopt a tribrid format, connecting to all reaches of the creative community through its in-person event, online live streaming, and television broadcast channels. Introducing media professionals and members of the public in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to the content line-up of BODW 2025, a press conference was held today (16th) at the Guwei Museum. Founded by Italian entrepreneur Mr. Franco Cutrupia, who pursued a four-decade-long career in China, and his Chinese wife Ms. Pauline Wei, the museum is dedicated to promoting cross-cultural exchange and heritage. This mission resonates deeply with BODW's own commitment to East-meets-West synergy.

Mr Joseph Lo, Chairman of HKDC stated: 'Curiosity drives us to contemplate how design can better understand and serve people, and translate this inquiry into strategic thinking and valuable products, which in turn provides a competitive edge for businesses. Our partnership with Italy reminds us that with technology and aesthetics as a starting point, the true kernel of innovation lies in deepening the emotional connections between people and environment. Through Business of Design Week 2025, we hope to demonstrate how design can create future living experiences that are more meaningful and human-centric.'

Mr Carmelo Ficarra, Consul General of Italy in Hong Kong and Macau, stated, 'Italy is deeply honored to return for the third time as the year-long Partner Country for Business of Design Week. This marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Italy and Hong Kong's creative sector. Through BODW 2025, we look forward to sharing Italy's globally cherished design philosophy and artisanal heritage, while jointly exploring how 'Curiosity' can ignite creative sparks.'

Moreover, BODW 2025 will synchronise with numerous design events taking place across the city, fostering an all-round creative atmosphere throughout Hong Kong. On the evening of the first day of the Summit (3 December), the inaugural edition of Vividly Hong Kong will be held at DX design hub, celebrating the first anniversary of Hong Kong's creative design landmark. The event will also feature the DFA Awards Presentation Ceremony 2025, and the opening ceremonies for the DxGBA Gravity and the Neon Exhibition.

Concurrent highlight events also include the BODW in the city organised by the HKDC; as well as the international creative design exhibition, DesignInspire, and the Business of IP Asia Forum, hosted by HKTDC. The latter two will be held at the HKCEC, at the same time as the BODW 2025 Summit. A major feature of this year's DesignInspire is Maison&Objet Intérieurs Hong Kong 2025, jointly presented by HKTDC and France's Maison&Objet. Boasting an expanded scale this year, the event will feature zones for 'Design Factory', 'Design Showcase', and a networking space 'Le Club', presenting interior design trends that interweaves Eastern and Western aesthetics, sustainable innovation and traditional craftsmanship, complementing the ethos of the BODW Summit.

Mr Johnson Ng, Director, Service Promotion of HKTDC, stated: 'themed "Where Connections Spark Inspiration", DesignInspire will be held from 3-6 December celebrating diverse cultures and ideas. In addition to Maison&Objet Intérieurs Hong Kong, we are delighted to present the finest of Italian and Hong Kong design in parallel with BODW under Fusion Vista - designed by the legendary designer Alan Chan and emerging artist Chilai Howard respectively, showcasing the dynamic cultural and creative exchange between Hong Kong and Italy through a selection of signature works, lifestyle creations and immersive experience. The event also sees global participation from the Chinese Mainland, the Czech Republic, Japan, Macau, Taiwan, as well as local design and industrial associations and institutes, together fostering a vibrant creative environment.

For more information related to BODW 2025, please visit: https://2025.bodw.com/en.

Tickets for BODW 2025 are now available for purchase. Enjoy limited-time discounts on the ticket packages during the promotional period:

The full Summit program will also be streamed live on bodw+ and social media platforms, enabling international audiences to watch along in real-time.

The three-day summit will feature English subtitles and be supported by a simultaneous AI translation tool offering ten languages, including Italian, English, Cantonese, Putonghua, French, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, German and Arabic.

For live updates on BODW 2025, please follow bodw+ on the following social media channels: Facebook (bodw+), Instagram (@bodwplus), X (@bodwplus), LinkedIn (bodw+) and YouTube (bodw+).

About Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) (www.hkdesigncentre.org)

Hong Kong Design Centre is a strategic partner of the HKSAR Government, harnessing the city's distinctive East-meets-West position to create value through design.

To achieve our goals, we: 

• Cultivate a design culture 
• Bridge stakeholders to opportunities that unleash the value of design
• Promote excellence in various design disciplines 

About Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong and Macau (conshongkong.esteri.it)

The Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong and Macau represents Italy and the Italian Government in the two Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau. The activity of the Consulate General focuses on consular services provided to the Italian nationals formally resident in Hong Kong or in Macau as well as to the local and international community (mainly for visa services). The Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong and Macau contribute to the implementation of the initiatives to promote Italy in Hong Kong and Macau, especially cultural activities, together with the Italian Cultural Institute, and business and trade promotion together with the Italian Trade Commission. From 1st of September 2022, the Consul General of Italy in Hong Kong and Macau is Mr. Carmelo Ficarra. More information on the Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong and Macau and its activities are available on the website https://conshongkong.esteri.it/it/ and on social profiles IG (@italyinhongkong), X (@italyinhongkong) and FB (@italyinhongkong).

About Business of Design Week (BODW) (https://2025.bodw.com/en)

Business of Design Week (BODW), Asia's premier annual event on design, innovation and brands since 2002, is organised by Hong Kong Design Centre and gathers some of the world's foremost design masters, brand leaders and entrepreneurs from Hong Kong as well as overseas, driving discourse on the value of design and innovation to inspire global audiences and explore new business opportunities.

About DesignInspire (designinspire.hktdc.com)

DesignInspire, organised by Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), is a Business-to-All exchange and inspiring platform that gathers global design and creative elites, trend-setting brands, associations and institutes. Through a series of interactive exhibits, design masterpieces, award-winning projects and creative workshops, participants will explore the limitless potential of design and promote top-tier creativity. As a unique B2A platform for Hong Kong's creative industry, DesignInspire aims to establish a gateway for connecting Hong Kong with the international design community, fostering interaction and collaboration.

About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK) (www.ccidahk.gov.hk)

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) established in June 2024, formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK), is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration, promoting the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries under the industry-oriented principle, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia's creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community to implement Hong Kong's positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan.

Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Appendix 1: Six Key Pillars at BODW 2025 Summit

Appendix 2: Speakers at the BODW 2025 Summit