At least two exhibitors at the Education & Careers Expo are hoping to help train the artists and designers of the future.
'In the modern economy, businesses, companies and firms need visual people,' says John Paul Rowan, vice-president for SCAD Hong Kong, the first US-based art and design university to establish a degree-granting location locally. 'They need employees who understand the importance of good design, engaging presentations and tactile packaging. SCAD students and graduates fill these needs at every level. They envision and imagine solutions to everyday problems that lead to 'A-ha!' moments for their employers.'
Dr Edmund Lee, executive director of the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC), sees the same practical value in creative skills and abilities. 'The role of designers is gaining prominence in the creative economy, particularly as one of the new economic development areas in Hong Kong,' he says. 'Creativity and value creation tie into our ability to create and co-create across professions and disciplines. Various media provide society with a source of inspiration, such as science and technology, humanities and architecture.'
'In pursuit of our public mission - Promote Design to Society - we promote not only the artistic arena of design, but also a more sophisticated use of design to designers, businesses and the general public. We would like to have more creative and design talents who understand the power of design,' Lee adds.
So what courses are currently on offer for tomorrow's design professionals? SCAD Hong Kong offers 14 bachelor's and master's degree programmes in advertising, animation, graphic design, illustration, interactive design and game development, motion media design, photography and visual effects. It's the only university in Hong Kong which is focused exclusively on art and design.
'SCAD is recognised globally for its cutting-edge digital media courses,' says Rowan. 'The university's vision is for SCAD Hong Kong to become the leading site for the study of digital media in Asia, and this vision will play a valuable role in helping Hong Kong to develop into the leading centre for the creative industries in Asia.'
The HKDC is increasingly focusing on creativity programmes and entrepreneurship education, according to Lee. Creative programmes for youths include 'Discover Design' and 'Design to Empower', which had a successful run, with strategic partnerships with Ocean Park and Disneyland in 2011. These programmes aim to enlighten secondary students through the design thinking process, and encourage them to apply the acquired knowledge for problem solving.