Hong Kong on Monday commended winning pieces from a debut global youth painting contest — a vibrant mosaic of youthful visions from Asia, Africa, Europe and South America — as officials, community leaders, diplomats and student laureates jointly called for more young people to embrace cross-cultural creativity, fostering through art the inclusiveness, mutual appreciation and peaceful spirit key to strengthening people-to-people bonds.
Launched last year, the inaugural “National Treasures” Drawing Competition and International Culture Exchange Tour —organized by Hong Kong Shine Tak Foundation (HKSTF) with an animal theme — pulled in over 10,000 entries from 13 countries, including China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Kazakhstan, Iran, Guyana, and Senegal.
Eighty winning paintings commanded attention at Monday’s awards ceremony at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, each bearing the cultural imprint and iconic animal of its home nation — among them China’s giant panda and Indonesia’s Komodo dragon, Guyana’s jaguar, the Philippine eagle, Laos’ elephant and Zimbabwe’s fish eagle.
The organizers said that the collection reflects the richness of cultural diversity and the creative vitality of young minds.
Over 40 people — including government representatives from 13 countries and regions, organizers, young artists and their parents — attended the ceremony. Since Sunday, the group has been enjoying a cultural tour of Hong Kong, engaging in technology experiences, Chinese cultural activities, legal system briefings and bonding events.
The “National Treasures” initiative started with a straightforward premise — “to invite young people from around the world to showcase their national treasure through their creativity, and to let others discover the beauty of their countries through their artworks” — Lam Kwok-hing, chairman of HKSTF, said at Monday’s ceremony.
“Learning alone without friends leaves one ill‑informed. It is this spirit of collaboration that has made our journey so meaningful,” Lam said.
Hong Kong’s Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Patrick Li Pak-chuen, described the exchange initiative as a “direct echo” of the city’s broader vision for nurturing its future generations.
Li reaffirmed the SAR government’s commitment to backing the development of young people distinguished by a global outlook, a positive attitude, and a deep-rooted affection for the city and the Chinese nation.
Lewis Chan, vice-chairman of the foundation and chairman of the event’s organizing committee, said that some of the award-winning works will be converted into digital collectibles for a virtual showcase, with a few even earmarked for production as short animated films.
ALSO READ: Artistic dialogue among global youth
Monday’s ceremony also saw a delegation of 16 representatives, including seven countries’ ambassadors to China, make a special trip to present the prizes.
“This wonderful event gives the younger generation a chance to express themselves in the most universal language — art,” said Paata Kalandadze, Georgia’s ambassador to China.
“It certainly helps build cross-border relations, and that is so important,” Kalandadze said. “This young generation will be in charge of tomorrow’s world, and we want them to have a solid foundation based on friendship and mutual understanding.”
Cultural exchange is a key element of people-to-people ties, and this activity represents a great opportunity to promote exactly that, said Anyin Choo, Guyana’s ambassador to China. “It helps our young people deepen their connection while sharing it with the world; it helps them become global ambassadors for Guyana’s cultural promotion.”
Among the award recipients was Mahshid Ghasemi Kahrizsangi from Iran, whose paintings depict a rich cast of legendary animals from the country’s history and folklore.
“When I talk about Bennu, Chinese friends say Fung Wong” — Phoenix in English — “and through such exchange we discovered shared cultural ground,” she said. “For us young people, that connection and shared knowledge is so important, because we’re young and we can make the world a better place in the future.”
Eliza Ng Sum-yau, a 12-year-old from Hong Kong, painted a panda in space, encircled by futuristic technology. “I want friends worldwide to discover Chinese culture, technology and the country’s latest progress,” she said.
“This exchange has been so inspiring,” she said. “Going forward, I hope to bring more cross-cultural elements into my art — perhaps starting with adding more of the animals that represent countries beyond my own.”
