Hong Kong is preparing to welcome the global creative community this December as the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) hosts Business of Design Week 2025 (BODW 2025). Taking place from 1 to 6 December at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event will explore how curiosity continues to drive design innovation across disciplines and cultures.
This year’s edition shines a spotlight on Italy as the year-long Partner Country, marking significant diplomatic milestones: 50 years of relations between China and the European Union, and 55 years of ties between China and Italy. With the theme “Curiosity Ignites Design Innovation”, the programme will delve into Italy’s longstanding commitment to creativity—from architecture and fashion to manufacturing and the arts—while underscoring Hong Kong’s growing role as a global bridge between East and West.
Speakers Summit
Central to the programme is the BODW 2025 Summit (3–5 December), bringing together more than 50 speakers from over 10 countries. Key speakers include:
• Dr Carlo Ratti, architect, engineer, and curator of the Venice Biennale Architettura 2025, who will present the torches designed for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• Michele De Lucchi and Tereza Šváchová, architects behind national pavilions for the Osaka World Expo 2025, demonstrating how architecture can express identity and cultural storytelling.
• David Imai and Dr Andrea Ferraresi, innovators in mobility design, sharing insights from electric vehicles, performance motorcycles, and next-generation transport systems.
• Angelica Visconti of Ferragamo and Nicolas François Luchsinger of Buccellati, discussing how curiosity supports sustainability, craftsmanship, and technological advancement in the luxury sector.
For full list of speakers, visit https://2025.bodw.com/en.
6 Pillars of Inspiration
The Summit will explore six thematic pillars: Urban Visions, Mobility Revolution, Crafted Living, Luxury Reimagined, Innovating with AI & Technology, and Cultural Innovation & Creativity. Topics will span from Olympic design and landmark architecture to VR eyewear, AI development, luxury branding, future mobility, and next-generation entertainment. A tribrid format—in-person, livestream, and broadcast—will ensure accessible reach for international audiences.
Creative Collaborations
BODW 2025 will take place alongside a series of creative citywide happenings, including Vividly Hong Kong, the DFA Awards Presentation Ceremony 2025, DxGBA Gravity, the Neon Exhibition, and DesignInspire. The expanded Maison&Objet Intérieurs Hong Kong 2025 will also return, spotlighting interior design trends blending Eastern and Western sensibilities, sustainable practices, and artisanal excellence. The Fusion Vista showcase will further highlight the dynamic connection between Italian and Hong Kong design.
As HKDC Chairman Joseph Lo notes, curiosity enables design to deepen connections between people and their environments, forming the bedrock of meaningful innovation. Italy’s Consul General in Hong Kong and Macau, Carmelo Ficarra, also emphasises the importance of shared creative values as Italy partners with BODW for the third time.
Event Details:
📅 Dates: 1–6 December 2025
📍 Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
🤝 Partner Country: Italy
◉ Organiser: Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC)
Key Highlights:
• 50+ international speakers
• 40+ sessions
• 100+ partners and supporting organisations
• Design leaders from Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Czech Republic, Japan, the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, and beyond
Article by: Lily Wong
