If you've visited T.O.P This Is Our Place, a mall located at 700 Nathan Road in Mong Kok which is owned and managed by Link, you've surely been captivated by the creative artworks displayed on several floors. The exhibition is a joint effort between the mall and the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) under the Vocational Training Council. Through Link's arrangement, students can showcase their creations in such a high-traffic area in Mong Kok, which allows more people to learn and appreciate the ideas of the younger generation.

The "Embrace • Imagination" exhibition features works from students in four major media: music, animation, three-dimensional, and graphic arts. Through the creative design of the exhibition, the public can understand installation, graphic, and performance arts through music production, animation, and visual effects. The exhibition runs until 24 July.

The exhibits are all original works by graduates and students of the HKDI Digital Media and Communication Design programmes. Students are excited that their works can be exhibited at T.O.P, where many local young people gather. Taking advantage of the rare opportunity, they created works under the guidance of their teachers. “Having our works displayed in one of Mong Kok's busiest malls means that our work has earned some recognitions. It is a great encouragement for us," said Dr Ong Lay-lian, Principal of HKDI.

Among the exhibition's highlights is a music video titled "Dance for Now," produced by digital media students and graduates using 3D software and facial and motion capture technology to create a virtual idol and tell the story of a dancer's journey during the pandemic. An original animated short film, "Chase", depicts a young boy being attacked in the forest and features exciting scenes reminiscent of movie plots.

The HKDI students also displayed an original card game suitable for players of all ages in the Pop Gallery, demonstrating their belief that "art is inseparable from life." Graduate Wong Tin-hung said, "This is my graduation project, and displaying it at T.O.P allows people to experience and understand traditional card games."

In the Pop Gallery, students also displayed a variety of posters to express their unique ideas and views. Ho Tsz-yin, the artist behind the "Say No!" poster, intended to convey the message that one should leave time for their own interests. "I never imagined my work would be exhibited outside of school campus. I hope this event will help people understand more about design," said Tsz-yin.

In addition to this recent event, HKDI also held a cultural heritage event at Stanley Plaza during Dragon Boat Festival in early June. Incorporating their artistic creations into this traditional Chinese festival, the students held design workshops, performed lion dances, street dances, and original songs in the festival. They also designed and coloured a dragon boat with children. The dragon boat attracted many people to take photos.

In this carnival, students were able to blend traditional festivals with Chinese culture and design art, making the public more aware of the talents of Hong Kong students, Dr Ong said. Furthermore, the students hope to gain feedbacks through participation in public exhibitions and community projects, which will lay a foundation for their future careers.

HKDI’s students have been involved in a variety of Link projects, including the renovation of Lok Wah South Car Park as well as the design project of Tai Yuen Market. This experience has enabled them to apply their classroom knowledge. Link and HKDI collaborated on similar projects for several years, where students were invited to participate in the enhancement projects of Link’s properties, allowing their creativity to take root in the community, and bringing young people closer to the community, making them feel a part of it.

Last August, Link and HKDI signed a memorandum to deepen their cooperation. As a result, HKDI students receive more internship opportunities and industry visits, and will be able to develop sustainability plans for properties owned by Link, incorporating their creativity and expertise into innovative sustainability solutions for Hong Kong.