HKUST Hosts My Toy Design Competition 2013

My Toy Design Competition 2013 is the first of its kind to be hosted by the Department of Industrial Engineering and Logistics Management (IELM) at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). The aims of this Competition are to nurture creativity, encourage exceptional students to pursue a career in design, recruit passionate young toy designers and maintain the overall competitiveness and sustainable development of the toy industry in Hong Kong.

China dominates the toy export market as the world's largest toy manufacturer with over two-thirds of all toys being made in China. Hong Kong is the world's second largest toy exporter. Domestic toy exports have nearly doubled from HK$154 million in 2009 to HK$302 million in 2011, demonstrating an increasing trend of more toys being both designed and produced in Hong Kong and the South China region and creating a dire need to find and encourage local talents.

HKUST has many educational initiatives in place to promote the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation. Hosting My Toy Design Competition 2013 is one of HKUST's moves to promote the idea of combing engineering and technical design with artistic quality. Mr Bernie Ting, Chairman, and Mr Simon Cheng, Executive Committee Member, both from the Hong Kong Toy Council shared interesting facts about the background, economic benefits, prospects and challenges facing this industry with about 200 HKUST students, faculty members, designers and representatives from the toy industry. Prof Tony F Chan, President, Prof Fugee Tsung, Head and Professor of IELM, from HKUST, Mr Bernie Ting, Mr Simon Cheng and other distinguished guests formally launched this unique event today.

My Toy Design Competition welcomes entries from full-time students, aged 12 to 30 years, studying in Hong Kong. Registration is now open until 15 November. The Competition which emphasizes originality has the support of various toy companies, professional bodies, design and youth organizations. Entrants can showcase their creativity and innovation. Finalists will receive four days of comprehensive training at HKUST to acquire specialized knowledge and experience from the design to manufacturing process. Details at the website http://mytoydesign.ust.hk

IELM Department offers a number of professional courses as well as ground-breaking, innovative research. With advanced laboratory facilities, specialized equipment and interactive teaching methods, students gain a thorough understanding of professional knowledge, technical skills and an appreciation of the latest trends of global industries. The Competition provides an ideal platform for talented students to practice their technical and creative skills.