HKDC Unveils Global Speakers for Its Business of Design Week (BODW) 2014

HONG KONG, Sept. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Business of Design Week, has been Asia's leading annual event on design, innovation and brands since 2002. Organised by Hong Kong Design Centre, BODW partners with a different country every year to bring the brightest creative minds to Hong Kong and discuss the design logic behind their innovative products and services. BODW is the first time to team up with a previous partner country, Sweden which was the partner country back in 2004. This ever-progressive country is yet again invited this year to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of BODW's partnership and further showcase their designers and innovators' great achievements.

Under the theme "Living Design" this year, BODW presents its kick-off press conference today at the upscale W Hong Kong, BODW 2014's Media Hotel Partner, and is officially commenced by the Guests of Honour Mr. Jorgen Halldin, Swedish Consul-General in Hong Kong and Macao SAR, Mr. Jerry Liu Wing-Leung, Head of Create Hong Kong of HKSAR government, and Mr. Victor Lo, Chairman of Hong Kong Design Centre.

Stellar Speakers from Sweden and Beyond

Prominent Swedish speakers this year include Lars Falk, Vice President of Design for Volvo Cars, China, Peder Clason, Absolut Vodka's Director of Brand Strategy, Tommy Palm, games guru of King, the company behind Candy Crush Saga, David Polfeldt, Massive Entertainment's CEO, the company behind the upcoming role-play game Tom Clancy's The Division, Marcus Engman, Head of Design at IKEA of Sweden, Margareta van den Bosch and Catarina Midby, H&M's Creative Advisor and Head of Fashion and Sustainability Communication, respectively, and other prominent international speakers include Ho Kwon Ping, Founder and Executive Chairman of Banyan Trees Holdings, Don Norman, Cognitive Scientist & Design Critic of Nielsen Norman Group and Shigeru Ban, Architect and Founder of Shigeru Ban Architects. BODW is returning this December for its 13^th year to encourage businesses to unleash the power of design by focusing on the global relationship and complex interplay between design and business.

A Platform for Global Exchange and Knowledge Sharing

Dr. Edmund Lee, Hong Kong Design Centre's Executive Director believes the BODW will bring forward-looking visions to the design and innovation industry in Hong Kong, mainland China and the world. Through this global platform of knowledge sharing and business cooperation, participants will gain first-hand and innovative ideas for development and foresight into future trends ahead. Furthermore, Mr. Jorgen Halldin, Swedish Consul-General in Hong Kong and Macao SAR expresses that they are enthused of this joint-hand event with Hong Kong Design Centre. Hong Kong is an important place where Swedish companies first set foot in the Asian and Chinese markets. Swedes' design focuses on more than just aesthetics expressing the way of living life by showcasing many of their iconic products in BODW (such as products from Volvo, IKEA, Electrolux, Ericsson and Scania) which are smart, sustainable and ultimately, practical-yet-stylish.

Recognition of Design Talents

Another highlight of BODW will be the Design for Asia Awards showcasing those who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to promoting design excellence and have generated business success through innovative design.

Lastly, BODW also appreciates for the overwhelming support from W Hong Kong which being the Media Partner Hotel, by offering accommodation for international media, inviting W INSIDER as the press conference host and full support for the onsite hospitality at HKCEC, as well as providing food related services throughout this extraordinary event.

BODW is offering a promotional registration until November 1, 2014: 35% discount off. Act now and register! Please visit www.bodw.com for enquiries and registration.

If you want to get inspired by business leaders and design masters internationally, and stay on top of the latest ideas in design, technology and brand management, BODW 2014 is definitely an event not to miss!

About Hong Kong Design Centre and Business of Design Week

Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) is a non-profit organisation and a strategic partner of the HKSAR Government in developing Hong Kong as an international design hub in Asia. HKDC has been the organiser of Business of Design Week (BODW) since 2002. It's an annual international event aimed at promoting design and strengthening ties between the design and business communities. Each year, BODW attracts worldwide design and business elites to Hong Kong for latest design issues through exhibitions, international forums and outreach activities. It's a world-class platform for designers, business leaders, educators, SMEs and the public to exchange ideas and create business opportunities.