CM Jao and Tik Chan: Curators Bridging Hong Kong Design with the World

As curators and Vice Presidents of the Hong Kong Interior Design Association (HKIDA), CM Jao and Tik Chan have played a pivotal role in advancing Hong Kong’s design industry onto the global stage. In 2025, their vision and leadership came to the forefront through their stewardship of Hong Kong Interior Design Week (HKIDW) and the landmark “Urban Reflection” exhibition.

Recognizing the unique dynamism and multicultural spirit of Hong Kong, CM Jao and Tik Chan spearheaded the “Urban Reflection” project, bringing together ten renowned Hong Kong-based interior designer groups and leading furniture manufacturers. The result was a showcase that not only celebrated local talent, but also highlighted the city’s role as a melting pot for creativity and cultural exchange. The exhibition explored Hong Kong’s distinctive urban landscape—where high-density living and iconic skyscrapers create a rich tapestry of light, shadow, and architectural innovation. Many of the works drew inspiration from both Eastern and Western traditions, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary approaches and a strong commitment to sustainability.

Under the curatorship of CM and Tik, “Urban Reflection” made its international debut at the Superstudio Piu in Milan in April 2025. Their efforts in leading the Hong Kong delegation were met with widespread acclaim, bringing international recognition to the city’s design community. By championing this cross-cultural showcase in one of the world’s design capitals, they offered Hong Kong’s creative talents a prominent platform to exchange ideas and present their work to a global audience.

Following the success in Milan, CM Jao and Tik Chan brought “Urban Reflection” back to Hong Kong, where it opened at the Arts Pavilion in West Kowloon’s M+ from June 19 to 22, 2025. The exhibition’s homecoming was marked by an opening ceremony attended by key industry and government leaders, further underscoring its importance in the city’s cultural calendar. The event was complemented by a series of design forums at M+’s Grand Stair, where participating designers shared insights into their creative processes, collaborative journeys, and the challenges and rewards of presenting Hong Kong’s unique cultural identity on the international stage.

Throughout the project, CM and Tik emphasized sustainability and innovation, curating works that incorporated recycled materials, new technologies, and references to Hong Kong’s cultural heritage. Their leadership not only celebrated the achievements of Hong Kong’s interior design industry but also fostered new opportunities for dialogue and collaboration within the global design community.

By curating and promoting “Urban Reflection” in both Milan and Hong Kong, CM Jao and Tik Chan have made a significant contribution to raising the profile of Hong Kong design and manufacturing. Their dedication to nurturing talent, facilitating cultural exchange, and championing sustainable creativity has set a new benchmark for the industry, inspiring a new generation of designers to dream bigger and reach further.