PolyU Design Hatch Awards 2025 Winners Announced

The PolyU Design Hatch Awards 2025 concluded with the Final Presentation and Award Ceremony on 24 May 2025. 28 teams showcased their creative solutions across various media on this year's theme - Hong Kong's Rural Culture. 

Hosted by the School of Design of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Hatch Awards is a 3-month unique design incubation programme tailored for secondary school students in Hong Kong. Following the First Round, where 28 teams were selected out of nearly 160 students, finalists engaged in a two-day Hatch Programme on 12 and 19 April 2025, with design lectures, exercises, and ideation consultations to refine their project entries before pitching their final design solutions at the Final Presentation. 

DESIGN LECTURE  

Ms Kate Wong, a Landscape Architect of 2 Square Metres, was invited to host a lecture covering the fundamentals of design thinking. Her lecture, titled “The Process – Multiple Approaches to Design,” has presented five major methodologies for students to explore and address their design queries at the initial stages of their iterations.

IDEATION CONSULTATIONS  

A team of mentors (Mr Roberto Vilchis, Mr Ben To, and Ms Chen Xing-Tong) and 10 senior student ambassadors facilitated these consultations. The consultation served as a bilateral dialogue where mentors from PolyU Design shared bespoke advice to refine students' design iterations. These design clinics provided tailored discussions to help participants enhance their design projects before the final presentation.  

PITCHING WORKSHOP  

Continuing their design solution development, students engaged in a pitching workshop led by distinguished alumnus of Communication Design, Thomas Wong from Studiotx Design, specialising in graphic presentation and pitching skills. Through a series of pitching exercises, students learned key strategies for delivering successful and engaging presentations. 

The Hatch Programme is not merely a series of design lectures and workshops, but also a tailored design day camp that provides students with a unique opportunity to experience design education firsthand, guided by esteemed faculty members and student mentors. Engaging in this dynamic setting fosters a learning experience that goes beyond traditional competitions. 

WINNERS ANNOUNCED 

6 teams were honoured with different awards in recognition of their achievements in the projects. The award-winning teams captivated the audience not only with their innovative approaches but also with their creativity. Awardees are entitled to a public exhibition at the Hong Kong Central Library in September. 

CHAMPION 

Team: 山蠔Paciral 
Member(s): CHAN Cheuk Lam, CHEN Yin Tung and CHAN Chun Kit  
School: Queen Elizabeth School Old Students’ Association Secondary School 
Project: Book Design of the Lau Fau Shan Rural Culture 

FIRST RUNNERS-UP  

Team: Village Echoes 
Member(s): CHAN Hei Yui Adna, Amelia BAY & CHEN Delphia Xinnan 
School: Malvern College Hong Kong 
Project: Villagescape   

*Village Echoes is also the winner of “THE MOST INNOVATIVE” prize. 

Team: 紫田文化棋跡 
Member(s): CHUN Hei Tung and LIU Wai Yin  
School: Madam Lau Kam Lung Secondary School of Miu Fat Buddhist Monastery 
Project: The Adventure of Tze Tin Culture 

SECOND RUNNERS-UP 

Team: Wendie 
Member(s): LAM Wing Yee Wendie  
School: Youth College (International) 
Project: Music from Hong Kong Rural Culture 

Team: 客氣之人 
Member(s): TSANG Wing Tung Angel, YEE Ka Yung & LEE Tsz Yiu  
School: Po On Commercial Association Wong Siu Ching Secondary School 
Project: Hakka Candle  

THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE 

Team: Kaylee 
Member(s): CHOI Cheuk Tung  
School: Youth College (International) 
Project: Rural Plant in Hong Kong  

Congratulations to all the awardees! Winners’ exceptional performance not only showcases their competence in design thinking, innovation, and creativity but also reflects their dedication and passion in design. The school wishes them the best of luck in all their future endeavours!