In 2016, POP MART launched its first "blind box"* series. Since then, the blind box culture has expanded rapidly, pushing designer toys from niche circles to mainstream consumer markets. From Nanjing Road in Shanghai to Oxford Street in London, and from the Westfield World Trade Center in New York to the Louvre in Paris, POP MART now boasts over 500 retail stores, as well as more than 2,300 ROBOSHOPs across more than 30 countries and regions worldwide. It has also reached more than 80 countries and regions through cross-border e-commerce.

*A blind box is a type of packaging that keeps its contents a mystery until it is opened.

As we look at these palm-sized figures, we see not just a consumer phenomenon but a prism reflecting the spiritual world of Generation Z. How does it turn fleeting emotions into tangible objects? How does it align commercial logic with artistic expression? This may well be the best way to understand the transformation of today's creative industry.

At YCYW, we value creativity and entrepreneurship, and are committed to nurturing students' artistic sensibility, innovation, and adaptability to deal with our ever-changing society.

With this in mind, on 8 April, the fourth episode of the YCYW Planet Leadership Series will focus on the present and future of creative art. We will be honoured to have Lang, the artist and creator of the POP MART character Hirono, and Ms Karen Chen, Vice President of POP MART International Group, as guest speakers. They will share their expert insights into the designer toy craze and discuss topics such as artistic creation, the new-generation of the designer toy culture, and business innovation.

Lang's creations originate from personal feelings and expressions. Through diverse media such as painting, sculpture, toys, and animation, he has attempted to capture individual life experiences in this ever-changing era. Ms Karen Chen joined POP MART International Group in 2022. She is responsible for the management of public affairs, culture and creative products, corporate sustainability, and government-business relations. She has extensive experience in the internet, new retail, consumer sectors, and cultural tourism industries.

At the event, we will also announce the winner of the YCYW Trendy Toy Design Competition. This is a unique opportunity to engage with leaders from the designer toy giant POP MART. We look forward to your participation!