On 8 April 2025, YCIS Beijing successfully hosted the YCYW "Planet Leadership Series". The event, titled "Deciphering the Trends of Designer Toys: The Present and the Future of Creative Art," featured guest speakers Lang, the artist and creator of the POP MART character Hirono; and Ms Karen Chen, Vice President of POP MART International Group. The speakers had an in-depth discussion with YCYW students and teachers about artistic creation and commercial innovation.

YCYW has always been committed to nurturing students' artistic sensibility and creativity, while the POP MART Philanthropy is committed to fostering young people's artistic development, ensuring the creative spark is passed down through generations. Through this collaboration, YCYW hoped that the event would inspire the artistic expression and business acumen of its students. The results of the YCYW Trendy Toy Design Competition were also announced at the event. The creative works submitted by YCYW students blended tradition with modernity, and culture with technology.

During his talk, Lang emphasised the importance of "sincere creation". He believes that personal expression should come first. As long as the expression is genuine, the fragments of life embedded in one's character become the most moving source of inspiration. For example, the theme of wandering in Hirono's creations reflects his artistic interpretation of observations and reflections on adult society.

"People find resonance with their inner selves through Hirono. I think this empathy is what sets Hirono apart from other IPs," Lang remarked.

Ms Chen noted that POP MART's success stems from both its innovative business models and the opportunities of the era. Consumers nowadays are more inclined toward personalised purchases and social sharing, thereby creating fertile ground for the designer toy industry. Meanwhile, the company is also committed to corporate social responsibility (CSR), actively exploring innovative approaches in eco-friendly production and aesthetic education.

The students asked questions that showed surprising depth and insight. Their questions covered topics such as creative challenges and emotional expression in art, as well as business issues such as product pricing, sustainable development, and globalisation strategies. The guest speakers provided detailed responses and praised the students' inquiries.

When Daisy asked how to avoid plagiarism while creating new IPs, Lang said that he focused on his own subtle feelings and emotional changes, thereby staying true to himself.

"For example, when people look at a cloud in the sky, some see a dog, and others a cat, while you might imagine it as someone you love. By infusing your creation with that love, your work becomes unique. I think this is crucial," he said.

Rachel from YCIS Qingdao won the competition for her work "Ethereal Blue and White Spirit Puppet", which drew inspiration from blue and white porcelain and incorporated futuristic goggles, thus skilfully combining classical elegance with modern elements. Carrie from YWIES Beijing Yizhuang won the YCYW Brand Character Award for her piece "The Wings of Innovation," which perfectly aligned with YCYW's values of fostering curiosity, exploration, and innovation among students.

Students from YWIES Shanghai Gubei showcased diverse artistic expressions with a global perspective, and won the Spark of Ingenuity Award collectively. Students from YCIS Hong Kong received the Enthusiastic Participation Award for their active involvement in the competition.

As Ms Jessica Sun and Mr Chris Jarrett, Head of Secondary of YCIS Beijing, noted in their opening remarks at the event, art and leadership are indispensable companions during the development of students. YCYW's mission of "Aligning with Culture and Arts" is not only  appreciation of art, but also a celebration of life and an exploration of the future, and "the future" is the overarching theme of the "Planet Leadership Series."

This edition of the YCYW "Planet Leadership Series" offered students and teachers valuable insights about the vanguard of creative art, while also sparking their creativity and potential through the design competition. At the intersection of art and business, YCYW students are exploring their own futures with unique perspectives and innovative thinking.