HONG KONG (SE): The winners of the Synodality–The Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong Emblem Design Competition were officially announced at an award ceremony held on April 12 at the Catholic Diocese Centre, and attended by Cardinal Stephen Chow S.J., the bishop of Hong Kong.
The competition attracted 79 submissions from 60 individuals of different ages and backgrounds, including non-Catholics and consecrated persons. The judges, Alan Chan and Tommy Li, both renowned designers, selected three winning entries on March 8, submitted by Jeff Chan Kit-fu, Paul Fong, and Hui Wang-tsuen. Open to participants aged 18-years-old and above, the competition aimed to promote the spirit of synodality.
The three winners were awarded a nine-day pilgrimage to the Vatican and Rome.
During the ceremony, Cardinal Chow announced that Jeff Chan’s design had ultimately been chosen to serve as the official emblem of the diocese.
Judges: a simple design conveying rich concepts
Originally rendered in dark green, Jeff Chan’s design was later modified to blue—a colour symbolising the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patron of the diocese. The judges also made slight refinements, such as straightening the outer curves of the joined hands to resemble the structure of a church building.
Alan Chan expressed his astonishment at the high standard of entries, many of which he felt met international design standards. Not a Catholic himself, he initially questioned his suitability as a judge but ultimately felt guided by the presence of God throughout the process. He praised the winning design for its depth of meaning, highlighting the symbolism of shared faith through joined hands and the central abstract figure, which evokes the image of Christ with outstretched arms standing atop a mountain, offering solace to the suffering world.
The competition attracted 79 submissions from 60 individuals of different ages and backgrounds, including non-Catholics and consecrated persons.
Tommy Li, who spoke to the Sunday Examiner ahead of the ceremony, noted that the longevity of an emblem depends not only on its aesthetic appeal but also on the richness of its underlying concept. He commended the younger participants for their ability to convey profound meaning through minimalist designs.
Both Li and Chan will join the pilgrimage to Rome. Li, a devout Catholic, will provide commentary on the religious art and heritage based on his years of personal study.
Winner: a journey of greater understanding of Catholicism
Jeff Chan, a 25-year-old brand designer and a non-Catholic, said he was drawn to the competition by the credibility of the judges and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on both society and the Church community. He shared that his experiences in Christian schools and the universal gesture of prayer influenced his design.
“The joined hands represent unity and forward momentum, symbolising the idea that collective effort leads to greater progress,” he explained.
Chan added that the experience had deepened his understanding of Catholicism, and he looks forward to learning more about its rich artistic and historical heritage during the upcoming trip. He plans to read extensively in preparation for the visit to the Vatican and Rome.
The joined hands represent unity and forward momentum, symbolising the idea that collective effort leads to greater progress
Jeff Chan
Cardinal: Broad participation reflects recognition of the Church
Cardinal Stephen expressed his gratitude to all participants in the competition. He emphasised that the diverse participation—particularly from non-Catholics—demonstrated both interest in and support for the Church. “Our Church needs recognition not only from within but also from the broader society,” he remarked.
He also voiced encouragement at the engagement of young designers, viewing it as a hopeful sign for the Church’s future. “This is a strong expression of synodality. We shall continue striving to be a Church in Hong Kong that belongs to all—Catholics and non-believers alike—especially those on the margins who need our companionship,” he said.
In his closing prayer, the cardinal thanked God for allowing the Holy Spirit to inspire the hearts and minds of those who used their artistic talents to express their vision and hope for the Church.
Father Peter Choy Wai-man, vicar general, began the ceremony with a prayer, expressing his belief that the competition’s success would serve as a reminder of the Church’s mission to listen to all sectors of society in its journey of synodality.
Henry Lo, a barrister, and Sister Pauline Yuen, MIC, served as consultants for the competition.
