The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) recently met with key officials of the Centre for Heritage, Arts & Textile (CHAT) in Hong Kong to discuss opportunities for collaboration. The meeting was attended by the representatives of CHAT including Reimi Imaizumi, Head of Partnership and Development; Mak Tsz Kam, Manager of Partnership and Development; and Bruce Li, Associate Curator for Exhibitions and Collections (Heritage and Textiles). Representing the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Hong Kong, Atty. Roberto B. Mabalot, Jr., Vice Consul (Commercial) and Commercial Attaché, joined the DOST-PTRI during the engagement.

CHAT, located in Tsuen Wan, stands as a vibrant center for preserving and reinterpreting textile heritage. Housed within the former cotton-spinning mills of Nan Fung Textiles, CHAT offers a dynamic mix of exhibitions, educational initiatives, and community-driven programs, highlighting both the history of Hong Kong’s textile industry and contemporary artistic practices from around the world. The revitalized industrial site, now known as The Mills, merges heritage preservation with innovation and serves as a cultural landmark in Hong Kong.

As part of the visit, DOST-PTRI and Atty. Mabalot were given a comprehensive tour of CHAT’s galleries, showcasing a wide range of textile and installation artworks by artists from Hong Kong and other countries. The tour also included a walk through the old cotton-spinning mills, offering insight into Hong Kong’s industrial past and its transformation into a hub for arts and innovation. The experience provided a rich perspective on how heritage can be creatively revitalized for modern audiences.

Discussions between DOST-PTRI and CHAT opened exciting possibilities for collaboration. Among the proposals were mounting an exhibition featuring Filipino artists and textiles, and organizing natural dyeing and weaving workshops to foster cultural exchange. A potential partnership with The Mills Fabrica, the innovation platform connected to The Mills, was likewise considered to strengthen links between Philippine textile innovation and global creative industries.

The meeting concluded on a highly positive note, with both sides expressing eagerness to build stronger cultural and professional ties. As DOST-PTRI continues its mission to promote Philippine textiles internationally through textile cultural diplomacy, partnerships like these are expected to open new avenues for Filipino artisans and innovators to showcase their talents and contribute to a vibrant global dialogue on heritage, sustainability, and creativity.