Young firm proud of Chinese identity

THE 'MADE IN CHINA' label is commonly found on shop items around the world, but 'designed in China' has not quite caught on. Hong Kong-based DMC Products wants to change that.

A relatively new company founded in 2003, DMC is an exhibitor at the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair. The company's name stands for 'designed and made in China'.

'Our production and factory are in the mainland, and our design is done both there and in Hong Kong,' Paul Chung, founder and creative director, said. 'Besides, Hong Kong is part of China, much as some people don't want to admit it.'

The company has three designers, including Mr Chung, who create new designs every fortnight. At the fair the company will be showcasing a range of 'flower containers'.

'They are called flower containers because they are for holding flowers but they do not look like flower vases,' Mr Chung said. 'We wanted a breakthrough because we have already designed so many flower vases.'

Mr Chung, a Canadian citizen, taught fine arts and sculpture at a school in Canada before relocating to Hong Kong to start up DMC. 'The objective of the company is to create alternative products that are design oriented, with a lot of mix-and-match materials,' Mr Chung said.

'I always encourage the design team to get out there and look at things, like those shops on Lockhart Road and Portland Street for interior decoration materials. You can't get inspiration for your designs by sitting in the office.'