1

Sept 2017

THE MILLS – ENGAGING YOUTH & COMMUNITY IN SUSTAINABILITY

2

Dr. D.H. ChenFounder of Nan Fung Group

Born in Ningbo | Started working at 11 years old to support family

Apprenticed to textile master | moved to HK in the 1940s

3

VISION FOR THE MILLS

4

NAN FUNG TEXTILE MILLLEGACY & TRANSFORMATION

From textile to TECHSTYLE

Established 1954

Entered a mature industry

Became leader in textiles

"King of Cotton"

Entered property market in 1980s

The original entrepreneur

5

FABRICA

An incubator and springboard for

startups and strategic partners in

the techstyle industry● Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong

● Completion in 2018

● Experiential Retail

● Techstyle Incubator

● Textile Arts & Cultural Foundation

SHOPFLOOR

A landmark for experiential

retail, an expression of Hong

Kong's evolving character

MILL6 FOUNDATION

A non-profit arts and cultural

institution exploring textile arts

and techstyle innovation

INTRODUCING THE MILLSA destination of innovation, culture, and learning

LOCATION

Tsuen Wan, HK

SIZE

264,000 sq ft

COMPLETION

Q2 2018

CONTACT

info@themills.com.hk

ONLINE

themills.com.hk

FB & IG: themillshk

6

THE MILLS FABRICAA business incubator and springboard for techstyle startups and strategic

partners

IncubatorAteliers, co-working spaces, customized business training programs and curated industry connections to drive

startups to success.

PlatformConnecting techstyle startups to business opportunities by fostering dialogue and creative engagement

through Fabrica’s network, media and events

Workspace2 floors of flexible workspaces strategic partners and creative professionals to work, learn and collaborate

FABRICA is a business incubator and springboard for techstyle startups and

strategic partners - brands and companies at the intersection of technology and

style.

7

MILL6 FOUNDATIONA non-profit arts and cultural organization exploring textile arts, culture,

heritage and innovation

MILL6 Foundation is a non-profit arts and cultural organization based in Hong

Kong. Established in 2015 and as part of The Mills heritage conservation, MILL6 is

currently active with ongoing programs consisting of:

• Collection

• Exhibitions

• Community Engagement

• Learning

• Archive

• Artist-in-Residence

8

THE MILLS SHOPFLOORA landmark for experiential retail, an expression of Hong Kong's evolving

character

Shopfloor is a landmark of learning and experiential retail, where

visitors can engage and explore a world of lifestyle, artisan dining

and makers culture. 139,000 ft² of retail, dining, entertainment and

public areas, including:

• The Hall

• The Deck

• The Park

9

3 MAIN PILLARS OF THE MILLS

A non-profit arts and cultural organization exploring textile

arts, culture, heritage and innovation

A landmark for experiential retail, an expression of Hong

Kong's evolving character

A business incubator and springboard for startups and strategic partners in

the techstyle industry

Social enterprise

Non-profit

Commercial

10

THE MILLS SUMMER PROGRAM 2017It is an opportunity for secondary school students to catch a glimpse of how the “adult world”

works, so they can explore their interests and build skills that put them on the path to success.

Period : June to August 2017

Participants : 25 secondary school students (F.2 to F.5) from 6 schools

Program : Week 1 - Introduces business basics, product production and simple

sales and marketing skills

Week 2 - Mentoring and sharing from The Mills Fabrica team, incubatees and

professionals; visits to various organizations

Week 3 – Sourcing and Making

Week 4 – Final Presentation

PARTNERS

11

FINAL PRESENTATIONGrand Prize Winner - Shau Kei Wan East Government Secondary School

Product : MPB 5.0 - multi-purpose bag

Creative Prize Winner - Hui Chung Sing Memorial School

Product : Ultra Rain Set – rain coat and backpack

Judges and Guests

12

SUMMER PROGRAM FOLLOW UPCrowd funding campaign – start entrepreneurship early

• Take product to market as a real business (project)

• Experience crowd funding as the latest marketing and distribution channel

• Set an example as student entrepreneurs

Please watch out for progress and support!

Kickstarter IndiegogoFringeBacker

13

COMMUNITY AND LEARNING AT MILL6 FOUNDATION

Research

• Focus on textile industry

• Observation of daily social behavior and development of youth

creativity

• Sustainable lifestyle and method

Analysis & Methodology

• Provide platform for multiple stakeholders – users, makers &

inventors to exchange ideas

Long Term Partnership

• From co-learning program to life-long sustainable

development (Individual / Groups)

• Creative and collaborative product development

MILL6’s Role

To facilitate dialogue between local community and public institutions,

through:

About 'Connecting Heung Che’ (aka Project Apron)

14

COMMUNITY AND LEARNING AT MILL6 FOUNDATION

Phase 3: Check-point

'Connecting Heung Che’ – The 4 Phases

Phase 1: Data Collection Phase 2: Design & TrialPhase 4: Final Examination

& Production

1. Heung Che Street Market

site visit

2. First encounter and

interview with

shopkeepers

1. Co-design with shopkeeper

2. Fabric testing and

adjustment

3. Finalize prototype pattern

1. User prototype testing

2. Fabric examination and

adjustment

3. Revise prototype

1. Evaluate apron usage

2. Collect feedback from shopkeepers

3. Adjustment

4. Add automated self-cleaning

treatment

5. Silk-screen printing of shop name

15

COMMUNITY AND LEARNING AT MILL6 FOUNDATION'Connecting Heung Che’ Case Study

Fung Kwai (Vegetable shop)

Design: 4-in-1 multi-functional apron

Technology applied: 4-in-1 multi-functional fabric

Phase 1: Cross back straps; knee length; waterproof fabric for wet environment

Phase 2: Two pockets added upon shopkeeper’s request, one with zipper is a coin

pouch, the other open pocket is for carrying a small knife

16

17

Thank you