The five "pillars" of discussion this year are: Brand Transformation, Culture and the City, Metaverse and Metaliving, New Urban Models, and Social Design Innovation.

For Eric Yim, chairman of BODW, the event is an opportunity to help people "stay ahead of design and innovation trends" as they make use of "a platform for meaningful collaboration and exchange of ideas".

"Design is much more than beautification: It shapes users' experiences, and brings social and economic value," says Yim. "Our hope is that our 2022 theme will inspire designers to consider their entire process, from cradle to grave, and create products and systems that can be instrumental in fostering a sustainable ecosystem and better livelihood for our people and planet.

"We live in an age of exciting technological innovation, and there's no better time to start changing our practices for the better."