Growth Ring: Empowering Wood Upcycling through Training and Innovation | Apprenticeship Training Programme 2026Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden

The majority of Hong Kong's vegetation is characterised by secondary forests that have emerged since the Second World War. Many of these areas were planted with non-native species, such as Taiwan Acacia and Slash Pine, as part of post-war rapid greening initiatives. As these trees have aged over the decades, they now present a valuable opportunity to enhance our local ecology by cultivating native species. Our routine tree management involves the pruning and removal of select trees. The timber harvested from these forests bears the unique imprint of our local environment, and rather than viewing this wood as waste, we are committed to its preservation. Through our Wood Recycling Programme, we process the substantial volume of wood generated from our daily operations, repurposing it as an agricultural resource. Larger timber sections are utilised as materials for on-site facilities and nature-based art, and they form the foundation of Growth Ring: Empowering Wood Upcycling through Training and Innovation.

Inspired by the classic text Zhuangzi, in which the master craftsman Qing must first "enter the mountain forest to observe the inherent nature" of the wood before creating his exquisite works, we aim to cultivate a new generation of artisans. This programme is designed for those with an interest in natural craftsmanship and seeks to promote the wisdom of "working in harmony with nature". The curriculum begins with sessions led by experts from our Flora Conservation Department, providing participants with a deep understanding of various tree species and their properties. They will then trace the journey of the wood, from the living tree through the processes of felling and drying, to its transformation into usable timber. The woodworking part of the course is taught by experienced local craftsmen who offer instructions from foundational skills to advanced techniques in general woodworking, traditional furniture making, and wood carving. The latter two are recognised as Hong Kong's Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is our hope that through your hands, this programme will breathe new life into both our local timber and these treasured traditions.

Upon completion, a culminating exhibition will showcase the creativity and skill of the participants and their mentors. Graduates will then enter an apprenticeship at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG), undertaking roles as teaching assistants and workshop assistants to gain practical experience. After completing the required teaching hours and demonstrating a high level of proficiency, apprentices will have the opportunity to become certified instructors, qualified to lead their own courses at KFBG. This completes a virtuous cycle rooted in our philosophy of "holistic education". Our ultimate aim is to nurture not merely skilled artisans, but co-creators with a profound understanding of the natural world, a deep sense of stewardship for the land, and the ability to build a sustainable future with their own hands.

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Instructors

Master Lam Che
Master Lam's journey in woodworking began in the 1980s. Driven by a profound passion for timber, he transitioned from his initial work in interior renovation to focus on artistic wood creation. He founded Artisan Workshop and Che Artisan Workshop and contributes his skills to numerous art projects. Troubled by the common practice of discarding high-quality wood as construction waste, he was inspired to begin salvaging these materials. He now specialises in transforming reclaimed timber into new furniture, breathing new life into forgotten wood.
In this course, he will share insights from his diverse portfolio of projects and teach advanced woodworking techniques. He will guide apprentices as they use power tools to construct medium-sized pieces featuring traditional mortise and tenon joinery.

Master Siu Ping-Keung
A venerable master of wood carving, Master Siu hails from a family of artisans and has dedicated over six decades to his craft. He possesses an encyclopaedic knowledge of deity carving and the history of local wood sculpture. At the age of eight, he began his apprenticeship under his father, Siu Yu Cheong, and as a natural successor, he later took over the family business – Hop Keung Cheong Kee. He is renowned for carving household deities for Hong Kong's boat-dwelling communities and creating intricate dragon and phoenix motifs for countless restaurants, leaving an indelible mark on the city's folk art heritage.
In this course, he will explore the profound relationship between traditional wood carving, religion, and Chinese culture, while instructing participants in the foundational techniques of the craft.

Mr Jacky Lam
Jacky Lam was born and raised in Hong Kong. He holds a BFA in Theatre and Entertainment Arts from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and an MA in Visual Arts from Hong Kong Baptist University. Currently a university technical officer, he has taught at various institutions and actively engages in craft education and practice. His work spans woodworking, sculpture, and lacquer art, integrating mechanical processes to explore the contemporary transformation of traditional craftsmanship. His work has been exhibited in Hong Kong and London.
He will instruct participants in fundamental woodworking techniques, guiding them to use hand tools – starting with the essentials of marking and sawing – to construct introductory projects featuring mortise and tenon joinery.

More Details: https://www.kfbg.org/en/events/growth-ring-empowering-wood-upcycling-through-training-and-innovation-apprenticeship-training-programme-2026