HKMU student turns Stitch concept into Disney merchandise line

Hong Kong Metropolitan University student Chloe Tong Tsam-yu has developed a Stitch-themed merchandise collection during an internship with Hong Kong Disneyland, in a project described by the South China Morning Post as a creative route from student work to commercial design. Tong, who studies Creative Advertising and Media Design, entered an illustration contest organised by Hong Kong Disneyland last summer. The prize included an internship, and she was selected as the winner.

During the placement, she worked with the resort’s merchandise team on products including plush key chains, water bottles, postcards, pouches and T-shirts. She chose Stitch as the central character because of her long-standing connection with the story of Stitch and Lilo. Tong developed a concept called “Stitch Up the Spring”.

The story involved Stitch searching for a missing key that could restore spring to a forest. She said the character’s association with mending and companionship had personal meaning for her. Justin Chan Wai-yin, Hong Kong Disneyland’s Merchandise Operations Integration Manager, said the resort gave Tong room to explore a new interpretation of Stitch.

Sammi Yuen Wan-kiu, her direct supervisor, said she contributed to every stage of the work, from the initial concept to product design, during the two-month internship. Yuen said Tong became more confident during the placement and eventually presented the product line to colleagues at a departmental meeting. Tong also described seeking feedback on design decisions, including the clothing created for the character, before settling on a bow tie for Stitch.

The resort said part of the proceeds from merchandise connected to the project had been donated to HKMU to establish a scholarship supporting talent development. After the internship, Hong Kong Disneyland offered Tong a part-time role. She said the experience strengthened her ambition to design original characters.