Hong Kong’s K11 Group and C Ventures founder Adrian Cheng has been named the first Council of Fashion Designers of America global ambassador.

For the duration of his four-year term, Cheng will be tasked with helping both emerging and established American designers grow internationally. He will also support the CFDA’s educational programmes and help American designers strategically approach the important China market.

“My ambition is to build communities that make a transformative impact through art, culture, architecture, design, heritage, craftsmanship and sustainability,” said Cheng. “So it is an honour to become the CFDA’s first-ever global ambassador to work with them to support, nurture and accelerate the next generations of American fashion talent through a global perspective.”

Adrian Cheng will work with the CFDA  to establish international programs, apprentice programs and scholarships to encourage cross-cultural exchanges and innovative businesses. The ambassadorship is hoped to result in growth for the CFDA throughout the Asian region.