Mr. Le Ba Ngoc is a visionary leader in Vietnam’s craft and design sector, with more than three decades of experience driving innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration. Holding a PhD in design services for craft villages, he has dedicated his career to empowering artisans, strengthening rural economies, and positioning Vietnamese handicrafts on the global stage. He is the Founder and President of the International One Village One Product Partnerships (IOVOP), where he directs initiatives across 22 member countries to expand the One Village One Product Movement. As Vice-President of the Vietnam Handicraft Exporters Association, he represents nearly 1,000 member companies, mobilizing government and international resources to support sustainable craft development. Mr. Ngoc has spearheaded groundbreaking projects, including the creation of Vietnam’s National Bamboo Creativity Center, the development of blockchain-based traceability platforms for OCOP products, and the world’s first VR/AR trade promotion platform for crafts. Recognized with numerous awards, including the Hiramatsu International Award, Mr. Ngoc continues to be a driving force in shaping the future of crafts and rural development internationally.

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Jude van der Merwe

President, WCC Asia Pacific Region

Ms. Jude van der Merwe is a distinguished curator, consultant, and cultural leader with over 35 years of experience in the visual arts and cultural sector. Awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2022 for her services to the arts, she has played a pivotal role in shaping exhibition development, cultural policy, and public art initiatives across Australia and internationally. She is the founding partner and co-curator of the Indian Ocean Craft Triennial (IOTA), fostering collaborations between artists and artisans from Australia and Southeast Asia. Currently serving as President of both the World Crafts Council Asia Pacific Region and the World Crafts Council Australia, Ms. van der Merwe continues to champion craft and cultural exchange on a global stage. Her career includes leadership roles such as Executive Director of Artsource and Director of Mundaring Arts Centre.

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Profile Spotlight

Aidarkhan Kaliyev

Founder, Aspara Fashion Week

Aidarkhan Kaliyev is a distinguished Kazakh designer and educator, widely recognized as the founder of the Neo-Folklore style in Kazakhstan’s fashion industry. Over the course of more than four decades, he has combined artistry, cultural preservation, and education to elevate Kazakh traditions on the global stage. As the driving force behind Aspara Fashion Week, which has hosted over 600 designers from more than 50 countries, Kaliyev has positioned Kazakhstan as a hub of intercultural exchange. He also leads Aspara College of Fashion Art and Business, a pioneering institution that has trained more than 1,000 designers and creative professionals since 1999. His contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Ibrai Altynsarin Medal (2019) and the Academician title of the National Academy of Design of Kazakhstan (2021).

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Profile Spotlight

Aziz Murtazaev

Manager, Handicraft Development Centre

Aziz Murtazaev is an accomplished manager and development specialist from Uzbekistan, with extensive experience in the fields of handicraft production, microfinance, and international project management. He currently serves as Manager at the Handicraft Development Centre established by UNESCO and the “Hunarmand” Association, where he oversees the production of ikat and other traditional crafts. Mr. Murtazaev’s career spans roles in both the private and non-governmental sectors. Academically, Mr. Murtazaev holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Kyrgyz–Uzbek University. Fluent in Uzbek, Russian, and English, he brings strong multilingual and intercultural communication skills to his work. Aziz Murtazaev exemplifies the integration of cultural heritage promotion with modern business and development practices.

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