The chief designer of the Beijing Olympic torch said yesterday he is looking forward to the arrival of the product of his pet design on Chinese soil after it has traveled thousands of miles from Olympia, Greece.

Yao Yingjia, executive director of Lenovo Innovation Design Center in Beijing, said he will try his best to stay here on Friday to witness the historic moment.

Yao was in Hong Kong yesterday to share his design process of the torch.

The theme of the torch design is "Cloud of Promise" which represents the Chinese culture of nature, harmony and accommodativeness, he explained.

The torch consists of two parts. The color of the upper part is silver while that of the handle is red, a color that is often associated with China, producing a vivid contrast.

"The circles on the upper part symbolize people from various countries coming to the Olympic Games, sharing the Olympic spirit and bringing back that kind of experience to their countries - like clouds gathering together," he said.

The torch resembles a traditional Chinese paper scroll. Paper is one of the four great inventions in ancient China that was spread to the rest of the world along the ancient Silk Road.

The research team decided to cover the torch with rubberized paint so that bearers can feel more of a human-like touch.

Yao disclosed that the winning design, which beat 387 other entries, was by a project team of 34 people, each of them was responsible for different parts of the torch.

"It is a collaborative effort by a team of 34 and that highlights the Olympic spirit," he enthused. Most of the members of the team were not full-time designers. They took part in the design out of their passion for the Olympic Games in their spare time.

When asked how he felt when he saw protestors trying to snatch the torch, he said harmony is the theme of the torch.

"We have used the deep red color for the torch, which denotes warmth, passion and friendship. I believe we have to spread the important message that everybody is welcome to join the Olympic Games," he added.

"I am looking forward to the torch arriving in Hong Kong and expect the torch relay to make everybody fully experience the growing excitement around the Olympic Games."

(HK Edition 04/30/2008 page1)