Derek's Story
A LIFE IN ART, MARKETS, AND CULTURAL LEADERSHIP
For more than 30 years, Professor Derek Burton Collins has stood at the intersection of art, culture, exploration, and global engagement. His work has helped define Hong Kong’s emergence as a cultural capital—shaping academic innovation, building international partnerships, and opening doors for dialogue between some of the world’s most influential institutions, collectors, scholars, and visionaries.
With an approach grounded in intellectual depth and global curiosity, Derek brings together the worlds of heritage, conservation science, art markets, and cultural diplomacy. He is committed to fostering connections that elevate Hong Kong’s cultural landscape while inspiring the next generation of leaders, researchers, and creative thinkers. His career reflects not only administrative leadership, but a genuine dedication to expanding the role of art and culture in shaping society.
MILESTONES AND MOMENTS
He works with some of the most exclusive institutions and individuals who share an interest in the commercial and aesthetic value of art, a commitment to cultural heritage, and the preservation of historical treasures. His ability to navigate both the academic and commercial worlds of art has positioned him as a trusted advisor and advocate.
Professor Derek Burton Collins is an accomplished public speaker and trusted advisor with over thirty years of experience working at the intersection of culture, education, and international engagement.
He is available for speaking engagements, consultancy, and advisory work, offering thoughtful perspectives shaped by extensive experience across Asia and long-standing relationships with institutions, industry leaders, and cultural organisations.
Widely regarded as a connector, Derek maintains deep networks across Hong Kong, the Philippines, mainland China, and the wider Asia-Pacific region. His work spans multiple sectors, including manufacturing, shipping, media, and the arts—bringing people, ideas, and opportunities together across borders.
Derek’s speaking and consultancy work focuses on fostering strategic acquisitions of art, fostering dialogue, building meaningful partnerships, and creating long-term cultural and strategic impact.
- NOVEMBER 2025
Launches a landmark collaboration in art conservation, establishing a major partnership between HKU, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, and the LCSD Conservation Office to advance conservation science across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.
- October 2024
Co-presented “The Art of Time” with Thomas Perazzi of Phillips Watches (Bacs & Russo), tracing the connections between influential artists and the watches they collected.
- May 2024
Featured as a guest panelist at Phillips’ Basquiat’s World, joining leading voices to explore Jean-Michel Basquiat’s enduring legacy and the significance of one of his major works offered in Hong Kong.
- January 2024
Appointed Founding Director of the Wong How Man Centre for Exploration, leading initiatives in global discovery, conservation, and cultural exchange, and hosting figures such as Dr. Jane Goodall.
- JulY 2023
Assumes the role of Associate Vice-President (Cultural and External Affairs) at HKU, strengthening global cultural partnerships and expanding Hong Kong’s international presence in heritage and the arts.
- 2015 — Jun 2023
Serves as Dean of the Faculty of Arts at HKU, guiding one of Asia’s leading arts faculties and expanding interdisciplinary research, international collaboration, and humanities leadership.
Everything you
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Derek combines creativity with purpose — every project is built on authenticity, storytelling, and attention to detail that makes each result stand out.
Absolutely. Derek believes every client and brand has a unique story, so each project is tailored to match your goals, tone, and vision.
Through a mix of experience, precision, and passion. Each step — from concept to delivery — goes through a refined creative process to maintain top quality.
Yes! Derek values long-term partnerships and offers flexible options for continuous projects or content collaborations.
our latest news
COLLECTING WITH INSIGHT: PHOTOGRAPHY, PRINTS & EDITIONS
COLLECTING WITH INSIGHT: PHOTOGRAPHY, PRINTS & EDITIONS COLLECTING WITH INSIGHT: PHOTOGRAPHY, PRINTS & EDITIONS Derek hosted a lively panel for Phillips, bringing together collectors, curators, and design experts to...
A GLOBAL CLASSROOM AT TEFAF 2025
A GLOBAL CLASSROOM AT TEFAF 2025 A GLOBAL CLASSROOM AT TEFAF 2025 For the first time, Derek Collins led a group of Museum Studies master’s students from The University...
AT THE FOREFRONT OF ART BUSINESS
AT THE FOREFRONT OF ART BUSINESS AT THE FOREFRONT OF ART BUSINESS Derek Collins recently attended The Art Business Conference in New York, where thought leaders from across the...
ART MEETS SCIENCE AT HKU
The Art Business Conference ART MEETS SCIENCE AT HKU On behalf of HKU’s Museum Studies programme, Derek Collins recently hosted a thought-provoking conversation at the University Museum and Art...