Posted By admin on July 6, 2010

The following article was originally published in The Straits Times on Wednesday, 30 June 2010.

Alliance will give local design scene a boost overseas

By Francis Chan

DESIGNERS from disciplines ranging from architecture to fashion and advertising have banded together to drive the local design scene towards greater global recognition.

Yesterday, eight design-related industry organisations came together to launch DesignS, an initiative to create a platform for closer coordinated design work here. Acting Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts Lui Tuck Yew, who was guest of honour at the launch at Lasalle College of the Arts, said the move was timely and relevant.

‘The convergence of design across the various design disciplines provides more opportunities for designers to collaborate and encourage a cross-pollination of ideas and concepts,’ said Rear-Admiral (NS) Lui.

The DesignS alliance consists of the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Singapore, Designers Association Singapore, Interior Design Confederation (Singapore), Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC), Singapore Institute of Architects, Singapore Institute of Landscape Architects, Singapore Institute of Planners and the Textile and Fashion Federation.

The initiative is also supported by the DesignSingapore Council, an agency set up in 2003 to promote and develop Singapore design.

‘With design, and not just design, but design with a strategic and cross-disciplinary approach, different sectors beyond the design industry will benefit from DesignS’ unique propositions and offer advantages for businesses,’ said DesignSingapore Council director Jeffrey Ho.

He added that with more than 46,000 design professionals here, Singapore can be a ‘one-stop shop’ for businesses seeking consortiums with different design disciplines.

DesignS chairman Tai Lee Siang said the partners will draw inspiration from Singapore’s multi-lingual culture and its status as a business hub, to connect with the rest of the world and bring together the best of East and West.

‘We certainly have the talent in Singapore and I am confident we will continue to see more outstanding designs in all areas,’ he said.

Singapore-based designers like Mr Ben Wu, who runs fashion label benWU, said the initiative will go a long way towards helping local designers establish a reputation overseas.

‘In a global or regional context, we sometimes face challenges as a lesser-known brand from a ‘little country’,’ said Mr Wu, a designer for more than 20 years. ‘But as a group, we would probably get better leverage and credibility.’

DesignS will be at the Shanghai World Expo 2010 in September to showcase about 40 works from the eight partners.

Yesterday, the SFIC hosted the 2010 Push showcase, an annual DesignS event to acknowledge and reward talented designers within the alliance.

franchan@sph.com.sg

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