Latest news with #FutureImpact
Tatler Asia
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Highlights from Singapore's showcase at Milan Design Week 2025
'Future Impact 3: Design Nation', Singapore's showcase at Milan Design Week 2025, charted the Republic's emergence as a Nation by Design through three compelling acts: reflecting on its past, responding to the present, and reimagining the future Leave it to Singapore to turn a cathedral into a case study in national imagination. Set within the soaring nave of Chiesa di San Bernardino alle Monache—a vaulted church in Milan's Cinque Vie district, once part of a Benedictine convent, now a quietly resonant venue at which sacred architecture often meets contemporary design— Future Impact 3: Design Nation marked Singapore's 2025 return to Milan Design Week with thoughtful ambition. It is one of the many celebrations taking place this year to mark the nation's 60th birthday, Curated by returning duo Tony Chambers and Maria Cristina Didero, with a new associate, Singaporean designer Hunn Wai, the exhibition was structured in three parts that represent Singapore's design journey across time: Little Island of Brave Ideas revisits design's role in nation-building; Future Impact captures current responses to contemporary challenges; and Virtuoso Visionaires projects future possibilities through the work of emerging talents. Read more: 8 most theatrical moments from Milan Design Week 2025 Above The exhibition was held at the Chiesa di San Bernardino alle Monache church Above The three exhibition curators, the returning Maria Cristina Didero (left) and Tony Chambers (right) and this year's newcomer Hunn Wai (middle) Above The Future Impact team in Milan, clockwise from back row left: Werable's Claudia Poh, Nice Project's Sacha Leong, Olivia Lee, Tiah Nan Chyuan from Farm, clinical associate professor Lee Shu Woan from Changi General Hospital, Shi Yanjie from Vouse, Practice Theory's Randy Yeo, Supermama's John Tay, and Bewilder's Ng Sze Kiat Without natural resources, branding has played a crucial role in the Little Red Dot's nation building. Design icons—from internationally recognised symbols like Pierre Balmain's sarong kebaya uniform for Singapore Airlines and the souvenir-spawning Merlion, to hyper-local touchstones like the Courtesy Campaign and the colour-coded hawker centre tableware—have helped define how Singapore is seen from both within and beyond its shores. The first part of the exhibition at Milan Design Week 2025 was a crash course in how design—and successful systems design in particular—has underpinned Singapore's transformation, from pragmatic policies to imaginative placemaking—through visual culture, urban planning, and a future-oriented mindset. Above Kintsugi 2.0 by Supermama at the 'Future Impact 3: Design Nation' exhibition Above Fungariums in Space by Bewilder at the 'Future Impact 3: Design Nation' exhibition Above Pnewmatics by Eian Siew at the 'Future Impact 3: Design Nation' exhibition Above Celia by Kalinda Chen at the 'Future Impact 3: Design Nation' exhibition The second part of the exhibition highlighted eight designers and studios whose work embodied the immediacy of design-led solutions. From inclusive fashion to algorithmic ceramics, and digital healthcare tools to upcycled furniture, these projects grappled with contemporary life—how we move, heal, consume and connect—while experimenting with new materials, systems and modes of making. Highlights included Olivia Lee's Matahari, a terracotta solar cooker that reimagines ancient Southeast Asian cookware to spark reflection on the sun as a futuristic energy source; a digital twin of Changi General Hospital's (CGH) A&E department by Farm, Vouse and CGH, which uses real-time spatial modelling to optimise patient care without putting them at risk; Fungariums in Space by Bewilder, which brings medicinal mushroom cultivation into sleek, stainless-steel biodesign; and Supermama's Kintsugi 2.0, which updates the traditional Japanese craft with 3D-printed gold resin and algorithmic forms, turning broken objects into whole futuristic heirlooms. Above Matahari by Olivia Lee at the 'Future Impact 3: Design Nation' exhibition Above Leave it to Singapore to turn a cathedral into a case study in national imagination The final part of the Singapore exhibition at Milan Design Week 2025 captured the speculative energy of Singapore's emerging design voices. Six young designers presented works that pushed the boundaries of material use, identity, and narrative. These included Pnewmatics by Eian Siew—an exploration of inflatable medical braces and air-based joinery systems that rethink structure, comfort and care; Celia by Kalinda Chen, a mycelium-based air purifier that merges biophilic design with fungal intelligence; and Standard Singlish by CJ Tan, a typographic system that turns colloquial vernacular into structured visual language. Imaginative yet simultaneously grounded, these projects showcased how a new generation is using design to question norms, activate culture and anticipate new modes of living. As co-curator Wai notes: 'Singapore is well-known for thriving through ingenuity and resourcefulness and now, the future lies with the new generation of globally attuned, self-aware innovators who can continue this legacy." Credits
Tatler Asia
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Nation by Design: 5 events to look out for at Singapore Design Week 2025
1. Future Impact 3: Design Nation Above Future Impact will have its highly anticipated homecoming at Singapore Design Week 2025 (Photo: Mark Cocksedge) The third installation of the Future Impact series will be presented at the National Museum of Singapore. Its highly anticipated homecoming follows the showcase's successful outing at Milan Design Week 2025 earlier this year. Presented in three parts that represent Singapore design's past, present and future, the showcase features works that demonstrate how design enhances the world we live in. When: September 11 to November 2 Where: National Museum Singapore 2. Unnatural History Museum of Singapore Above This exhibition reframes the nation's past 60 years of development (Photo: HTX (Home Team Science and Technology Agency)) Led by co-founder and creative director of creative agency Kinetic Singapore Pann Lim, this exhibition reframes the nation's past 60 years of development. Staged at the National Design Centre, explore how the city-state flourishes through deliberate planning and bold design despite the lack of natural resources. Learn about the nation's most curious creations from hybrid flora and robotic fauna to reimagined landscapes. When: September 11 to October 26 Where: National Design Centre 3. The Sausage of the Future: Singapore Edition Above Mortadella with vegetables (Photo: Emile Barret) Making its debut in Asia, this exhibition is designed by Zurich-based Dutch designer and researcher Carolien Niebling's investigation into one of mankind's first-ever designed food. The commission presents various innovative sausages inspired by Singapore's culinary culture and food security needs. The upcoming exhibitions a response to urgent food sustainability challenges such as food waste, biodiversity and preservation. When: September 11 to October 19 Where: Nafa Fashion Gallery, Nafa Campus 2 4. Find — Design Fair Asia Above This fair brings together over 300 local and international design brands (Photo: AlvieAlive) Returning for its fourth edition, this fair brings together over 300 local and international design brands. Happening from September 11 to 13 at Marina Bay Sands, the fair celebrates excellence in furniture, interiors and design. Along with returning showcases from Czech Republic, Thailand, Italy, Singapore and Indonesia, anticipate debuts from Hong Kong and France. Arguably its most successful showcase of Southeast Asia's young furniture designer showcase, Emerge, will be back too with fresh exhibits. When: September 11 to 13 Where: Sands Expo & Convention Centre 5. Design for Care Above Every element in each showcase is curated with both people and the planet in mind Head to Marina Central and find 10 showcases that explore Care as a spatial, social and environmental design practice. From the materials selected to the designs, every element in each showcase is curated with both people and the planet in mind. Along with the showcase, anticipate a program filled with talks, wellness workshops, music festival and more. When: September 11 to 21 Where: Marina Central
Vogue Singapore
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
Meet the trailblazers: Hunn Wai on cultivating the future of Singapore design
When DesignSingapore Council brought the third iteration of its Future Impact showcase to Milan Design Week this year, the exhibition saw the involvement of a Singaporean co-curator for the first time. As the director and co-founder of internationally renowned Singapore-and Milan-based creative studio Lanzavecchia + Wai, Hunn Wai is a prominent name in the design world—a designer, educator and thought leader in the field. Spotlighting future-forward works dreamt up by rising Singaporean creatives in response to today's important global challenges, the exhibition is a reflection and extension of Wai's belief that the most vital designs of all are meaningful ones shaped by intention, authenticity and thoughtfulness. Tell us your origin story. How did you first fall in love with design? I must've been five or six when I declared that I wanted to be a car designer. Even then, I wasn't just interested in how things looked. I was fascinated by why they looked a certain way, and how colours, proportions and forms came together logically and beautifully. Art became a core part of my identity, but pursuing art or design was seen as uncertain and less stable then. I was all set to pursue architecture—what felt like the 'acceptable creative profession'—when I saw that NUS (National University of Singapore) was offering industrial design as a brand-new degree. In my first year there, something clicked. I discovered that design had the vocabulary, the frameworks and the tools to help me make sense of everything I was curious about, from engineering and anthropology to psychology and aesthetics. That was the moment I truly fell in love with design, not just as a profession, but as a philosophy and a way of understanding the world. How has your relationship with design evolved over the years? A pivotal moment came when I pursued my Master's in the Netherlands, at a time when the Droog design movement was making waves globally. Droog, which is Dutch for 'dry', was less about designing for utility and more about embedding narrative and wit into everyday objects. As my practice matured, I sought to combine the two worlds of critical, story-rich design and grounded, user-centred industrial design. In the last 12 years, my connection to design has evolved even further through teaching. I now see design not just as the creation of products, but as the shaping of people: of mindsets, values and ways of seeing. Today, my relationship with design is less about creating more objects, and more about enabling deeper thinking. 'Too often, innovation is framed around metrics, but I believe we also need to design for the spirit of society.' What is the biggest challenge you have faced throughout your career and how did you overcome it? One of the biggest challenges is the ongoing tension of how to make sense of it all while wearing many hats and still staying true to myself. As a designer, studio co-founder, educator, cultural contributor and now curator, the gear- shifting can be creatively energising, but also deeply draining. What helped me begin to overcome this wasn't a single breakthrough, but a series of shifts in mindset and practice. I stopped designing to prove something and started designing to contribute something. I began designing my life with the same care I would apply to a product—protecting deep focus hours, making space for reflection and building teams where strengths complemented each other. Teaching has played a big role in this evolution. Mentoring younger designers reminded me that design isn't just about output. It's about mindset, process and intention. Often, the challenges we face become the tools that make us better collaborators, better thinkers and more grounded human beings. As a leader in the scene, what do you think is the importance of mentorship and building a community? Mentorship is incredibly important to me because the path of a designer is rarely straightforward. It's not just about having a portfolio or a process. It's about how you navigate ambiguity, align your values with your work and sustain yourself emotionally, mentally and creatively through it all. When I mentor, I try to share not just the polished highlights, but the real behind-the-scenes journey which includes messiness, doubt and pivots. As for community, it's everything. Design isn't a solo act. A strong community multiplies intention, energy and impact. It also creates a shared culture where we feel less alone, where we can learn from each other's stories and support each other's growth. Looking forward, what is one change you hope to spark in the design scene in Singapore and how does this align with your vision for the industry? To bring more humanity into the innovation we create in Singapore. Too often, innovation is framed around metrics—productivity gains, KPIs, scale—but I believe we also need to design for the spirit of society. In a world that's rapidly flattening, this kind of cultural nuance and emotional resonance becomes not just valuable, but essential. I want to see more humanistic solutions—those that might make someone pause and say: 'Yes, this reflects who we are' or 'That helps me live more beautifully and thoughtfully'. To make that shift, I believe we need to reinvest in the arts, culture and the social sciences. The future won't be short on technology. But what's at risk of being neglected (because it's harder to measure) is our imagination, emotional intelligence and sense of purpose. My hope is to help shape a design culture in Singapore that values both technical excellence and soulful expression—a culture where innovation is not just about what's next, but about what's meaningful. Pre-order your copy of the Vogue Man 'Gold' issue online or pick it up on newsstands from 13 June 2025.
Korea Herald
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Singapore Marks 60 Years of Design and Innovation at Milan Design Week with the Opening of Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION
14 of Singapore's most forward-looking designers, design studios, and rising talents address contemporary societal needs in a three-part showcase that captures the city-state's vision for innovative design SINGAPORE, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION, presented by DesignSingapore Council has officially opened at Chiesa di San Bernardino alle Monache, located in the historical Cinque Vie district. With 2025 marking 60 years of Singapore's independence, the third instalment of the series – launched in 2023 – explores the country's evolution through the lens of design. With a unique approach that unifies forward-thinking design with innovation and creativity, Singapore has transformed into a successful global economy that is famed for being one of the most seamlessly-designed city-states in the world. Curated by Tony Chambers, Maria Cristina Didero and Singaporean co-curator Hunn Wai of Lanzavecchia + Wai, Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION is a three-part showcase that brings together 14 of Singapore's most forward-looking designers, from established names to rising talents, who are pushing the boundaries of design to enhance the world we live in and how we live in it. Visitors will be taken on a journey through the past, present, and future of Singapore design, beginning with Little Island of Brave Ideas. Tracing design's crucial role in nation-building over the past six decades, the first part of the showcase spotlights key milestones that demonstrate how strategic foresight and meticulous execution have made Singapore a global success story by design. This includes the country's unique public housing system and robust public transport system, to beers brewed from Singapore's reclaimed water and colour-coded plates in hawker centres. The third iteration of the Future Impact series stands as the centrepiece, spotlighting eight works from designers Claudia Poh (Werable), Ng Sze Kiat (Bewilder), Olivia Lee, Randy Yeo (Practice Theory), Sacha Leong (Nice Projects), Wei Xiang, as well as design studio Supermama and a collective formed by FARM, Vouse and Changi General Hospital. The works will reflect how Singapore's leading contemporary designers are creating design-driven solutions to tackle urgent global challenges, while reducing environmental impact and elevating everyday lives. This includes a woven screen designed by Sacha Leong (Nice Projects) in response to overcrowding in cities, to a versatile bag that seamlessly adapts to its users by Claudia Poh (Werable). Design collective FARM, Vouse and Changi General Hospital will present their work on a dynamic digital twin of the hospital's Emergency Department to aid holistic decision-making for enhanced patient care. The influence of Singapore's rich cultural heritage will also be showcased in new works by Supermama, which modernises the traditional Japanese art form of Kintsugi with 3D-printed resin and algorithmic growth patterns, and Olivia Lee, who reimagines the steel solar cooker, commonplace in Southeast Asia, to spark a broader reflection of the Sun's role as a futuristic source of energy. Exploring sustainable methods and materials is Ng Sze Kiat (Bewilder), who presents a new line of Fungariums developed using stainless steel, and the Knots Stool by Wei Xiang that transforms old blankets or curtains into functional furniture with simple knots. Finally, Randy Yeo (Practice Theory) considers Singapore's design identity in the context of its nation-building history and unique blend of culture, manifested in a form of sculptural objects using paper offcuts. "It is with great pride that we bring the third edition of Future Impact to Milan Design Week, to shine a light on the essence of Singapore's unique design DNA with the world. Through each of the eight designers' works, we hope visitors will recognise the important role design plays in shaping the world," said Tony Chambers and Maria Cristina Didero, co-curators for Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION. Looking to the future, the final segment of the three-part showcase, Virtuoso Visionaires demonstrates Singapore's role as a global hub for design, empowering the next generation of designers to think creatively about contemporary challenges and cultural shifts. Works by six emerging design talents will interrogate topics such as leveraging artificial intelligence to redefine Singapore's multicultural identity, an exploration of Singlish (Singaporean Colloquial English), examining post-consumer waste and circular design practices, as well as sustainable designs for living spaces. "I am deeply honoured to be proudly showcasing the design excellence of our Lion City to the world at Milan Design Week. Singapore is well-known for thriving through ingenuity and resourcefulness and now, the future lies with the new generation of globally attuned, self-aware innovators who can continue this legacy," said Hunn Wai, co-curator for Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION. Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION is currently on display within the cathedral setting of Chiesa di San Bernardino alle Monache, located within the Cinque Vie (5vie) district, one of the most vibrant areas for culture and design in central Milan, a short walk from the Duomo. The showcase runs from 8 to 13 April 2025. Alongside the exhibitions, DesignSingapore Council is hosting a series of events throughout the week. These will include daily designer-led activities that are open to the public such as decoding Singlish nuances and fungarium workshops, Live with Monocle, an exclusive live broadcast show with hourly interviews featuring designers and curators as well as evening cocktails, followed by a Singapore-themed Friday Late party to cap off the week. "This special edition of the Future Impact series spotlights Singapore's unique design journey as our nation turns 60. Truly a Nation by Design, Singapore has been transformed by a remarkable attitude and approach to design that is purpose-driven, with people at its centre. Through Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION, visitors will gain insight into Singapore as a global design hub that pioneers solutions for pressing challenges," said Dawn Lim, Executive Director of DesignSingapore Council For full list of designers and their works, refer to Annex A and B here. For images and more information, refer to the press kit here. The DesignSingapore Council's (Dsg's) vision is for Singapore to be an innovation-driven economy and a loveable city by design. As the national agency that promotes design, our mission is to develop the design sector, help Singapore use design for innovation and growth, and make life better in this UNESCO Creative City of Design. Dsg is a subsidiary of the Singapore Economic Development Board.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Singapore Marks 60 Years of Design and Innovation at Milan Design Week with the Opening of Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION
14 of Singapore's most forward-looking designers, design studios, and rising talents address contemporary societal needs in a three-part showcase that captures the city-state's vision for innovative design SINGAPORE, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION, presented by DesignSingapore Council has officially opened at Chiesa di San Bernardino alle Monache, located in the historical Cinque Vie district. With 2025 marking 60 years of Singapore's independence, the third instalment of the series – launched in 2023 – explores the country's evolution through the lens of design. With a unique approach that unifies forward-thinking design with innovation and creativity, Singapore has transformed into a successful global economy that is famed for being one of the most seamlessly-designed city-states in the world. Curated by Tony Chambers, Maria Cristina Didero and Singaporean co-curator Hunn Wai of Lanzavecchia + Wai, Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION is a three-part showcase that brings together 14 of Singapore's most forward-looking designers, from established names to rising talents, who are pushing the boundaries of design to enhance the world we live in and how we live in it. Visitors will be taken on a journey through the past, present, and future of Singapore design, beginning with Little Island of Brave Ideas. Tracing design's crucial role in nation-building over the past six decades, the first part of the showcase spotlights key milestones that demonstrate how strategic foresight and meticulous execution have made Singapore a global success story by design. This includes the country's unique public housing system and robust public transport system, to beers brewed from Singapore's reclaimed water and colour-coded plates in hawker centres. The third iteration of the Future Impact series stands as the centrepiece, spotlighting eight works from designers Claudia Poh (Werable), Ng Sze Kiat (Bewilder), Olivia Lee, Randy Yeo (Practice Theory), Sacha Leong (Nice Projects), Wei Xiang, as well as design studio Supermama and a collective formed by FARM, Vouse and Changi General Hospital. The works will reflect how Singapore's leading contemporary designers are creating design-driven solutions to tackle urgent global challenges, while reducing environmental impact and elevating everyday lives. This includes a woven screen designed by Sacha Leong (Nice Projects) in response to overcrowding in cities, to a versatile bag that seamlessly adapts to its users by Claudia Poh (Werable). Design collective FARM, Vouse and Changi General Hospital will present their work on a dynamic digital twin of the hospital's Emergency Department to aid holistic decision-making for enhanced patient care. The influence of Singapore's rich cultural heritage will also be showcased in new works by Supermama, which modernises the traditional Japanese art form of Kintsugi with 3D-printed resin and algorithmic growth patterns, and Olivia Lee, who reimagines the steel solar cooker, commonplace in Southeast Asia, to spark a broader reflection of the Sun's role as a futuristic source of energy. Exploring sustainable methods and materials is Ng Sze Kiat (Bewilder), who presents a new line of Fungariums developed using stainless steel, and the Knots Stool by Wei Xiang that transforms old blankets or curtains into functional furniture with simple knots. Finally, Randy Yeo (Practice Theory) considers Singapore's design identity in the context of its nation-building history and unique blend of culture, manifested in a form of sculptural objects using paper offcuts. "It is with great pride that we bring the third edition of Future Impact to Milan Design Week, to shine a light on the essence of Singapore's unique design DNA with the world. Through each of the eight designers' works, we hope visitors will recognise the important role design plays in shaping the world," said Tony Chambers and Maria Cristina Didero, co-curators for Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION. Looking to the future, the final segment of the three-part showcase, Virtuoso Visionaires demonstrates Singapore's role as a global hub for design, empowering the next generation of designers to think creatively about contemporary challenges and cultural shifts. Works by six emerging design talents will interrogate topics such as leveraging artificial intelligence to redefine Singapore's multicultural identity, an exploration of Singlish (Singaporean Colloquial English), examining post-consumer waste and circular design practices, as well as sustainable designs for living spaces. "I am deeply honoured to be proudly showcasing the design excellence of our Lion City to the world at Milan Design Week. Singapore is well-known for thriving through ingenuity and resourcefulness and now, the future lies with the new generation of globally attuned, self-aware innovators who can continue this legacy," said Hunn Wai, co-curator for Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION. Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION is currently on display within the cathedral setting of Chiesa di San Bernardino alle Monache, located within the Cinque Vie (5vie) district, one of the most vibrant areas for culture and design in central Milan, a short walk from the Duomo. The showcase runs from 8 to 13 April 2025. Alongside the exhibitions, DesignSingapore Council is hosting a series of events throughout the week. These will include daily designer-led activities that are open to the public such as decoding Singlish nuances and fungarium workshops, Live with Monocle, an exclusive live broadcast show with hourly interviews featuring designers and curators as well as evening cocktails, followed by a Singapore-themed Friday Late party to cap off the week. "This special edition of the Future Impact series spotlights Singapore's unique design journey as our nation turns 60. Truly a Nation by Design, Singapore has been transformed by a remarkable attitude and approach to design that is purpose-driven, with people at its centre. Through Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION, visitors will gain insight into Singapore as a global design hub that pioneers solutions for pressing challenges," said Dawn Lim, Executive Director of DesignSingapore Council *ENDS* For full list of designers and their works, refer to Annex A and B images and more information, refer to the press kit here. About DesignSingapore Council The DesignSingapore Council's (Dsg's) vision is for Singapore to be an innovation-driven economy and a loveable city by design. As the national agency that promotes design, our mission is to develop the design sector, help Singapore use design for innovation and growth, and make life better in this UNESCO Creative City of Design. Dsg is a subsidiary of the Singapore Economic Development Board. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE DesignSingapore Council Sign in to access your portfolio
