Launched at the Istana on 14 November 2005 by President S R Nathan and Dr Lee Boon Yang, Minister of Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts, unveiled The President’s Design Award was unveiled as part of the inaugural Singapore Design Festival. The award is the very first award to confer nation-wide recognition for design excellence and is Singapore’s highest honour for its designers and designs under the Patronage of the President. The President’s Design Awards is administered by the DesignSingapore Council and the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

DesignSingapore Council is Singapore’s public organisation for promotion and development of Singapore design to become one of the leading international centres for design creativity. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), on the other hand, is Singapore’s national land use planning authority, organising architecture exhibitions and seminars, as well as design competitions, to create an awareness and appreciation for good design and to encourage greater creativity in design.

Edmund Cheng, chairman of Design Singapore Council stated, “The state of design in Singapore has evolved and watched over the years, and has produced an increasing number of outstanding designers. Beyond the simple and ordinary, the impact of design, coming from the drawing board of a leading designer can be truly extraordinary. Designers translate our dreams and inspirations for a better future into reality,”

The President’s Design Award has two merit-based categories – “Singapore Designers of the Year” and “Singapore Designs of the Year”. This award is Singapore’s most prestigious awards for its designers and designs and recognizes the significant achievements and contributions of the nation’s design talent. Spirit of award encourages design excellence that improves quality of life, enhances human potential and national competitiveness.

This national award will acknowledge the significant contribution of designers to Singapore’s cultural, physical and economic landscape, engender national pride among Singaporeans for outstanding designs, nurture greater public awareness and interest in design and more importantly, to demonstrate the Government’s commitment to foster a creative environment for growth of design development capabilities and promotion of design excellence in Singapore.

Recognising design creativity and designs that will shape our experience of the world to open to all Singapore citizens or permanent residents of Singapore, the deadline for nominations is 15 March 2006 at 5 p.m.

What makes good design magical is its ability to connect emotionally with the world. President’s Design Award Grants is open to award winners. All awarded projects will showcase their works and be community-driven. The International Jury will also be invited to deliver a series of lectures, seminars and workshops. The inaugural President’s Design Award Ceremony and Gala Dinner will be held in November 2006, where the first awards will by conferred by the President.

The Jury Panel comprises of several key industry leaders from various fields (local and international) will be appointed, tailored to the design disciplines of nominations received.

More information can be obtained at DesignSingapore Council.





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