Mr Tung Ching Yew, President, Society of Interior Designers Singapore,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
A very good afternoon to all of you.
Introduction
1. Thank you for the invitation. It's such a delight to see individuals who are passionate in interior design pursuing excellence and their dreams.
2. It gives me great pleasure to be here with you at the Singapore Interior Design Awards (SIDA) 2024 Youth Category Presentation Ceremony. Today, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our young designers.
3. Let me begin by extending my heartfelt congratulations to all the award recipients. This year, we recognise 16 outstanding young talents from six institutions. Each of these youths have demonstrated extraordinary skill, creativity, and a passion for interior design; a testament to the bright future that lies ahead for the world of design.
Sida Youth Excellence Award
4. The SIDA Youth Award was introduced in 2020 to recognise and empower young designers in Singapore and the region. This year marks a significant milestone with the introduction of the new Youth Excellence Award.
5. This prestigious accolade recognises exceptional aspiring interior designers studying at the Institutes of Higher Learning in Singapore, and is a new bursary programme. The inaugural award will see three students awarded $3,000 each. We hope that this supports your journey in pushing the boundaries of design to create spaces that inspire, uplift, and transform people and communities.
Design and Education
6. Good design is not just a good to have, but a necessary differentiating factor in today's economy and society. Design can impact how people feel as well as the wellbeing of individuals.
7. For instance, public spaces like hawker centres can be designed to masterfully blend sustainability with urban heritage. The traditional hawker centre can be reimagined as a vibrant, green hub; the designed layout inviting visitors to engage within the space, through open seating arrangements surrounded by lush greenery to sooth the minds of visitors.
8. Healthcare facilities can also be designed as nurturing and empowering environments, instead of traditional sterile and clinical spaces. At Bishan-Toa Payoh, for example, we are redeveloping the polyclinic and putting it right in the heart of Toa Payoh Park. It is also a wonderful opportunity for interior designers to showcase their talented flair for design. By embracing a colourful design approach, and integrating fun and dynamic elements. Such reimagined spaces can improve the experience of patients and uplift the spirits of those who visit the space.
9. Through thoughtful designs developed by our award recipients, we see how design can be incorporated into our daily lives and benefit the community.
10. Our education system must therefore develop an appreciation for design in our students, and to support budding designers through applied programmes and industry exposure.
11. We have made significant progress in this aspect despite Singapore being a small country with a very small population. I'm very proud of our progress and very thankful for people in this industry for pushing on and driving change. For example, recognising the significance of spatial design, the University of the Arts Singapore (UAS) introduced a new Biophilic Design degree programme this year, which explores the relationship between human wellness and the built environment. Design graduates or mid-career workers who are keen to learn about design, can explore courses for adult learners like Nanyang Polytechnic's Specialist Diploma in Spatial Design or Temasek Polytechnic's Specialist Diploma in Interior Design Practice.
12. There are more pathways and opportunities available in design today, from courses for students who have completed their secondary school education, to those for adult learners. Anyone who dreams of pursuing design can explore their passion at any point throughout their career.
Closing
13. To our Youth Award recipients, you have shown that you are not just the designers of tomorrow but are also the design leaders of today. Your ideas and perspectives are vital in shaping the world around us, and I am confident that you will continue to challenge conventions, break new ground, and leave your mark on the global stage. You are well supported, and we are behind you.
14. I would like to commend the Society of Interior Designers Singapore for their vision and dedication to fostering young talent through this new award category. I am sure this initiative will spark many more young designers in Singapore to pursue design.
15. Congratulations once again, to all our Youth Award recipients. I look forward to seeing the fruits of your creative journeys in the future!
16. Thank you.