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Tell us more about yourself, and what does design mean to you?

I started in industrial design before expanding into the broader discipline of experience design, eventually working at the intersection of UX, strategy and branding. Now I lead the consumer banking design team at DBS.

For me, design is about storytelling—crafting narratives through visuals, interactions and experiences to shape behaviour and influence outcomes. It’s about creating solutions that resonate and making a tangible difference, subtly guiding users toward better and more intuitive experiences.

Design also has a unique way of aligning teams, bringing diverse perspectives together to work toward a shared vision that serves both users and the business.

What do you see as the next big evolution for design?

The next big leap is design becoming even more embedded in AI and automation. Design will shift from crafting individual products to shaping adaptive, predictive systems. Personalisation at scale will play a key role and the challenge will be to balance data-driven decisions with empathy.

Designers will need to orchestrate experiences across areas like finance, healthcare and education—spaces where real-time adaptation can make a significant impact.

What drives you to push the boundaries of design in a structured industry like banking?

Banking has many opportunities to drive meaningful change. I’m driven by the challenge of making complex systems intuitive and customer-first. The satisfaction comes from solving the tension between regulations, business goals and user needs.

How do you promote a design thinking mindset across multidisciplinary teams that might not have a design background?

I focus on building trust and encouraging collaboration through open discussions, workshops and shared goals. When teams see design as a collaborative process rather than a handoff, it creates alignment and fosters a shared sense of purpose.

What is one design tool you cannot live without?

I don’t like getting too dependent on any single tool, but one ‘tool’ that I find incredibly powerful is rapid prototyping. It’s a powerful way to learn early and fast. By putting ideas into tangible form, you quickly uncover issues, test solutions and refine concepts.

It turns abstract thinking into actionable insights, helps in aligning teams and moves projects forward with confidence.

Who is your favourite designer and why?

It’s hard to choose, but I’d have to say Jonathan Ive. His ability to blend industrial, digital and experiential design into iconic, ownable experiences is inspiring. His work is thoughtful, refined, seamlessly integrating form and function.

More than that, Ive’s designs have shaped culture—setting new standards for how products feel, look and function, influencing not just industries but the way people interact with technology in their daily lives.

If you could turn back time, what advice would you give to your younger self?

I’d tell myself to embrace failure earlier. I spent too much time trying to get things perfect the first time, but design is iterative—it’s about learning and evolving. Also, I’d remind myself to take care of my health. The work will always be there, but if you burn out, you’re no good to your team or yourself.

1. Tell us more about you — what inspired you to focus on Motion Graphics and 3D Animation?
   Well, I initially delved into character animation, which is a super specialized role. Over time, I found myself yearning for a position that had a broader scope in projects. That’s when motion design caught my attention. Given its rising popularity, it seemed like a wise move to transition into that field and looking back, I still feel confident in that decision!
   
   
2. Which design software or tool do you prefer the utmost?
   I wouldn’t say I have a favorite tool because I use whatever allows me to complete a project. However, Adobe After Effects holds a special place in my heart because I’ve been using it for the longest time.
   
   
3. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends?
   To be honest, I’m not someone who intentionally keeps up with trends. For example, I’m still not on TikTok. However, I find that I’m naturally updated on new design aesthetics and ideas because I consume art and design content daily. We’re in an awesome time where people are constantly creating mind-blowing and innovative things, and I love stumbling upon these works.
   
   
4. What’s the biggest learning experience you’ve had?
   Freelancing, which is my current journey. Being self-taught, it has been a quite a struggle, and if I were to think of myself as a product, I’d currently be a failure. But I’m hopeful that with constant failure, I’ll keep iterating on myself until I become a great product. As James Dyson said, “Failure is the only way to progress.”
   
   
5. What is your guilty pleasure?
   Anime and manga. But please don’t recommend any new ones because once I start, I can’t stop. My most recent anime was Ousama Ranking and it made me cry a lot. And if I were to recommend any, it would definitely be the Manga – Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction.
   
   
6. What is your favorite thing about motion graphics?
   I really appreciate that now, any form of a moving picture is considered motion design, and the doors are wide open for anyone to join in. With the accessibility of motion design tools, literally “anyone can cook.”
   
   
7. What made you join our Portfolio & Career Advisory night?
   I’m in the midst of transitioning into a career in UX design, and the Portfolio & Career Advisory night was a great opportunity to join a design community and learn from industry veterans. It absolutely delivered! 
   

1. Tell us more about LOPELAB — what inspired you to start the company and what were your primary goals? 
   
   In 2013, my PR application was approved. I realised that I had gained the freedom to invest my time in a more purpose-driven way, and to make an impact on Singapore and the world.
   
   With this newfound sense of purpose, I left my corporate job and embarked on a transformative journey. After a year of exploring and learning, I founded LOPELAB – a design consultancy that blends urban design with social ideas to create a more enjoyable and sustainable city. My ultimate goal is to create a better world for everyone, and to make a positive impact on the planet. With LOPELAB, I am able to pursue my passion for design and social responsibility, and inspire others to join me on this incredible journey.
   
   
2. Share with us a project that you’re particularly proud of. 
   
   It’s difficult to choose just one project as I’ve had the privilege of working on so many amazing initiatives. From developing innovative plans for the future of the Youth area in Singapore (Somerset Belt), to transforming the Central Business District (Raffles Place) into the vibrant Central Buzz District, I had many opportunities to be a part of transformative work. However, if I had to pick just one project that stands out in my mind, it would be the Urban Design Festival in 2019 – a truly inspiring initiative that embodies our vision of reclaiming underutilised urban spaces and giving them back to the people and communities they serve.
   
   After more than two years of hard work and dedication, we were able to transform the top two floors of an underutilised carpark into a thriving hub of activity. The festival featured talks, exhibitions, concerts, workshops, and a whole host of other activities, including a roller disco skate rink and a pop-up rooftop restaurant.
   
   It was a true celebration of community, creativity, and the power of design to transform spaces and bring people together. Looking back on that project, I feel a deep sense of pride and inspiration, knowing that we were able to create something truly special and impactful for the people of Singapore.
   
   
3. In your view, what are the key trends or shifts in urban design in the coming years? How has LOPELAB adapted to these changes? 
   
   There will be a continued emphasis on technology and its integration into urban design in the coming years. LOPELAB has adapted by exploring the potential of new technologies such as Blockchain, NFT, and AI, and has even developed a new methodology that leverages people’s needs and technology.
   
   It’s important for urban designers to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in order to create innovative and effective solutions for the future.
   
   
4. What advice would you give to a young designer or entrepreneur who just starting out in the industry? 
   
   My advice would be to stay hungry, humble, and to keep an open mind to new opportunities and ideas. The world of design and entrepreneurship is constantly evolving, and it’s important to stay alert and be willing to adapt to changing circumstances.
   
   One of the best ways to learn and grow as a designer or entrepreneur is to seek out mentors and role models who can offer guidance and inspiration. Learn from the masters, but don’t be afraid to develop your own unique perspective and vision.
   
   Another key piece of advice is to focus on gaining a broad range of experiences. Try new things, test new ideas, and don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is an important part of the learning process, which teaches you valuable lessons that will help you grow and evolve as a designer or entrepreneur.
   
   Remember that success is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the challenges and setbacks along the way, and stay true to your passion and purpose. With hard work, determination, and willingness to learn and grow, you can achieve great things in the world of design and entrepreneurship.
   
   
5. Looking ahead, what are some of the biggest challenges or opportunities that you see for LOPELAB in the next 3-5 years? How do you plan to address them? 
   
   The next few years are sure to bring both challenges and opportunities for LOPELAB. With the world changing at an unprecedented pace, we must be ready to adapt and evolve our approach to meet the needs of our clients and our community.
   
   Despite the challenges, I see a world of possibility ahead. In every crisis, there are opportunities to innovate, to find new solutions, and create a better world for all of us. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Out of adversity comes opportunity.” (who was probably inspired by ancient Chinese philosophy “opportunities often arise from crisis.”!)
   
   At LOPELAB, we will be embracing these challenges head-on, by staying curious, connected to our community, and open to new ideas and approaches.
   
   The future may be uncertain, but we are excited to meet the challenges ahead and to create a brighter, more sustainable future for us all.
   
   
6. Do you have any role models that you look up to?  
   
   There’s one figure in particular who stands out to me as a true pioneer in the field of human-centered design and placemaking – Professor Jan Gehl. Professor Gehl’s approach to urban design is about putting people first. He recognises that our cities and public spaces should be designed to meet the needs and desires of the people who inhabit them, rather than simply serving the needs of cars and commerce.
   
   Like Professor Gehl, I’m passionate about observing how people move and interact in urban spaces, and how design can be used to create more livable and vibrant communities. His work has been my constant source of inspiration, and strive to incorporate his principles into my own design process. Ultimately, my goal as a designer is to create not only beautiful and functional spaces, but that truly enhance the lives of the people who use them.
   
   
7. What is a perfect weekend for you? 
   
   For me, a perfect weekend is all about balance – balancing time with friends, time for myself, and time with my family. It’s a chance to recharge my batteries, reconnect with the people I love, and experience new adventures.
   
   Friday nights are all about winding down from the week and catching up with friends. Whether it’s having dinner at a new restaurant or just relaxing with a few drinks, it’s a chance to decompress and enjoy some good company.
   
   On Saturdays, I enjoy activities that nurture my body and soul. It might be going for a long bike ride, catching some waves while surfing, or going for a jog with my dog -Maxwell. Whatever the activity, it’s a chance to push myself physically and clear my mind.
   
   Sundays, on the other hand, are all for my family. I love exploring the great outdoors with my wife and daughter, discovering new hiking trails, and experiencing new adventures together. Whether it’s a day trip to the beach or a visit to a local nature reserve, it’s a chance to create memories that will last a lifetime.
   
   
8. How do you overcome creative blocks? 
   
   Creative blocks can be frustrating, but I’ve found that the best way to overcome them.
   
   I disconnect from my work and reconnect with nature. There’s something magical about being outside, surrounded by the beauty of the world around us. It can get the creative juices flowing.
   
   One of my favorite ways is through exercising – swimming, jogging, or cycling are great ways to get the blood pumping. Reading can often lead to unexpected insights and creative solutions.
   

1) Tell us more about GramVideos – What is your firm’s focus within video production and what led your firm to have such a focus?

Gram is in the persuasion business. We lead corporate communication solutions by integrating proven business frameworks with our creative minds. While many companies in this industry focus on creating over the top visuals, we believe in developing communication solutions through the use of videos.  

Educators at heart, our mission is to make complex, “boring” topics more interesting and accessible to everyone!

Among your firm’s achievements, which one(s) are you the most proud of?

The Gram fam culture, where everyone is a Gram champ!

We have a pretty strong mentorship culture within Gram, which permeates into every facet of the corporate DNA – everyone learns constantly from one another, and grows together as a Gram Family.

Fill in the blank: The future of animation is _________.? 

M: …Limitless.

JY: …Awesome!

Animation continues to be one of the most versatile, multi-faceted and nuanced disciplines out there, with the potential to enrich every area of the media industry. Emerging fields like AI, blockchain, NFTs, and metaverse have a natural synergy with the field of animation, and will continue to be shaped by the advancements of technology and creativity in this field. 

For instance, when my design team is busy, I can use AI-enabled technology to generate content for my pitches, and even beautify this otherwise wordy document, literally within seconds! Unlike naysayers who worry that creatives will one day become obsolete – I feel AI will just become another tool that good creatives can use at their disposal. If you look into the technology driving generative AI-art, they are aggregating artworks that were created by humans, which will not make sense without the human element.