The design industry is at a crossroads. With artificial intelligence rapidly changing how creative work is done and economic uncertainty forcing businesses to rethink their priorities, the role and value of design is under pressure. Not because design no longer matters, but because how it’s seen, used, and measured is changing fast.

Earlier this year in January, an informal poll on the DesignSG Telegram group with over 200 respondents revealed just how real the struggle is. Nearly 30% of designers who responded said they had been out of work for at least 3 months. Even more concerning was how over 1 in 5 said they had been out of work for 6 months or more. This reflects a deeper unease about the future of the profession and growing uncertainty about where designers fit in an ever-shifting landscape.

For newly elected President of the Design Business Chamber Singapore, Hong Khai Seng, these numbers reflected what many in the community were already feeling and experiencing. This crisis is a chance to recalibrate and reconnect with those in the design sector.

For Mr Hong, the crisis is also a chance to recalibrate. That is why DBCS organised an Industry Dialogue: Designing for Value in an Uncertain World, which was held in tandem with the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting on May 28, 2025.

Joining Khai Seng were panellists Mrs Tan-Soh Wai Lan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of University of the Arts Singapore (UAS), Mr Mark Law, Executive Director, Head of Design for Consumer Banking at DBS Bank and Ms Dawn Lim, Executive Director of SingaporeDesign Council.

Together, the four discussed the role of design amid a myriad of disruptions and how designers can demonstrate real, strategic value in their work and organisations today.

In the audience were leaders such as Tiah Nan Chyuan, President of the Singapore Institute of Architects, Vaanathi Rajandran, Deputy Director of Partnerships & Professional Development from Temasek Polytechnic’s School of Design and KC Yong, User Experience Leader in Dell Singapore and President of Human Factors & Ergonomics Society of Singapore, along with over 60 other guests from across the design ecosystem.

One major theme that came up was artificial intelligence. The panel agreed that while AI can handle routine tasks, it cannot replace human insight. As Dawn echoed a sentiment which she shared, “Artificial intelligence is best paired with traditional wisdom.”

Mark pointed out that although AI can generate large volumes of ideas, it still takes human judgment to choose, refine, and guide those ideas in the right direction. This shift also means design education needs to evolve. It should place less emphasis on tools and more on developing creative leadership and critical thinking.

The conversation also touched on a familiar tension in Singapore: the perception that a focus on predictability stifles creativity. Wai Lan disagreed. She shared that many younger designers are already applying design to solve complex, real-world challenges. Creativity is alive and well. It just needs more space to thrive.

Another recurring challenge is getting design recognised at the leadership level. As business priorities shift, design is sometimes seen as expendable. But instead of backing away, Dawn encouraged designers to step up. That means learning how to speak the language of business, managing stakeholders well, and showing how design delivers tangible results.

The Industry Dialogue was more than a panel discussion. It marked a meaningful step forward for DBCS and the broader design community. With a renewed focus under Khai Seng’s leadership, the goal is to build a stronger, more connected, and future-ready industry. His new vision for DBCS is focused on three areas. First, connecting across sectors and communities. Second, creating opportunities for designers to grow into leadership roles. And third, supporting the “diamonds”, the often-overlooked mid-career talents who are essential to the industry’s future.

In a time of uncertainty, the real strength of design may lie in its ability to ask better questions, challenge the way things are, and imagine what could be. Let’s not stop here. 

Drop us an email at info@dbcsingapore.org if you have questions or wish to explore other pressing issues impacting designers and design-led businesses.

SINGAPORE – [28 May 2025] – The Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) and Consulus, a global creative change consultancy, today announced a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening Singapore’s design industry through enhanced business advisory, capability transformation, and internationalization initiatives.

Under this landmark collaboration, Consulus will serve as the Global Knowledge Partner for DBCS, bringing its extensive expertise in business strategy, design thinking, and organizational development to benefit DBCS members and the wider Singapore design community.

A key development within this partnership is that Consulus will also manage the DBCS secretariat, ensuring streamlined operations and a dedicated focus on driving the chamber’s strategic objectives. In this role, Consulus will particularly emphasize the integration of sustainability principles across all DBCS initiatives and within the Singapore design industry.

This partnership will focus on several key areas:

• Business Advisory and Capability Transformation: Consulus will work closely with DBCS to develop and implement tailored business advisory and capability transformation services for design firms in Singapore. This will include workshops, masterclasses, and one-on-one consultations to help design businesses enhance their operational efficiency, strategic planning, and overall competitiveness.
• Global Internationalization Program: Leveraging Consulus’ global network and experience in market entry and brand building, this partnership will significantly bolster DBCS’ internationalization program. Consulus will support DBCS in building its global presence through:
  • Global Events: Collaborating on and participating in international design events, trade shows, and conferences to showcase Singaporean design talent and capabilities.
  • Awards and Recognition: Developing and promoting international award platforms and recognition programs to elevate the profile of Singaporean design firms and their projects on the global stage.
  • Standards and Best Practices: Working together to establish and promote international design standards and best practices, further positioning Singapore as a hub for design excellence.

“This partnership with Consulus marks a pivotal moment for the Design Business Chamber Singapore,” said Su Eing, President of DBCS. “As we strive to elevate the Singapore design industry, having a global knowledge partner like Consulus will be invaluable. Their deep understanding of business transformation and internationalization will empower our members to not only thrive domestically but also compete effectively on a global scale. This collaboration will be instrumental in building a stronger, more resilient, and globally recognized Singapore design ecosystem.”

Mr. Lawrence Chong, CEO of Consulus, added, “We are honored to be the Global Knowledge Partner for the Design Business Chamber Singapore. This partnership is a testament to the shared vision of elevating the strategic value of design and fostering a culture of innovation and global competitiveness. We look forward to working closely with DBCS and its members to equip them with the necessary tools and insights to navigate complex global markets, drive meaningful transformation, and establish Singaporean design as a leading force internationally.”

This strategic alliance underscores a shared commitment to nurturing a vibrant and globally connected design industry in Singapore, fostering innovation, and creating new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

About Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS): Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) is the nation’s leading multidisciplinary design chamber, advocating Better Business by Design since 1985. Bringing together business leaders, designers and academia, DBCS drives innovation and champions design as a catalyst for sustainable growth and social good. Through cross-industry partnerships and global connections, DBCS elevates professional standards and creates business opportunities. We also run key programmes such as the Singapore Good Design Awards (SG Mark) and Singapore Design Awards (SDA), which further support and celebrate excellence in design. Learn more at dbcsingapore.org.

About Consulus: Founded in Singapore in 2004, Consulus is a global creative change firm working with persons, organisations, and cities in their transfiguration toward an Economy of Communion. With a presence in 23 countries, Consulus believes that purpose and unity are essential to innovation and inclusive growth.

Consulus’ six practice areas:

• Consulus Capital – Consulus Capital facilitates strategic opportunities, guided by the principles of the Economy of Communion, to address global challenges in Food, Environment, Data, and Space.
• Consulus Changemakers – Consulus changemakers facilitates a global network of changemaking organisations and individuals from companies, academia and non-profit who share in Consulus theory of change
• Consulus Consulting – Practice areas in Business, Digitalisation, Place & Cities, Sustainability, and Impact Transformation
• Consulus Press in partnership with LID Business Books – Books for changemaking
• Creative Change Tools – Personal books and creative aids for changemaking
• Creative Changemakers School – Leadership workshops and learning circles

🌐 Website: www.consulus.com
📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@consulusglobal

Media Contacts:

For Design Business Chamber Singapore: 

Yang Shirley
Email: shirley@dbcsingapore.org

For Consulus:

Quynh Anh Ly
Email: quynhanhly@consulus.com

SINGAPORE – 28th May 2025 – The Design Business Chamber (Singapore) at its Annual General Meeting elected Mr Hong Khai Seng who will assume the role of President, and Mr. Kimming Yap will serve as Vice President. They succeed Ms. Chee Su Eing, who has served as President with distinction. Mr Hong served as Vice-President during Ms Chee’s two term tenure. 

Under Ms. Chee’s leadership, the DBCS has reached new heights in terms of design education accreditation standards, expanded its network of local and international partners such as the Chongqing partnership, and relaunched successful programmes such as Singapore Design Award (SDA) for social impact. The Chamber today expressed its deepest gratitude with a token of appreciation to Ms. Chee for her unwavering dedication and significant contributions to the design community in Singapore.

Mr. Hong brings a wealth of experience to the role, with a distinguished career in design thinking, leadership and public service strategy. He is the Founder and Director at Studio Dojo and has been an active member of DBCS for 10 years, serving as Chairperson for key initiatives such as the Singapore Good Design (SG Mark).

“I am deeply honoured and excited to take on the presidency of the Design Business Chamber Singapore,” said Mr. Hong. “Su Eing has set a high bar, and I am committed to building upon her legacy to further elevate Singapore’s design capabilities and foster a vibrant and sustainable design ecosystem, with an eye towards international markets and design leadership. I look forward to working closely with our members, partners, and the government to champion the value of design and drive innovation across all sectors.”

Mr. Kimming Yap, currently the Managing Director at Creativeans, is a highly respected figure in the design industry, known for brand strategy in South-east Asia. He has been instrumental in shaping industry relations and was recently involved in the Chongqing partnership with DBCS.

“I am thrilled to serve alongside Khai Seng as Vice President,” said Mr. Yap. “This is a pivotal time for the design industry, and I am eager to contribute to DBCS’s efforts in promoting design excellence, fostering collaboration, and creating new opportunities for our members regionally.”

DBCS looks forward to this new chapter under the leadership of Mr. Hong Khai Seng and Mr. Kimming Yap, confident that their vision and expertise will further strengthen Singapore’s position as a leading design hub in the world.

Additionally, DBCS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Human Factors & Ergonomics Society of Singapore (HFESS).

This two-year partnership marks a significant step forward in promoting human-centred design and business innovation. The organisations will collaborate to support and co-promote each other’s events, facilitate expert connections to meet members’ needs, co-curate at least one joint event annually addressing critical national issues such as workplace safety, ageing, and disability, and extend access to each other’s corporate membership networks to strengthen cross-disciplinary engagement and knowledge exchange.

About the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS): Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) is the nation’s leading multidisciplinary design chamber, advocating Better Business by Design since 1985. Bringing together business leaders, designers and academia, DBCS drives innovation and champions design as a catalyst for sustainable growth and social good. Through cross-industry partnerships and global connections, DBCS elevates professional standards and creates business opportunities. We also run key programmes such as the Singapore Good Design Awards (SG Mark) and Singapore Design Awards (SDA), which further support and celebrate excellence in design. Learn more at dbcsingapore.org.

Contact: 

Yang Shirley
Email: shirley@dbcsingapore.org

Design Business Chamber Singapore