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Design Business Chamber

Conversation for Change: Designed to Lead – A Future Leaders Network

Conversation for Change: Designed to Lead – A Future Leaders Network 2560 2560 Design Business Chamber Singapore

​An evening of insight, inspiration, and celebration

​What does it take to lead with design in today’s world? And who are the leaders shaping that answer right now?

​Join us for Designed to Lead, an evening that puts the next generation of design-led leaders centre stage. Hear fresh, unfiltered leadership insights from emerging leaders across service design, design thinking, and business design. Then go deeper in conversation with seasoned industry voices who have walked the path before them.

​This is not a lecture. This is a live exchange between the leaders of today and the leaders of tomorrow, and you are invited into that room.

​The evening culminates in the graduation of our Future Leaders Fellowship cohort, a milestone worth celebrating together.

5:00 PM — Welcome & Opening

5:15 PM — Panel Discussion with Industry Leaders: Invited leaders from across industries join the conversation, on design, leadership, and what it really takes to move organisations forward

Panellists:
Adhiraj Mahajan, Group Product Manager, PRISM+

Raj is the Group Product Manager at PRISM+, Singapore’s largest electronics brand. An iF Award-winning product designer, he has designed over 30 global consumer products, including smart locks, robot vacuums, and smart laundry racks. His work blends aesthetic excellence with functional innovation, delivering smart home solutions used by thousands of people worldwide.

https://prismplus.sg/

Shermeen Tan, Director, OuterEdit

Shermeen is the Managing Director of OuterEdit, a Singapore-based creative agency that makes meaningful matter through brand strategy, visual communications, storytelling and experience design. With a hybrid background spanning business, communications and design, she leads with a balance of strategic sensibility, emotional intelligence and creative conviction, bridging the analytical and the human in equal measure.

https://outeredit.com/

Simon Ong, Deputy Chairman amd Co-founder Kingsmen Creatives

Simon Ong oversees the strategic direction, development, and creative standards, of Kingsmen, a leading communication design and production group with 18 offices across the Asia Pacific region and North America. He serves the creative industry in various advisory roles, including honourary advisor to the Society of Interior Designers Singapore (SIDA) and a member of Singapore Interior Design Accreditation Council.

https://kingsmen-int.com/

Moderator: 
Stacy Tan, Brand Director, Yellow Octopus

Stacy leads branding, research, and strategy at Y ellow Octopus, a multi-disciplinary creative communications agency. With 11 years of experience, she has directed rebrands and creative campaigns for pioneers such as Jumbo Group, CapitaLand, FairPrice Group, School of the Arts, Halogen, and Parkway Group. Rooted in a background spanning creative writing and teaching, Stacy brings a distinctive lens to her work—one that sits at the intersection of leadership, design practice, and culture.

https://yellowoctopus.com.sg/

5:45 PM — Leadership Insights from the Fellows: Three groups share what they’ve learned about leading through design — candid, personal, and practical

6:30 PM — Certificate Presentation: Celebrating the graduation of our Future Leaders Fellowship cohort

6:45 PM — Dinner & Networking: Continue the conversations over dinner with fellow design-led leaders


Come if you are:

​A design advocate or people leader who wants to be part of the community shaping design leadership in Singapore

​A mid-level manager ready to think more boldly about your leadership

​A leader who has always known that design is more than aesthetics, it is how you solve, decide, and lead.

Register here: https://luma.com/g20k0fw3

DBCS Gala Dinner

DBCS Gala Dinner 2250 2250 Design Business Chamber Singapore

World Design Business Forum, the Singapore Good Design (SG Mark) Awards & Exhibition and the DBCS40 Gala Celebration will be held on 9-10 September.

9 September 
10am – 1pm World Design Business Forum 
2pm – 5pm: World Design Business Masterclasses

10 September 

​2pm – 5pm SG Mark Awards Ceremony
7pm – 10pm DBCS Gala Dinner

Design in Transition is a two-day programme that celebrates design as a catalyst for economic and social progress, locally and globally. Organised by Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS), this three-part experience features the World Design Business Forum, the Singapore Good Design (SG Mark) Awards & Exhibition, and the DBCS40 Gala Celebration.

The World Design Business Forum brings together global and local leaders to explore the economics of good design. Through dynamic panels and discussions, the forum examines how design-led strategies drive business growth, market creation, technological innovation, and social impact. Attendees gain insights into how good design is good business.

The SG Mark Awards Ceremony & Exhibition recognises exemplary designs that raise industry benchmarks and create positive change. Winners across nine categories will be honoured at the awards ceremony, while the public exhibition offers an immersive showcase of design excellence that enhances everyday life.

The DBCS Gala Celebration, which commemorates the next 40 years of championing Better Business by Design. This event honours visionary businesses and individuals shaping the Singapore Design Story and its global influence.

​Together, these three events position Singapore as a global leader in the business of design.

Singapore Good Design (SG Mark) Award Ceremony

Singapore Good Design (SG Mark) Award Ceremony 2250 2250 Design Business Chamber Singapore

World Design Business Forum, the Singapore Good Design (SG Mark) Awards & Exhibition and the DBCS40 Gala Celebration will be held on 9-10 September.

9 September 
10am – 1pm World Design Business Forum 
2pm – 5pm: World Design Business Masterclasses

10 September 

​2pm – 5pm SG Mark Awards Ceremony
7pm – 10pm DBCS Gala Dinner

Design in Transition is a two-day programme that celebrates design as a catalyst for economic and social progress, locally and globally. Organised by Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS), this three-part experience features the World Design Business Forum, the Singapore Good Design (SG Mark) Awards & Exhibition, and the DBCS40 Gala Celebration.

The World Design Business Forum brings together global and local leaders to explore the economics of good design. Through dynamic panels and discussions, the forum examines how design-led strategies drive business growth, market creation, technological innovation, and social impact. Attendees gain insights into how good design is good business.

The SG Mark Awards Ceremony & Exhibition recognises exemplary designs that raise industry benchmarks and create positive change. Winners across nine categories will be honoured at the awards ceremony, while the public exhibition offers an immersive showcase of design excellence that enhances everyday life.

The DBCS Gala Celebration, which commemorates 40 years of championing Better Business by Design. This event honours visionary businesses and individuals shaping the Singapore Design Story and its global influence.

​Together, these three events position Singapore as a global leader in the business of design.

WDBF: World Design Business Forum

WDBF: World Design Business Forum 2250 2250 Design Business Chamber Singapore

World Design Business Forum, the Singapore Good Design (SG Mark) Awards & Exhibition and the DBCS40 Gala Celebration will be held on 9-10 September.

9 September 
10am – 1pm World Design Business Forum 
2pm – 5pm: World Design Business Masterclasses

10 September 

​2pm – 5pm SG Mark Awards Ceremony
7pm – 10pm DBCS Gala Dinner

Design in Transition is a two-day programme that celebrates design as a catalyst for economic and social progress, locally and globally. Organised by Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS), this three-part experience features the World Design Business Forum, the Singapore Good Design (SG Mark) Awards & Exhibition, and the DBCS40 Gala Celebration.

The World Design Business Forum brings together global and local leaders to explore the economics of good design. Through dynamic panels and discussions, the forum examines how design-led strategies drive business growth, market creation, technological innovation, and social impact. Attendees gain insights into how good design is good business.

The SG Mark Awards Ceremony & Exhibition recognises exemplary designs that raise industry benchmarks and create positive change. Winners across nine categories will be honoured at the awards ceremony, while the public exhibition offers an immersive showcase of design excellence that enhances everyday life.

The DBCS Gala Celebration, which commemorates 40 years of championing Better Business by Design. This event honours visionary businesses and individuals shaping the Singapore Design Story and its global influence.

​Together, these three events position Singapore as a global leader in the business of design.

Navigating Global Shifts Through Design: A Recap of DBCS Circle Connects

Navigating Global Shifts Through Design: A Recap of DBCS Circle Connects 2048 1538 Design Business Chamber Singapore

What happens when design policy meets geopolitical strategy?

Yesterday afternoon, the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) had the distinct privilege of exploring this exact intersection with Senior Minister of State (SMS) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs Sim Ann during our special Circle Connects session: Creative Diplomacy in an Age of Geopolitical Disruption.

As Patron of DBCS since 2018, SMS Sim Ann has served as a vital bridge between Singaporean innovation and global policy. The closed-door dialogue session at the National Design Centre offered a rare opportunity for design entrepreneurs and industry leaders to step outside their organisational boundaries and navigate the bigger picture. The session was moderated by President of DBCS, Hong Khai Seng.


The session reinforced several critical takeaways for the future of our industry:

Finding common ground: How creative problem-solving and design thinking can foster softer, yet highly effective, international common ground during times of global disruption.

Resilience Through Innovation: The essential role Singapore’s design sector plays in maintaining economic and cultural agility on the world stage.

Strategic Alignment: A challenge to design leaders to align their strategic vision with broader macroeconomic and geopolitical realities.

A massive thank you to SMS Sim Ann for her continued support and for opening the room to such a rich, insightful dialogue. Thank you also to the leaders and representatives of the design trade association from ‘DesignS design alliance’ who joined us and elevated the conversation.

You’re Invited! Special DBCS Circle Connects

You’re Invited! Special DBCS Circle Connects 2560 2553 Design Business Chamber Singapore

Few people sit at the intersection of design policy and geopolitical strategy. Senior Minister of State Sim Ann is one of them, and she’s opening the room.

As Senior Minister of State (MFA & MHA) and Patron of DBCS since 2018, SMS Sim Ann has been the bridge between Singaporean innovation and global policy. In this special Circle Connects, we’re going behind closed doors to discuss Creative Diplomacy in an Age of Geopolitical Disruption.

This is a rare session curated for design entrepreneurs and leaders ready to think beyond the organisation and navigate the bigger picture.

Event Details
📅 Monday, 25 May 2026
🕞 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
📍National Design Centre Auditorium Level 2, 111 Middle Road, Singapore 188969

Moderator: Hong Khai Seng, President of DBCS

*Chatham House Rules apply. Seats are limited.*

🔗 Register now → https://luma.com/2j507sz5

DBCS Seed Award Fieldwork

DBCS Seed Award Fieldwork 2560 2560 Design Business Chamber Singapore

The design industry is changing faster than ever, and the designers who will shape its future are already among us.

The Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) is proud to bring together, for the very first time, alumni of the Seed Award, young designers recognised for embodying the five qualities of future design leaders: Creative Impact, Critical Thinking, Connective Intelligence, Perseverance, and Ethical Decision-Making.

This inaugural gathering is a celebration of the community these alumni represent, and a space to look ahead at the role they will play in shaping Singapore’s design industry.

As the first of many such events, we hope to create a meaningful platform for honest exchange between emerging designers and the industry leaders who came before them.

Event Details (by invitation only)
Date: Saturday, 30 May 2026
Time: 9:15 AM to 12:30 PM
Venue: Raffles College of Higher Education

Member Spotlight: The Afternaut Group

Member Spotlight: The Afternaut Group 2240 1260 Design Business Chamber Singapore

At the intersection of Afternaut’s strategic precision and Love All’s community soul, we see design not just as an aesthetic, but as a catalyst for social mixing. True placemaking isn’t just about building a space; it is about engineering an ecosystem where operational excellence serves as the invisible backbone for authentic human connection.

Chew Kokyong (Co-Founder)

The Afternaut Group 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗗𝗕𝗖𝗦 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿, bringing expertise in creating transformational spaces and experiences through experiential, spatial and digital design, with placemaking at its heart and a focus on shaping environments for present and future generations.

Explore their work: https://theafternaut.com/

If creating spaces and experiences that benefit living things and communities matters to you, this is your community.

Join DBCS: https://designbusinesschamber.glueup.com/org/dbcs/memberships/


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Member Spotlight: WeCreate Studio

Member Spotlight: WeCreate Studio 2240 1260 Design Business Chamber Singapore

Architecture is a social act.

Ar. Trecia Lim (Impact Advocator & Principal Architect)

WeCreate Studio 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗗𝗕𝗖𝗦 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿, bringing its vision of using architectural design and planning to address global challenges. Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, it focuses on community-driven solutions for issues such as poverty, education, clean water, sanitation and sustainable communities.

Explore their work: https://www.wecreate-studio.com/

If you are passionate about developing sustainable communities through community-driven and people-centred solutions, this is your community.

Join DBCS: https://designbusinesschamber.glueup.com/org/dbcs/memberships/


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Member Spotlight: Paper Carpenter Pte Ltd

Member Spotlight: Paper Carpenter Pte Ltd 2240 1260 Design Business Chamber Singapore

Innovation begins when we dare to see beyond what is, and imagine what cardboard can become to make lives better.

Adrian Chua Lee Meng (Founder / Managing Director)

Paper Carpenter Pte Ltd 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗗𝗕𝗖𝗦 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿, bringing its expertise in innovative cardboard design. Known for crafting exhibition booths, furniture, and creative installations, its team of cardboard artists blends Cardboard Carpentry™ skills, know-how, and tools seamlessly to bring your vision to life.

Explore their work: https://papercarpenter.com/

If you believe in preparing for opportunity, you belong here.

Join DBCS: https://designbusinesschamber.glueup.com/org/dbcs/memberships/


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