Terra at Moh Guanhttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SGM22_Interior-Design_Terra-at-Moh-Guan-98.png12671267Design Business Chamber SingaporeDesign Business Chamber Singaporehttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SGM22_Interior-Design_Terra-at-Moh-Guan-98.png
A fascinating neighbourhood and rich heritage surrounds Terra at Moh Guan. Whilst rejuvenating the unit for modern-day living, its charming vintage features were preserved, refurbished, and repurposed. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding heritage neighbourhood, this renovation bridges a nostalgic past with modernity – giving it a new lease of life for the next generation.
Eleven See, Interior Designer, Authors & Styling
1.How has the SG Mark benefited you?
Receiving the award gave me a sense of gratification to my career’s milestone and it motivates me to do better. The award brings credibility and trust into my work.
It improves client’s confidence and trust in the company and my work. It also allows me to connect to the design community, getting to meet and learn from other designers. It has been a great experience for me to grow even more as a designer.
2. How do you think your design has impacted users?
There are many who claim that a space also tells others who you are — your personality. The users can take pride and live to their fullest in the house because of the efficiency and thought-out design which fits their lifestyle. When they come home after a long day of work, they can feel like their space is their own.
3. What was the most difficult moment when developing your idea?
Finding the balance of preserving the existing heritage style of the space, yet modernising the flow and design to fit the new user’s lifestyle.
4. What are some new things you learned about yourself and the users as you were designing?
That there is beauty in every corner, regardless the age, with the right touch of design approach and execution.
5. What are your future plans?
Continue to grow better in interior design. Pushing the boundary, build and strengthen my own design style.
6. What was the inspiration behind your product/design/idea?
For Terra ay Moh Guan, the main inspiration comes from my clients who are the users themselves – their stories and personalities. Understanding the users is always needed while designing a space, especially when it comes to designing their home.
The other inspiration is the existing foundation and unique structure of the house. These elements paved the way for my design to blend seamlessly to create a good design.
7. Did you experience designer’s block during your work process?
Yes, sometimes. I see it as a signal to take a break and recharge.
8. How do you unwind after the grind?
Nothing works better than spending quality time with loved ones. I like to visit cafes, have a good meal, or maybe just simply take a walk around the city, exploring new places with them — learn to enjoy.
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DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that Carousell is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that PRISM+ is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that The Centre for Healthcare Innovation (CHI) is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that Dementia Singapore is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that Mediacorp is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that Bettr Group is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that Endowus is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
Alkaff Courtviewhttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SG-Mark-2022_Architecture_Alkaff-Courtview_5.jpg16001068Design Business Chamber SingaporeDesign Business Chamber Singaporehttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SG-Mark-2022_Architecture_Alkaff-Courtview_5.jpg
Shared spaces within housing enclaves are important institutions that bind people together. One such example is the playground. Alkaff Courtview offers 3 levels of differentiated play spaces with an overarching theme reflecting the abundance of nature of the Bidadari Estate. With each level embodying different realms of nature, children are encouraged to connect with nature and given a unique and educational play experience.
1. How do you think your design has impacted users? I believe a good design helps in activating spaces and bringing communities together. It makes spaces lively and more interesting.
2. What was the most difficult moment when developing your idea? To continuously churning our new ideas for different projects especially when projects revolve around the same theme.
3. What are some new things you learned about yourself and the users as you were designing? Users are always looking around for the same theme. Be it forest, ship or sea theme. They revolve around the 3 most popular themes. New things that I have learned is being able to be creative and managing expectations of the users what can be done and what cannot.
4. What are your future plans? Future plans are to design playgrounds that teaches children on sustainability such as playground that harness children’s energy and convert to wind or kinetic energy.
5. What was the inspiration behind your product/design/idea? We are inspired by modern architecture, abstract objects and nature behind our product / design/idea.
6. Did you experience designer’s block during your work process? No, I leave to my team of designers while I provide them the inspiration.
7. How has the SG Mark benefited you? It has position us an award winning design firm that clients look forward to working with us.
8. How do you unwind after the grind? By reading novels, watching movies and a glass of wine to end the day.
Harsai Kron Reflects on his Career & Lifehttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/team-1-scaled.jpeg25601920Design Business Chamber SingaporeDesign Business Chamber Singaporehttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/team-1-scaled.jpeg
Tell us a little more about yourself. What do you do at ComfortDelGro?
I’m currently working at ComfortDelGro (CDG Zig app) as a Senior UI/UX Designer. I am deeply passionate about solving problems and making useful things for people. I leverage research and data to transfer insights to actionable design solutions which solve problems for both users and businesses.
How do you feel when you see consumers using the CDG Zig app?
I feel both happy and proud when I receive compliments or feedback from the users. With the given feedback, we try to enhance the user experience in the app.
Interaction with any product produces an experience (emotion) – whether it has UX or not. Thus, we establish connections with the users by tapping into their emotions through enhancing their user experience.
What has been your personal mantra?
As a firm believer of having a positive attitude, I constantly advise myself to never let go of the witty kid inside me. I believe that such a mindset can create a ripple effect to the world in volumes.
Harsai Kron, Singapore-based UI/UX designer is the brains behind the Zig app and possesses a passion for creating useful solutions.
If you had the chance to turn back time, what would you tell your 20-years old self?
Embrace technological endeavours, and make sure that they are accessible, applicable, and affordable to all.
Keep on learning and enjoy what you learn.
Living in a world where technology is ever advancing, is there anything you wish would remain unchanged?
Technology makes life easier and more comfortable for humans. It enables us to save both time and money. Indeed, AI can replace some of our jobs.
But leadership, socio-emotional skills and human intelligence are irreplaceable facets of the world. The human intelligence and humanity that run the world should remain unchanged.
Having recently joined DBCS Circle Connects, what topics are you looking forward to in the future?
Design Thinking, UI/UX, Interior Design and Product Design
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DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that Carousell is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that PRISM+ is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that The Centre for Healthcare Innovation (CHI) is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that Dementia Singapore is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that Mediacorp is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that Bettr Group is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that Endowus is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
Circle Connects Decemberhttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DBCS_Circle-Connects_Dec_Fashion.jpg10001000Design Business Chamber SingaporeDesign Business Chamber Singaporehttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DBCS_Circle-Connects_Dec_Fashion.jpg
The fashion sector is one of the world’s largest industries, and in design, fashion technology is growing faster than ever. Fashion companies are partnering with technology providers, snapping up startups, and even building their own tech, leveraging the opportunity to open up more revenue streams and business models.
Faced with challenges brought on by environmental impact amongst others, fashion companies are constantly reexamining processes across the value chain to reinvent themselves as a conscious business model.We are excited to hold our first Circle Connects on fashion and sustainability!
Yan Ng, CEO of Lily and Lou and Sean Chiu, Head of UX Design, Vestiaire Collective APAC will be joining us for a fireside chat to give their take on how this transition can be navigated and effect change. If you are working in the fashion industry or curious to learn about how sustainability and fashion can be integrated as a way forward, sign up now: https://app.glueup.com/event/66990/
Lily and Lou believes in the power of customisation where customers can design their own unique, sustainable clothing that lasts beyond its season. Vestiaire Collective fights fashion waste by giving a second life to the clothes we no longer wear and aims to transform the fashion industry for a more sustainable future.
Shoutout to Raffles Education for sponsoring their venue at their spanking new premises in the heart of Orchard Road and Singapore Fashion Council as our Supporting Partner.
SG Mark 2023https://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SG-Mark-Open-Call_3_11_22.jpg10801080Design Business Chamber SingaporeDesign Business Chamber Singaporehttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SG-Mark-Open-Call_3_11_22.jpg
Each year, SG Mark attracts new and innovative projects from all over the world, celebrating the very best in design across 7 disciplines, with a special category introduced (watch this space for more details)! Entries are reviewed and judged by an influential jury panel of experienced academics and established industry professionals.
Show us what you can bring to the table. Be recognised for your design excellence and commitment towards creating superior designs that improve lives.
The Duo Behind PLUS Grouphttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/7.jpeg16001600Design Business Chamber SingaporeDesign Business Chamber Singaporehttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/7.jpeg
How was Plus Group founded? How did Mervin and you meet and become a business duo?
PLUS was founded by 11 other members. We started out as a student group in NUS Architecture that explored life plus curriculum outside of architecture to enrich our understanding of what design can do to a creative person. From the student group, the Head of Dept and our Professors encouraged us to form something more concrete outside of the school’s vicinity, to harness the unique synergy that we have built in school.
Currently, most of the other partners have expanded their personal careers and have left PLUS, a situation that we knew would arise and hopefully our journeys will meet in the new future to push PLUS again.
Husband-and-wife creative duo, Mervin and Cheryl are founders of the PLUS Group, a Gold Recipient of the Singapore Good Design Awards 2022.
Instead of focusing on a specific niche, why interdisciplinary?
We have always felt that design is a strategy to reach a goal that was carved out. We view each project with a holistic approach and suggest different outputs that we feel will have the best outcome. Therefore, to be able to achieve this unusual approach, we needed an interdisciplinary setup.
“Design is subjective. But your objectives aren’t.” Could you further explain this bold statement on PLUS Group’s website?
Design as a topic is definitely subjective. What is “nice” or “beautiful” to a person, might not necessarily be the same to another. However, when achieving a goal with proper setups of targets to meet, that becomes objective. For PLUS, this is where the data and art or design meet.
What went through your mind when the project – Insecta Iridesse was awarded the Singapore Good Design Gold Award?
We were definitely delighted. It just proves that our hard work meant something to others, especially those within the design industry. It was tough to convince clients of our unusual approach to design, but this helps in showing that our ways, though unconventional, could still yield positive results.
What is one of the most worthwhile investments that both of you have ever made for a project?
Community projects are something new that we are exploring. Seeing the faces of the communities and having them respond to you the way you want your design to impact them – those situations are priceless.
Leading a team isn’t easy. Do you have any advice for solopreneurs or managers on what it takes to succeed and/or complete a project?
We are not sure if it is an advice, but we make sure the team in PLUS eats a lot. Eating is our form of appreciation and eating is our way of showing that we care. Make sure the team is being taken care of and the team will take care of you.
As the saying goes, two heads are better than one. If we may ask, how do you and your partner take care of each other after work?
We do not know actually. Our lives are so intertwined with work that it sometimes gets muddled up and the flow just leads the way.
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DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that Carousell is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that PRISM+ is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that The Centre for Healthcare Innovation (CHI) is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that Dementia Singapore is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that Mediacorp is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that Bettr Group is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that Endowus is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
EMBRACE! (SDA 2021 Winner)https://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/embrace-day.jpg500500Design Business Chamber SingaporeDesign Business Chamber Singaporehttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/embrace-day.jpg
Project EMBRACE seeks to beautify Singapore’s landscape and unite people with MRT pillars.
I frequently go down to the track right by the MRT to run and I’ve often thought that the spaces could have been better utilised. The idea of EMBRACE is to clad the MRT columns with 22 used holding panels and allow members of the community to come together to paint them and express themselves.
About the project
The premise of this project stemmed from a far-sighted concern on the MRT system. Mindful about the implications the fixed corridors created by the network of on-grade MRT tracks have on our city when WFH becomes the norm, how can design spark online or physical conversations/collaborations to rejuvenate our community spirit in a post-pandemic Singapore?
EMBRACE cleverly reuses construction hoarding steel panels affixed on circular steel support around the MRT pillars, with hoarding panels serving as canvas for any community expression through Paint, Stick or Project. The initiative showcases our people’s ingenuity for turning an urban challenge into opportunity, while the colours and vibrancy of the adorned columns embraces our diversity, creativity and aspirations.
Like what you read? Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and Youtube to get the latest updates!
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that Carousell is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that PRISM+ is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that The Centre for Healthcare Innovation (CHI) is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that Dementia Singapore is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that Mediacorp is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that Bettr Group is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that Endowus is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
SG Mark Winners Sharinghttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SDW_Singapore-Good-Design-SG-MARK-SHARING.jpg10801080Design Business Chamber SingaporeDesign Business Chamber Singaporehttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SDW_Singapore-Good-Design-SG-MARK-SHARING.jpg
Fresh from their triumph at the Singapore Good Design awards, a few of our winners will be joining us for a sharing session on 27 Oct, 3pm to 5pm at Pixel, One North.
Speakers will engage us with their success stories on how they have thrived in a positive design culture and robust processes, aligned their stakeholders’ expectations and how winning the SG Mark has made a positive impact.
In the line-up:
– Dylan Soh & Calvin Soh, Co-Founders of One Kind Block for Kinder and Greener together
– San San Yap, Design Experience Director of Accenture Song for CPFB Members’ Platform Reimagined
– Mervin Tan, Co-Founder & Creative Director of Plus Group for Insecta Iridesse
As part of Singapore Design Week, feel the creative pulse and join us in championing thought leadership and showcasing the best in design from Singapore and beyond!
Semula to a Dying Industry (SDA 2021 Winner)https://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/semulaplaque-with-semula-plasticsw-local-wood.jpg6671000Design Business Chamber SingaporeDesign Business Chamber Singaporehttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/semulaplaque-with-semula-plasticsw-local-wood.jpg
Eddie Sim (left) and Tay Sok Leong (right) of Semula Pte Ltd
Our project is about giving a new life to a dying industry. Through our project, we hope to rejuvenate the kiddy ride that many of us are familiar with using recycled plastic materials.
We wish to create a common space for multigenerational communities to bond and interact such that this will be a space for young children to play and enjoy the kiddy ride, parents to relax and catch up with others, and elderly to participate in sensory experiences and promote their physical well-being.
Like what you read? Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and Youtube to get the latest updates!
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that Carousell is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that PRISM+ is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that The Centre for Healthcare Innovation (CHI) is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that Dementia Singapore is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that Mediacorp is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that Bettr Group is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
DBCS and Consulus are pleased to announce that Endowus is admitted into the Design Power Index (DPI) 2025. This inaugural index is launched by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) in partnership with its global knowledge partner Consulus, a global impact investment and creative change firm, as part of DBCS’s 40th anniversary.
3D Printing and Pokemon Enthusiast, Matt of Imagene Creativehttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Figure-8.jpg16001066Design Business Chamber SingaporeDesign Business Chamber Singaporehttps://dbcsingapore.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Figure-8.jpg
Tell us a little more about yourself. What excites you in life?
Hello, I am Matt, a photographer, a maker, and a designer. More importantly, I am a 3D printing enthusiast who enjoys creating new products that solve everyday problems. I work on a wide range of 3D printed projects ranging from architecture models, toy making, engineering solutions to many everyday products. As convenient as 3D printing is, not all parts of a product need to be 3D printed.
I often go shopping at stores like Daiso to hunt for a simple base product (for example a spray bottle) and enhance its features functionally or aesthetically by modifying the base product to suit it for a specific purpose. As a huge fan of Pokemon, I creatively recreate functional items that reflect the characteristics of some of my favourite Pokemons.
How was Imagene Creative founded?
Although Imagene Creative officially started in 2020, the preparation works started much earlier. When I was in university, I realised a market gap in which students are expected to complete their prototype for their course work within a certain time period, but there are often not sufficient resources in schools for everyone to utilise. That was when I began to provide a prototyping service via 3D printing.
I started off with only one personal 3D printer on hand, and as the business grew, I acquired more printers along the way. Through this journey, I met more like-minded people and that is where I got exposed to workshop facilitation in the area of design across various levels. I really wanted to advocate the convenience of self-printed products and the power of imagination that allow oneself to break free from the concept of forced adaptation of lifestyle based on the restriction by the readily-available-products in the market.
Currently, Imagene Creative is a start-up based in the SUTD Entrepreneurship Centre (EC) where the school provides support for its students and alumni to kickstart their creative process. This environment provides a safe harbour and a close network for like-minded individuals to spark creativity and mutual learning.
From 3D printing services to offering workshops, which activity engages you the most?
I would say that both the 3D printing services and the conduct of workshops are closely related within the design ecosystem; they are in an upstream-downstream relationship. Firstly, the teaching of design or entrepreneurship allows students to create solutions on paper or in some form of 3D software, then there is a need to prototype them into the real-world space for testing, and that is where 3D printing comes in.
Matthew Chiu is a young entrepreneur and the founder of Imagene Creatives, where he works on an array of 3D printed projects.
How did the PM50 project come about?
The PSM50 is a project that took all my skills to test. I was referred by one of my university professors in Architecture about an opportunity to re-create replicas of national monuments in Singapore in collaboration with the National Heritage Board (NHB). Having a degree in Architecture, creating 3D models of buildings should not be that difficult of a task, at least that is what I thought at first. In the engagement of PSM50, I was tasked to recreate digital 3D models of 11 renown monuments before 3D printing them physically within a short period of 2.5 months.
The real challenge lied where I had to recreate the digital 3D models without the full set of building documentation mainly due to security reasons. In order to complete the task, I will then have to rely on puzzling complete images of various sources together such as Google Maps, Google Earth, Instagram, and several onsite visits to determine the shape and proportions of the monuments. Another challenge involved the short timeline where I had to stagger the virtual model creation and the physical 3D printing. While the first monument had been loaded on the 3D printer, I would have to start on the next monument immediately. Though the job was tedious, I had a lot of fun learning about our history as I was detailing the model.
One of the 11 monument miniature models that I was tasked to create was the “Bowyer Block” that is located within the Singapore General Hospital (SGH). Besides the models needed for the PSM50 Exhibition, I was also tasked to fabricate extra Bowyer Block models that were going to be given as tokens-of-appreciations to VIPs during an important event. I was thrilled to be told that one of the Bowyer Block models was even presented to PM Lee.
How did you feel when you learned that you were awarded the Singapore Good Design Award?
I was really excited when I was notified about the award and the opportunity to be able to interact with fellow brilliant designers in Singapore. In my impression, SG Mark is a prestigious recognition given to the top designers across the sectors and I would not have fathomed receiving it before I got to work on the PSM50 exhibition.
During the gala dinner, I was honoured to be meeting so many like-minded individuals and organisations that are pushing the forefront of design in various aspects in their own unique ways. The award ceremony acts as a symposium that motivates and encourages people to solve everyday problems creatively using design as a focal point, to emphasise that there is more than one approach to solve the same problem; where each individual can potentially solve a similar problem in a very unique approach that leverages on their personal experiences and beliefs.
Overall, it was a fun and joyous experience in both knowing about getting the award and attending the actual event itself.
Is there any equipment or software that you use to help you manage your workload and productivity?
Yes, simply a 3D printer. The response may give the impression that I am a geek, but I wouldn’t want to be classified as one. Having a 3D printer at home keeps my brain active and allows me to immediately prototype my ideas into the real world, without having to wait till the next day at work. I do not particularly agree with the phrase “to sit on an idea and give it another thought”. I believe in the rapid cycle of “prototype – test – learn – repeat”.
Having to materialise my ideas allows me to test it immediately in terms of ergonomics and usability, which are aspects of design that are hard to foresee just by thinking. Thus, having a 3D printer at home grants me the power to create something overnight literally by just sending the file into the printer and heading to bed.
One example was the involvement in the “MakersAgainstCovid19” organisation that was founded during the initial Covid days where the 3D printing community in Singapore collectively printed 52,000 ear-savers for the frontline workers within a short period of time. The ear-savers were printed and iterated in batches rapidly in accordance with the feedback obtained.
What helps you to decompress and recuperate after work?
I indulge in a wide range of activities such as kayaking, prawning, 3D printing, photography, and surfing. Well, the most interesting activity to share might be my photography hobby where I have moved beyond digital cameras. When I say, “moved beyond”, most would think that I have shifted to something more high-tech. But no, it is the exact opposite. I am now doing Gameboy Photography which is a 1990s technology. Being a 90s kid, the Gameboy is something that I personally grew up with. But only recently did I realise that there is something called the Gameboy Camera which was released back in 1998 which I did not have the luxury to have back then.
The Gameboy Camera is basically a game cartridge with a built-in camera and allows the Gameboy device to become a camera upon plugging the cartridge in. Although the Gameboy Camera produces a low-resolution image, the image has a unique timeless style to it. As the Gameboy Camera has a built-in wide-angle lens, it is difficult to capture portraits with a rather clean background.
To mitigate the issue, online enthusiasts have attempted to combine a Gameboy Camera cartridge with modern DSLR camera lens with a customised adapter. In my case, I have 3D printed my own adapter using the online provided file and added my own modification of an extra grip for a more stable and pleasing shooting experience. The process of creating such an adapter had demonstrated my emphasis on the “prototype – test – learn – repeat” cycle as one will never get the prototype right on the first try itself.
Beyond working hours, do you have any commitments or activities that you pursue?
Beyond working hours, I am actually a full-time dad for my 8-month-old daughter. From my very brief experience, juggling fatherhood and work is not easy at all but I will say it is indeed very fruitful when you see that happy face smiling at you after a long tiring day of work.
My love for 3D printing does not just get confined with work; I think it is more of a way of living to be constantly creative and try to problem-solve using design. I have designed and 3D printed various gadgets and toys that help me with fatherhood along the way whenever I encounter “opportunities”. Yes, I will identify those as opportunities instead of problems, so yes, I am quite “problem-free”!
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