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The Power Couple at Work

The Power Couple at Work 800 606 Design Business Chamber Singapore

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.

Junyi (left), Meredith (Right), Singapore-based top animation and video production studio, also the Singapore Good Design Video Animation Partner.

What are the advantages of working in the animation field as well as the flip side of it?

M: Freedom and flexibility has gotta be the greatest advantage of being in this field, but it also comes with
great responsibilities and a pretty high level of stress (especially when we expect ourselves to thrive and excel).

JY: Animation is pretty powerful, and allows for near-infinite forms of expression – every single aspect of an
animated video can be customised to the artist/director’s imagination. The flip side is the decision paralysis
that many young creatives face when offered infinite possibilities.

Keep on learning and enjoy what you learn. 

What advice would you give to aspiring producers/animators?

Stay focused, and always remember why you’re here.  Producing and Animation are time-consuming endeavors –
The former requires multi-hatting and completing innumerable small yet important tasks throughout the day,
like flipping the various buttons and knobs in a pilot’s cockpit in sequence, before a project can take off and succeed. 

The latter requires deep focus and an engineering mindset to solve complex design/technical problems that may not
always have a “plug-and-play” solution. Both disciplines require great humility and mental fortitude to succeed in the long run.

The learning curve is steep – embrace it!

Do you have any role models that you look up to? 

The legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki who continues to show the world that animation can be cool! Despite his various successes on the big screen, he continues to be humbled and sometimes despaired by creative challenges, which makes him fallible and ultimately relatable.

On the other end of the spectrum, Simon Sinek is a great inspiration as well, particularly in his book “The Infinity Game” where he debunked the “us vs them” competitiveness that our modern capitalistic society is characterised by. In life and in work, it is only via win-win approaches that any long-term success was ever forged, and that is our M.O when facing clients, “competitors” and collaborators alike!

 What is a perfect weekend for you? 

The DINK answer: Has gotta be a weekend getaway – think sitting by the poolside with a drink in one hand and my laptop in the other, or replying to emails/preparing some proposals while waiting to board a flight somewhere. Traveling fuels my creativity!

The family man answer: Playing chapteh with my daughter at the park!

I’m a competitive chapteh player who fell in love with the sport as a teenager. I was an oddball in an elite school, and chapteh was a surprisingly egalitarian activity where jocks, nerds, and misfits can put aside their differences and play together.

Today, I still enjoy mentoring people in corporate events centered around chapteh mentorship/coaching. In our digital world, it’s increasingly rare to find traditional pursuits that our younger generation can relate to, which is something I find precious and worth evangelising about.

8) How do you overcome creative blocks?

M: Go on an aimless drive, or play a match of Dota 2. 

JY: One of my favourite activities is called “Exquisite Corpse”.

Popularised by Surrealist artists such as Salvador Dali, it is a doodling game that involves 2 or more people collaborating on an art sketch without seeing what the big picture is. The paper is folded in such a way that you only see the “start points” left behind by the previous artist’s drawing, create an image based on that, and pass on your “end points” to the next artist to continue the drawing. The end result is often bizarre and very interesting.

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The Power Couple at Work

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Junyi Lee, Meredith Tan, Singapore-based top animation and video production studio, also the Singapore Good Design Video Animation Partner.
A day in the life of Ar. Chio Wen Tian

A day in the life of Ar. Chio Wen Tian

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The stage of the projects dictates the daily routine of an Architect. In general, my day typically comprises of some of these essential tasks.
Harsai Kron Reflects on his Career & Life

Harsai Kron Reflects on his Career & Life

Blog Member's Spotlight
Harsai Kron, Singapore-based UI/UX designer is the brains behind the CDG Zig app and possesses a passion for creating user-centered solutions.
The Duo Behind PLUS Group

The Duo Behind PLUS Group

Blog Editorial Highlights Member's Spotlight
Husband-and-wife creative duo, Mervin and Cheryl are founders of the PLUS Group, a Gold Recipient of the Singapore Good Design Awards 2022.
1 2 3 10
The Power Couple at Work

The Power Couple at Work

Blog Member's Spotlight
Junyi Lee, Meredith Tan, Singapore-based top animation and video production studio, also the Singapore Good Design Video Animation Partner.
A day in the life of Ar. Chio Wen Tian

A day in the life of Ar. Chio Wen Tian

Blog Member's Spotlight
The stage of the projects dictates the daily routine of an Architect. In general, my day typically comprises of some of these essential tasks.
Harsai Kron Reflects on his Career & Life

Harsai Kron Reflects on his Career & Life

Blog Member's Spotlight
Harsai Kron, Singapore-based UI/UX designer is the brains behind the CDG Zig app and possesses a passion for creating user-centered solutions.
1 2 3 13

A day in the life of Ar. Chio Wen Tian

A day in the life of Ar. Chio Wen Tian 1024 682 Design Business Chamber Singapore

1) Can you describe your daily routine as an architect?

The stage of the projects dictates the daily routine of an Architect.
In general, my day typically comprises of some of these essential tasks:

Coffee – A must to start the day!

Planning – Creating a checklist for the day to stay focus and productive.

Emails / Phone calls – Communicating with clients, contractors, suppliers etc.

Tasking – Assigning tasks to team members, discussing deliverables and deadline.

Designing, Modelling, Sketching – The fun part for all Architects – to test, iterate and come up with appropriate design solutions.

Statutory Compliance checks / submission – To ensure that designs are according to codes and regulations and to prepare drawings for submissions to relevant agencies for approval.

Coordination work / Site visits – To ensure that works on site are executed according to design and compliance.

2) Which project(s) are you most proud of?

Really excited and proud of my current new project which marks the firm’s first venture overseas and foreign market entry into Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The project is by a local client – Ola Beach Club (@olabeachclubsg) and it is an additions & alterations (A&A) of an existing 3-storeys residential building into a hawaiian-themed F&B enclave with a rooftop bar facing the iconic pink church – Tan Dinh Church.

 3) Share with us an update on project EMBRACE. How has Singapore Design Awards impacted your journey?

The Singapore Design Awards being co-created by the Ministry of Community, Culture and Youth and DBCS definitely lend credibility to this proposed urban intervention and garner encouraging support from the relevant agencies (Land Transport Authority, SMRT Corporation, National Park Boards, Town Councils and People’s Association). 

After months of approvals, clearances, collaborations & funds application, we have our first mock-up along Boon Lay Way opposite Yuhua Community Centre! Our eight collaborating artists are in the final month of artwork creation and the project will proceed to the installation stage at the end of February (all structures and panels are sponsored by our community sponsor – Nippon Builders Pte Ltd).

The official launch date will be on 4th March 2023, Saturday. The Guest-of-Honour is Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment. Stay tuned for more exciting updates on this final milestone of Project Embrace!

 4) Do you have a favourite architecture in Singapore? And why?

More of a style than a particular building. I am always intrigued by Singapore modern architecture (i.e Shenton House , Colonnade Condominium, The Concourse etc.) and especially 1960s-1980s HDB blocks. 

I particularly love to spot their functional features – overhang, light shelves/rain shield, water tank shading on roof, corridors, external stairs, slits in the parapet walls etc.

Giving the cluster of blocks their unique appearance and character and imbue a sense of identity for the community. These modern HDB blocks are indeed architectural gems that not only solve Singapore’s urgent housing crisis in the 1960s, they continue to stand the test of time. Underrated, keep a look out for them!

 5) How do you overcome your creative blocks?

In 2020, I started creating my own design library by documenting existing interesting designs through 3D printing (facades, patterns, perforation, screens etc.) in 10cm x 10cm models. I believe that true design innovation follows after knowing what has been done before. I continue to draw inspiration from my 3D printed research work and imagine the permutation of possibilities. 

“A print a day keeps the mundane away!”

 6) Do you have any role models that you look up to?

My tutors guided me along my journey from an architecture student to becoming an Architect.

Ar. Richard Ho (Principal Architect of RichardHo Architects) & Ar. Ng Sanson (Director of DP Architects). 

Their dedication and passion for the profession inspire me to serve as the Chair of Young Architects League (YAL), Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA).

 7) What is a perfect weekend for you?

Trying new activity with my lovely wife Vanessa and two cheeky kids – Louisa & Lyon.

Ar. Chio Wen Tian from CHIO Architects, Winner of Singapore Design Awards 2021/2022

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The Power Couple at Work

The Power Couple at Work

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Junyi Lee, Meredith Tan, Singapore-based top animation and video production studio, also the Singapore Good Design Video Animation Partner.
A day in the life of Ar. Chio Wen Tian

A day in the life of Ar. Chio Wen Tian

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The stage of the projects dictates the daily routine of an Architect. In general, my day typically comprises of some of these essential tasks.
Harsai Kron Reflects on his Career & Life

Harsai Kron Reflects on his Career & Life

Blog Member's Spotlight
Harsai Kron, Singapore-based UI/UX designer is the brains behind the CDG Zig app and possesses a passion for creating user-centered solutions.
The Duo Behind PLUS Group

The Duo Behind PLUS Group

Blog Editorial Highlights Member's Spotlight
Husband-and-wife creative duo, Mervin and Cheryl are founders of the PLUS Group, a Gold Recipient of the Singapore Good Design Awards 2022.
1 2 3 10
The Power Couple at Work

The Power Couple at Work

Blog Member's Spotlight
Junyi Lee, Meredith Tan, Singapore-based top animation and video production studio, also the Singapore Good Design Video Animation Partner.
A day in the life of Ar. Chio Wen Tian

A day in the life of Ar. Chio Wen Tian

Blog Member's Spotlight
The stage of the projects dictates the daily routine of an Architect. In general, my day typically comprises of some of these essential tasks.
Harsai Kron Reflects on his Career & Life

Harsai Kron Reflects on his Career & Life

Blog Member's Spotlight
Harsai Kron, Singapore-based UI/UX designer is the brains behind the CDG Zig app and possesses a passion for creating user-centered solutions.
1 2 3 13

Harsai Kron Reflects on his Career & Life

Harsai Kron Reflects on his Career & Life 2560 1920 Design Business Chamber Singapore

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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The Power Couple at Work

The Power Couple at Work

Blog Member's Spotlight
Junyi Lee, Meredith Tan, Singapore-based top animation and video production studio, also the Singapore Good Design Video Animation Partner.
A day in the life of Ar. Chio Wen Tian

A day in the life of Ar. Chio Wen Tian

Blog Member's Spotlight
The stage of the projects dictates the daily routine of an Architect. In general, my day typically comprises of some of these essential tasks.
Harsai Kron Reflects on his Career & Life

Harsai Kron Reflects on his Career & Life

Blog Member's Spotlight
Harsai Kron, Singapore-based UI/UX designer is the brains behind the CDG Zig app and possesses a passion for creating user-centered solutions.
The Duo Behind PLUS Group

The Duo Behind PLUS Group

Blog Editorial Highlights Member's Spotlight
Husband-and-wife creative duo, Mervin and Cheryl are founders of the PLUS Group, a Gold Recipient of the Singapore Good Design Awards 2022.
1 2 3 10
The Power Couple at Work

The Power Couple at Work

Blog Member's Spotlight
Junyi Lee, Meredith Tan, Singapore-based top animation and video production studio, also the Singapore Good Design Video Animation Partner.
A day in the life of Ar. Chio Wen Tian

A day in the life of Ar. Chio Wen Tian

Blog Member's Spotlight
The stage of the projects dictates the daily routine of an Architect. In general, my day typically comprises of some of these essential tasks.
Harsai Kron Reflects on his Career & Life

Harsai Kron Reflects on his Career & Life

Blog Member's Spotlight
Harsai Kron, Singapore-based UI/UX designer is the brains behind the CDG Zig app and possesses a passion for creating user-centered solutions.
1 2 3 13

The Duo Behind PLUS Group

The Duo Behind PLUS Group 1600 1600 Design Business Chamber Singapore

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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The Power Couple at Work

The Power Couple at Work

Blog Member's Spotlight
Junyi Lee, Meredith Tan, Singapore-based top animation and video production studio, also the Singapore Good Design Video Animation Partner.
A day in the life of Ar. Chio Wen Tian

A day in the life of Ar. Chio Wen Tian

Blog Member's Spotlight
The stage of the projects dictates the daily routine of an Architect. In general, my day typically comprises of some of these essential tasks.
Harsai Kron Reflects on his Career & Life

Harsai Kron Reflects on his Career & Life

Blog Member's Spotlight
Harsai Kron, Singapore-based UI/UX designer is the brains behind the CDG Zig app and possesses a passion for creating user-centered solutions.
The Duo Behind PLUS Group

The Duo Behind PLUS Group

Blog Editorial Highlights Member's Spotlight
Husband-and-wife creative duo, Mervin and Cheryl are founders of the PLUS Group, a Gold Recipient of the Singapore Good Design Awards 2022.
1 2 3 10
The Power Couple at Work

The Power Couple at Work

Blog Member's Spotlight
Junyi Lee, Meredith Tan, Singapore-based top animation and video production studio, also the Singapore Good Design Video Animation Partner.
A day in the life of Ar. Chio Wen Tian

A day in the life of Ar. Chio Wen Tian

Blog Member's Spotlight
The stage of the projects dictates the daily routine of an Architect. In general, my day typically comprises of some of these essential tasks.
Harsai Kron Reflects on his Career & Life

Harsai Kron Reflects on his Career & Life

Blog Member's Spotlight
Harsai Kron, Singapore-based UI/UX designer is the brains behind the CDG Zig app and possesses a passion for creating user-centered solutions.
1 2 3 13

EMBRACE!

EMBRACE! 500 500 Design Business Chamber Singapore

Project EMBRACE seeks to beautify Singapore’s landscape and unite people with MRT pillars.

Ar. Chio Wen Tian of CHIO Architects


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.


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The Power Couple at Work

The Power Couple at Work

Blog Member's Spotlight
Junyi Lee, Meredith Tan, Singapore-based top animation and video production studio, also the Singapore Good Design Video Animation Partner.
A day in the life of Ar. Chio Wen Tian

A day in the life of Ar. Chio Wen Tian

Blog Member's Spotlight
The stage of the projects dictates the daily routine of an Architect. In general, my day typically comprises of some of these essential tasks.
Harsai Kron Reflects on his Career & Life

Harsai Kron Reflects on his Career & Life

Blog Member's Spotlight
Harsai Kron, Singapore-based UI/UX designer is the brains behind the CDG Zig app and possesses a passion for creating user-centered solutions.
The Duo Behind PLUS Group

The Duo Behind PLUS Group

Blog Editorial Highlights Member's Spotlight
Husband-and-wife creative duo, Mervin and Cheryl are founders of the PLUS Group, a Gold Recipient of the Singapore Good Design Awards 2022.
1 2 3 10
The Power Couple at Work

The Power Couple at Work

Blog Member's Spotlight
Junyi Lee, Meredith Tan, Singapore-based top animation and video production studio, also the Singapore Good Design Video Animation Partner.
A day in the life of Ar. Chio Wen Tian

A day in the life of Ar. Chio Wen Tian

Blog Member's Spotlight
The stage of the projects dictates the daily routine of an Architect. In general, my day typically comprises of some of these essential tasks.
Harsai Kron Reflects on his Career & Life

Harsai Kron Reflects on his Career & Life

Blog Member's Spotlight
Harsai Kron, Singapore-based UI/UX designer is the brains behind the CDG Zig app and possesses a passion for creating user-centered solutions.
1 2 3 13

3D Printing and Pokemon Enthusiast, Matt of Imagene Creative

3D Printing and Pokemon Enthusiast, Matt of Imagene Creative 1600 1066 Design Business Chamber Singapore

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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Scratchbac

Scratchbac 1778 1000 Design Business Chamber Singapore

Scratchbac was inspired by the thought of connecting neighbours together.

Jerry Neo of Scratchbac


Scratchbac is a proximity-based app that originally started out to solve my personal problem but the idea quickly grew to something bigger than myself.

We began organising events such as inviting neighbours to come down and play games together and small markets where people could bring down and exchange their pre-loved items with one another.


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Lionbots International’s Quirky Head of Special Projects, Lee Tat Lin

Lionbots International’s Quirky Head of Special Projects, Lee Tat Lin 1616 1080 Design Business Chamber Singapore

Lee Tat Lin, a SUTD graduate, happens to be the designer and maker behind our Singapore Good Design (SG Mark) plaques. 

Tell us a little more about yourself. Describe your personal style.

I’m educated as an engineer but the last 7 years of my career has taken me through a multitude of experiences from research to design, to consulting, and to where I am now. I value each one of them and suffice to say, I like to explore and dabble in new things!

What do you do at Lionsbot International?

I mainly focus on investor relations and overseas expansion, as well as driving a portion of our marketing efforts. It is exciting to see our cleaning robots all over the world, empowering cleaning professionals to be the future of cleaning!

What is your design ethos/motto?

I believe that every design is a solution to a problem, and it is crucial to always design for the right problem instead of seeking the right design for the wrong problem.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received? 

I’ve had many great advices but I like this rather unusual piece of advise: “Teach them the right way, but tell them the real way”

What would you like to have as your last meal on earth?

Definitely a bowl of noodle soup accompanied by grilled steak with roasted potatoes and vegetables. Not forgetting some good beer!


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Semula to a Dying Industry

Semula to a Dying Industry 667 1000 Design Business Chamber Singapore

Semula to a Dying Industry’s quest is to reuse and repurpose discarded materials.

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.


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Young Changemakers!

Young Changemakers! 1148 1000 Design Business Chamber Singapore

Young Changemakers believe that a better future lies in a strong foundation that incorporates sustainability into the teaching pedagogy.


When we started the project, we were driven by the desire to make sure that kids had the right principles growing up from a young age, especially when it comes to sustainability.

As no one has ever done a program on sustainability, we wanted to be the first.

Lim Si Hui of Glyph Community Ltd

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