DBCS Establishes Strategic Presence in Chongqing; Launches Design-Led Collaboration Framework with Industry Partners in China

The Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) has officially inaugurated its Chongqing Representative Office and unveiled a comprehensive collaboration framework aimed at bridging design capability gaps for manufacturing-led enterprises in Western China. The initiative emerged from a successful delegation visit conducted from 30 November to 3 December 2025. In partnership with China-Singapore Industrial Design (CSID), DBCS has identified and structured three foundational pillars for sustained Singapore–Chongqing collaboration: 1 business partner matchmaking, knowledge transfer and educational exchange, and human capital development in design internationalisation.

Addressing a Critical Market Need

The visit confirmed that Chongqing manufacturers possess exceptional production and engineering capabilities, with strong opportunities to strengthen creative and strategic design competencies such as branding, user experience, and global market positioning. As enterprises look to move up the value chain through design-led strategies, DBCS’s design and internationalisation expertise is well-positioned to support this growth. The initiative creates mutual opportunity: Chongqing manufacturers gain access to world-class design capabilities, while Singapore’s design firms and practitioners gain direct entry to a robust client base and the chance to establish long-term commercial partnerships in one of Asia’s fastest-growing industrial hubs.

Three-Pillar Collaboration Framework

The partnership will operate across three pillars:

First, a curated database of Singapore design firms spanning product, service, and sustainable design, plus branding, UX/UI, and market localisation, will connect Chongqing enterprises with partners experienced in bringing brands to international markets. Second, multi-institutional programmes including studio visits, workshops, and design challenges will expose students and professionals to global best practices. Third, capability-building masterclasses will strengthen expertise in branding, intellectual property, design research, and market-entry strategies.

Strategic Partnerships Signed

During the mission, DBCS and CSID formalised an education collaboration agreement with Chongqing Vocational & Technical University of Mechatronics, marking the first concrete step toward knowledge exchange.

Next Steps

DBCS will prioritise implementing the three pillars based on partner readiness and resource alignment. Initial focus will centre on piloting the business matchmaking framework with select high-fit companies from both ecosystems, establishing the groundwork for scaled collaboration.

By anchoring a formal presence in Chongqing and structuring our collaboration around clear, actionable pillars, they are creating sustainable value for both Singapore’s design community and China’s enterprises seeking global competitiveness.

Interested in participating? DBCS partners keen to explore collaboration opportunities are encouraged to reach out to Kay at kayying@dbcsingapore.org.

Acknowledgments

DBCS would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Economy and Information Technology and the Chongqing Manufacturing Industry Talent Service Center for their invaluable support and facilitation in establishing this strategic initiative.

About DBCS

The Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) is the nation’s leading multidisciplinary design chamber since 1985. Founded by a diverse group of 13 forward-thinking designers, the organisation was formerly known as Designers Association Singapore. It was renamed Design Business Chamber Singapore in 2012.

As a dynamic community of business leaders, design practitioners, and academia from diverse backgrounds, DBCS believes that a pluralistic design approach is key to gaining a competitive edge in today’s global market. As a champion of applying design in business, DBCS seeks to raise the standard of professional practices and create business opportunities through cross-collaborations in local and international contexts.

For more information, visit https://dbcsingapore.org/

Media Contact:
Kay Ying Lee
Kayying@dbcsingapore.org