As one of Asia’s premier design festivals, Singapore Design Week (SDW) returns triumphantly with its 2023 edition, promising to deliver a burst of creativity, innovation, and design impact to the city. Running from 21st September to 1st October, the event offers an extraordinary showcase of Singapore’s unique brand of design, curated to foster thought leadership and celebrate the best from Singapore and beyond.
To mark the 20th anniversary of the DesignSingapore Council (Dsg), SDW 2023 adopts the Council’s motto ‘Better by Design’, encapsulating the heart of Singaporean design ethos. “Singapore design embodies a universal attitude – the desire always to seek to make lives better using design,” says Madeleine Ho, Festival Director of SDW 2023. “Marking our 20th anniversary, we adopt this resourceful spirit for Singapore Design Week 2023, coalescing design born from a strong sense of creative purpose and crafted for positive impact.”
Building on its enduring vision, SDW 2023 will feature three defining pillars: Design Futures, Design Marketplace, and Design Impact. Design Futures will focus on the future of design through the lens of forward-looking Singapore. The Design Futures Symposium will once again take centre stage, exploring design-enabled versions of the future with distinguished designers and thinkers from around the world.
The Design Marketplace will uncover global lifestyle trends, with a particular focus on the rapidly growing Southeast Asia region. FIND – Design Fair Asia, Asia’s most anticipated design trade fair, will make a comeback at Marina Bay Sands from 21 to 23 September 2023. The fair will present a unique showcase dedicated to Southeast Asian contemporary design at EMERGE @ FIND, curated by Suzy Annetta of Design Anthology, featuring the theme of “CRAFT + INDUSTRY: MAN + MACHINE”.
Meanwhile, Design Impact will inspire attendees with innovative and impactful design solutions tackling society’s biggest questions. Key themes – Innovation, Sustainability, and Inclusivity – will be celebrated through immersive installations in the Bras Basah. Bugis arts, heritage and design district. These installations will spotlight the innovative spirit of Singapore design and reflect on critical issues from sustainability to inclusivity.
This year’s festival will also introduce Design Districts, an exciting addition that offers immersive design experiences within walking distance. These districts are located in Bras Basah. Bugis, Marina Bay, and Orchard Road will each reflect their unique character and charm.
“Singapore Design Week has always been about showcasing the best of design from Singapore and beyond,” says Dawn Lim, Executive Director, DesignSingapore Council. “We invite everyone to join us and experience how we can make lives ‘Better by Design’ through SDW 2023!”
Visit the SDW 2023 official website for more details and updates as we approach the festival. Follow the conversation on social media using the hashtags #SDWSG23 and #SingaporeDesignWeek.