How Singapore became a nation by design
For decades, design has helped transform the city-state. Here’s how it will take it into the future.
Since the 1980s, the Singapore government has prioritized the development of its design sector as a key driver of the city-state’s business and culture. Through these proactive investments and the deliberate focus on design, Singapore has transformed to become one of the biggest economic success stories of the century.
DesignSingapore Council, the national agency for design, has played an important role in this evolution. The agency has been actively raising awareness around the power of good design and using this medium to grow business, spur innovation, and improve lives. “When things work really well, there’s good design in there,” says Dawn Lim, executive director at DesignSingapore Council. “It’s important for people to be informed of what good design can do and the impact it can have on their organizations, on their businesses, [and] on the communities they serve.”
Now, as Singapore marks 60 years of independence, it is continuing to harness design to advance emerging technology, sustainability, and systems of care. In the video above, Fortune Brand Studio senior special correspondent Pavni Mittal sits down with Lim to talk about how the intentional design of Singapore has elevated the city-state to new heights and how it will shape its future.
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As Singapore’s national agency for design, we champion the use of design to grow business, spur innovation, and improve lives.
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How design is giving Singapore a global edge
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How design is driving innovation across Singapore—and beyond
Design innovation in action
Singapore by Design: A Blueprint for the Future
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As Singapore’s national agency for design, we champion the use of design to grow business, spur innovation, and improve lives.
© 2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
Receive news on the latest design happenings.
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Singapore Design
Discover how Singapore can power your design ambitions.
Connect with us at info@designsingapore.org
See how leading companies such as Dyson, Grab, PSA Singapore, and Changi Airport Group are creating a future led by remarkable design innovations.
Design innovation in action
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How design is driving innovation across Singapore—and beyond
