Design as a Force for Good

In a world where creativity and innovation shape our daily lives, design serves as the silent but powerful language that shapes our interactions and experiences. At the heart of Singapore’s creative transformation lies the DesignSingapore Council (Dsg), the national agency for design that is dedicated to helping Singapore become an innovation-driven economy and a loveable city by design. It is driven by a mission to improve lives by nurturing design excellence to craft a brighter, more inclusive, and sustainable future. 

Lim Si Ping and Ong Kian Peng are recipients of the Dsg Scholarship, which aims to develop the next generation of designers who aspire to be game changers and contribute to the design sector, even if they are from a non-design background. It is the only scholarship in Singapore that provides funding for the widest range of design disciplines. 

Si Ping is currently the Digital Experience Design Lead at Gensler (US), a global architecture, design, and planning firm, while Kian Peng is the Co-founder for Supernormal.space, an independent art space that presents experimental works and projects. They share how the scholarship has not only shaped their professional journeys but empowered them to make a difference through their visionary approach to designing better futures. 

Weaving Design and Technology 

Si Ping’s passion for design and technology found its roots in science fiction. “What I found most captivating was how science fiction can paint a future where design and technology played pivotal roles in shaping the human experience.” 

These influences, along with a personal intervention, led Si Ping to the Dsg Scholarship. Having spent some time working in advertising, she yearned for new challenges and opportunities. Encouraged by her father, she recognised the scholarship’s potential to rekindle her passion to be a designer who could harness the potential of technology to drive positive change, which was not facilitated by her work in advertising. 

Supported by the scholarship, she pursued a Master of Fine Arts in Design and Technology from The New School (Parsons School of Design) in New York. 

As the Digital Experience Design Lead at Gensler, Si Ping’s role is multifaceted. She creates interactive prototypes for various projects, ensuring the designs surpass clients’ expectations. 

“My role as a designer is not just to create visually stunning pieces but also to engage, challenge, and connect with people on a deeper level,” she shared. 

One of her most impactful projects was the collaboration between Deloitte and Gensler for ‘The Smart Factory’, demonstrating the potential of innovative and immersive storytelling using virtual reality and interactive touchpoints. 

“Deloitte envisioned a space that would not only showcase their advanced technologies but also narrate a compelling story about the future of manufacturing, and Gensler was entrusted with bringing this vision to life,” she elaborated. 

“We employed cutting-edge technologies to craft an immersive environment, and developed narratives that not only explained the technologies in use to visitors but also painted a vivid picture of the future of manufacturing, emphasising the impact and potential of these innovations.” 

Apart from her work at Gensler, she also channels her creativity into producing art. Her work on an interactive installation for i Light Singapore in 2021 delved into the intimate narratives of individuals and captured feelings of isolation and loneliness to resilience and creativity during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“It reaffirmed the notion that as a designer, I can use my craft to evoke emotions, create connections, and offer a sense of unity, even in the face of adversity.” 

Si Ping aspires to continue making a meaningful contribution to Singapore’s development as a future-forward city through the lens of innovation and design in her role at Gensler. 

Environmental Influence and Art-Tech Fusion 

Ong Kian Peng, the Co-founder of Supernormal.space, navigates the captivating intersection of technology, art, and the environment. His passion for this unique perspective was ignited early in life. “I was always a curious person when it comes to technology. As a child I would try to press all the buttons and twist all the knobs I could get my hands on, which got me into a lot of trouble with my dad,” he shared candidly. 

His curiosity led him to design school. There, Kian Peng found a creative outlet in generative design, where coding breathed life into art. He became captivated by coding as a design tool that created visual elements almost organically and relished the anticipation when a new piece of code ran. 

His love for technology naturally extended to his love for the environment as it provided him with tranquillity and peace. “I appreciated how generative art worked like how trees grow from a seed,” he reflected. Yet, he recognised that environmental issues were often overlooked, inspiring him to bridge the gap between humanity and nature through his work. 

His desire to pursue this passion led him to the Dsg Scholarship, which he discovered through a friend. He saw it as an opportunity to better focus on his studies and benefit from a wider network of fellow designers. In his academic journey, Kian Peng earned a Master of Fine Arts in Design/Media Arts from the University of California, Los Angeles, and is currently pursuing a PhD at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU). 

His academic and multidisciplinary training allow him to fluently navigate different disciplines, facilitating better communication and cohesion in projects involving diverse teams. 

As the Co-founder of Supernormal.space, Kian Peng wears multiple hats, from manager to curator, designer, and technician. The small, independent art space focuses on emerging and experimental art practices, and his diverse skill set is instrumental in running it effectively. 

Immersive art installations serve as a convergence of art, technology, and design in Kian Peng’s creative sphere. His approach centres on creating environments that facilitate self-reflection and evoking poetic experiences through non-linear art installations. Technology serves as the conduit between digital realms and human interactions. 

For Singapore Biennale 2022, he addressed climate change and humanity’s intricate bond with nature through a work titled ‘The Viscous Sea’. Inspired by a residency in Jordan, the project narrated the story of the Dead Sea, unveiling how human interventions have propelled it to its impending demise. 

One of his most memorable projects is ‘Too Far, Too Near’, a two-part installation with audio-kinetic sculptures accompanying a video capturing melting ice sheets and glaciers in Greenland. The experience of encountering a massive glacier led to a profound realisation of humanity’s insignificance and reinforced his commitment to his work. 

“It made me realise how insignificant we are, and that we should change our perspective that humans are central to the world ecosystem. That experience really reinforced my belief in doing what I do,” he said. 

Kian Peng’s most significant career achievement was clinching the President’s Young Talent grand prize in 2015 for ‘Too Far, Too Near,’ which opened many doors of opportunities for him. Looking ahead, he aspires to continue creating works that deeply resonate with audiences. 

Designing Purposeful Paths 

For individuals who are passionate about design, Si Ping and Kian Peng offer their valuable insights: Kian Peng advocates for a deliberate approach to design and technology. “Don’t blindly chase technology. Use them meaningfully. Find poetic uses for technology. That’s our role as designers.” 

Si Ping advises aspiring Dsg Scholarship applicants to adopt a positive mindset. “Approach the scholarship application with enthusiasm, dedication, and a genuine love for design, and it will not only enhance your chances of being selected but also set you on a path of a purposeful and fulfilling design career.” 

This article was first published in BrightSparks February 2024 magazine. Reproduced with permission from Kariera Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd.