From Design to Diversity: Harnessing Design to Drive Inclusion

Eugene Ng Wing Kin was among the first recipients of the DesignSingapore (Dsg) Scholarship in 2005. This opportunity paved the way for him to carve out a rewarding career leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives at global organisations, where he leverages design as a skillset to craft innovative, people-centred solutions. One might think that a design scholarship is only for someone with an interest in the creative industries, but Eugene’s journey is a testament to how design transcends aesthetics—it can be harnessed to drive change and innovation across diverse fields and industries.

Growing up, Eugene enjoyed both art and science. From earning Young Scientist Badges to creating 3D models of the solar system, his love for experimentation cultivated his creativity and curiosity—qualities that would come to define his career in design. After completing primary and secondary school, he pursued a Diploma in Visual Communication at Temasek Polytechnic and then a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Graphic and Media Design at the University of the Arts London—both of which he excelled in.

In recognition of his academic achievements, impressive resume, and aptitude for creative problem-solving, Eugene was awarded the DesignSingapore (Dsg) Scholarship by the DesignSingapore Council, the national agency that promotes design in Singapore. This enabled him to pursue a Master of Arts (MA) in Cultural and Creative Industries at King’s College London. For Eugene, the scholarship offered far more than financial aid; it was a gateway to unparalleled opportunities.

While Eugene was serving his bond with Dsg from 2006 to 2008, he had the privilege of working under the leadership of Dr Milton Tan, Dsg’s Executive Director from its founding in 2003 to 2009. Dr Tan’s influence left a lasting impression on Eugene, shaping his understanding of how design can drive systemic and policy innovation. Eugene credits Dr Tan’s vision and guidance with reinforcing his belief in design as a transformative tool for societal impact.

“Dr Tan showed me how design could transcend aesthetics to shape policies and create systemic change,” Eugene recalled.

Designing for Inclusion

After completing his MA in Cultural and Creative Industries at King’s College London, Eugene returned to Singapore and joined Dsg from 2006 to 2008. This experience deepened his understanding of design as a strategic tool for planning and policy-making. While there, he was part of the team that developed the Dsg-II: Strategic Blueprint of the DesignSingapore Initiative (2009), a pivotal document that charted the future of Singapore’s design industry. This role allowed Eugene to witness firsthand how design thinking could influence public policy and support the growth of Singapore’s creative ecosystem.

Between his first stint at Dsg and his return in 2018, Eugene embarked on a multifaceted career, pursuing further education and taking on diverse roles. Notably, he completed a doctoral programme in Media Design and Design Thinking at Keio University in Japan and founded Design Changemakers Pte Ltd. He also contributed to inclusive education and accessibility at SMU and completed a second master’s in educational leadership and policy at Monash University, Australia, during this period, building a robust foundation for his later ventures in diversity and inclusion.

By the time Eugene rejoined Dsg in 2018, he had developed a unique blend of strategic, creative, and educational expertise, which he applied to shaping national talent policies and advancing Singapore’s design landscape. This trajectory set the stage for his eventual transition to multinational organisations like Adidas and Oliver Wyman, where he continues to leverage design thinking to drive impactful change.

Today, Eugene is the Asia-Pacific Business Partner for Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging (IDB) at Oliver Wyman, a global leader in management consulting.

In this role, he applies principles of design thinking—such as empathy, user-centricity, and iterative problem-solving—to help organisations create inclusive workplaces. By focusing on understanding employee experiences and identifying systemic barriers, Eugene designs actionable policies and frameworks for inclusion and delivers impactful training on topics such as unconscious bias. His ability to blend analytical rigour with creative empathy ensures that inclusion and belonging remain central to organisational priorities, while his global perspective enables him to tailor strategies that address the unique challenges of diverse teams across the region.

“The multifaceted nature of DEI challenges requires creative thinking. Inclusion is about designing policies, processes, and environments that empower everyone,” Eugene explained.

Design as a Catalyst for Change—Sometimes in Unexpected Contexts

“Design has taught me empathy—this perspective is invaluable when addressing diversity, equity and inclusion,” Eugene shared. Eugene credits the Dsg Scholarship for shaping his career trajectory. It not only equipped him with academic knowledge from a reputable institution, but also transferable skills such as design thinking, stakeholder engagement, and strategic problem-solving that helped him stay adaptable. Most importantly, it provided him with global exposure that is crucial to his work today.

Eugene’s journey illustrates the far-reaching impact of design. From shaping public policy to driving DEI initiatives in global organisations, he demonstrates that design is a powerful framework for solving complex, people-focused challenges.

Through his work, he continues to redefine the boundaries of design by applying its principles beyond traditional industries—such as using design thinking to address unconscious bias, craft equitable workplace policies, and foster inclusive cultures. By blending analytical rigour with empathy, Eugene sets an example of how creativity and strategic problem-solving can drive meaningful change, inspiring others to adopt similar approaches in their fields.

Eugene’s commitment to learning is evident throughout his career. He advises future Dsg Scholars to fully embrace every opportunity the scholarship offers. “The Dsg Scholarship is not just financial support—it’s a gateway to a vibrant community of mentors, peers, and industry leaders,” Eugene said. He encourages scholars to leverage this network, embrace lifelong learning, and contribute to the design community’s growth.

This article was first published in BrightSparks February 2025 magazine. Reproduced with permission from Kariera Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd.