The new annual event, supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), will debut in March 2018. The two-day conference will bring together global thought leaders in design and business to share insights and strategies for design innovation.
Led by the editorial teams of Time, Fortune and Wallpaper*, Brainstorm Design will feature presentations and panel discussions on how design can help to build businesses, improve sustainability, engage communities and enrich people’s lives. Speakers and participants will include leaders in industrial and product design, architecture, urban planning, landscaping, service design, experience design, graphic design, branding, fashion, software and nanotechnology.
The conference will also include exclusive access to exceptional venues, exhibitions and demonstrations, as well as extensive opportunities for networking, says Time Inc.
“Time Inc is pleased to launch Brainstorm Design in Singapore, a premier global destination for design and business,” said Norman Pearlstine, Vice Chairman of Time Inc. “Together with DesignSingapore Council and the support of the Singapore Economic Development Board, our brands will lead a dynamic exchange of ideas on design today with some of the industry’s most prominent experts.”
“We value the strategic partnership with Time Inc because we share a similar mission to drive business growth using design. In today’s digital economy, businesses need to turn to broader and deeper aspects of design to give themselves a competitive advantage. Through Time Inc’s reach and sharp acumen for content that speaks to the business community, we hope to deepen the influence of Singapore Design Week and encourage wider adoption of design as a business strategy among the C-level,” said Agnes Kwek, Executive Director, DesignSingapore Council.
“Design has become a necessary capability for companies seeking to innovate and create new business,” said Dr Beh Swan Gin, Chairman of EDB. “EDB is delighted to support this partnership and promote greater adoption of design by companies and organizations in Singapore. This also has the potential to generate fresh insights on how design and designers can contribute to sustainable economic growth and societal wellbeing.”
Brainstorm Design will coincide with Singapore Design Week, which celebrates all things design with more than 100 local and international events and programmes. The annual event encourages businesses to adopt design; and offers an important platform for presenting design in social innovation, as well as creativity and craftsmanship of local designers.
“Singapore is undoubtedly one of the great economic success stories of the past 50 years. We want to make it the great design success story of the next ten years. And great design always makes for great business,” said Tony Chambers, Wallpaper* Editor-in-Chief. “Wallpaper* is delighted to be partnering with DesignSingapore Council and the Singapore Economic Development Board, not only for the Brainstorm Design Conference but also for Wallpaper* Handmade, our annual salute to craft, creativity and innovation. We look forward to bringing the exhibition to a Singaporean audience, and involving local talents in design collaborations for 2018 and beyond.”
Wallpaper* Handmade will also be establishing its first home in Asia with a showcase of annual bespoke exhibitions and Singapore commissioned pieces:
• Singapore + Wallpaper* Handmade Classics; a showcase of original pieces and design collaborations commissioned by Wallpaper* and created by internationally renowned talents
• Wallpaper* Handmade-On-Tour; a showcase of the latest Handmade pieces and design collaborations commissioned by Wallpaper* arriving into Singapore from Milan’s Salone del Mobile
• Singapore Commissioned Pieces (2018 & 2019); a showcase of original pieces and design collaborations commissioned by Wallpaper* and created by Singaporean designers and talent to inaugurate at the Singapore Design Week and then travel to Milan Design Week
The announcement took place at the second edition of the Innovation by Design Conference (IDC), the feature conference of Singapore Design 2017. The conference is organised by DesignSingapore, in partnership with Time Inc. IDC expands to become Brainstorm Design in 2018 and 2019.
