S$40 million boost for design: Singapore’s 3‑year strategy to supercharge sector under master plan

[SINGAPORE] DesignSingapore Council (DSG) has launched its Design 2035 Masterplan, a 10-year road map to support sector capabilities and reinforce design as a cultural and economic force by identifying where it can make the greatest impact.

Singapore: Limitless by Design kicks off with over S$40 million to be invested over the first three years (2026 to 2028) in both new initiatives and refreshed programmes across design and business communities, culture seekers and everyday users of design.

As part of the financial commitment, more than S$15 million will be invested in Good Design Research and Development in the first three years. Under this new initiative, businesses can receive co-funding of up to S$450,000 for development to use design in their operations. This is a huge jump from a grant of up to S$50,000 under the old scheme.

“Businesses can tap on the initiative to undertake user-centred research, validation and development activities that uncover user needs, refine opportunity areas, validate solutions and translate ideas into market-ready innovations,” Eugene Chin, DSG’s director of partners and covering director of strategy and product innovation told The Business Times.

Such activities may include engaging and hiring designers, conducting user testing and market validation, sourcing materials and specialised equipment and undertaking small-batch production, leading to tangible outputs such as prototypes, tested service models or registered intellectual property.

In addition, DSG will co-fund salaries in the Good Design Placement programme to place mid-career designers in strategic design roles within design mature organisations in key growth sectors.

To reach a larger international audience and attract new interest and investment, the national agency for design will also launch the inaugural Singapore Design Biennale in May 2027.

The six-week event will replace the annual Singapore Design Week and offer new and compelling commissions, more creative precincts, international collaborations and platforms to share Singapore design.

With exports of design services valued at S$3.6 billion in 2023, going global is another key priority. Designers can look forward to the International Design Awards Scheme, which will provide financial support to defray costs of winning globally recognised awards.

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In addition, DSG will support designers and design firms pursuing overseas market opportunities through curated showcases and strategic engagements.

In crafting the master plan, the agency engaged more than 6,000 individuals – from designers and design buyers, to educators and members of the public – over the course of a year.

The design sector contributed S$2.7 billion in real value added to Singapore’s gross domestic product in 2024, and generated an estimated S$13.8 billion in gross value added across the wider economy.

The country has more than 8,400 design firms, with 61,000 people in design-related full-time employment. Some 76 per cent of designers work in non-design sectors. A survey conducted last year revealed that 64 per cent of Singaporeans see design as integral to the nation’s liveability and vibrancy.

“Good design is good business,” said Dawn Lim, DSG’s executive director. “When businesses embed design early, better decisions, better systems and better outcomes are created.”

Along with the master plan, DSG highlighted three global trends aligned with Singapore’s national priorities for the sector to address.

Local designers can shape emerging technology in artificial intelligence; help cities respond to climate change; and as the nation reaches super aged status this year, create products and designs for more robust systems of care.