Singapore unveils ‘future design school’ blueprint for a resilient workforce

The second-term report publication also showcases four proof-of-concepts to close the talent gap.

Singapore’s Design Education Advisory Committee (DEAC) unveiled a blueprint called the “future design school” to build a resilient workforce that thrives in the digital age.

The committee, formed by the DesignSingapore Council (Dsg) and appointed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), said the initiative focuses on strengthening the innovation and creative problem-solving capabilities of the next generation. 

This will prepare Singapore’s talent pool to be more adaptive in the digital age with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) still rising. It was also made in response to the ongoing challenges faced by global economies such as the effects of climate change, resource scarcity and ageing populations, according to DEAC.

It recognises the importance of design skills to give the youth a stronger foundation, with the future education setup set to integrate learning through design in everyday curriculum.

The blueprint is part of the committee’s second-term report publication, which also showcases four proof-of-concepts to close the talent gap.

These concepts were: National Design Project to demonstrate the impact of design education; Seamless Career Pathway to blend education and industry work for greater relevance; Cross-IHL Learning Bootcamp to spark new interests and capabilities beyond design; and Design Research Collaborations to spur innovation and wider applications. 

For higher education levels, the blueprint intended for students to be part of a network of institutes of higher learning offering courses and culture that touches on their respective attributes and heritage known as a ‘one design school.

The second-term report publication expands on the three recommendations DEAC made two years ago, which were: to shape a design education system that is globally recognised yet unique to Singapore; to amalgamate design education and the wider industry; and build DEAC as the go-to platform for thought and practice leadership on design education.

DEAC members invested over S$1,000,000, including 3,000 hours, to develop and test different prototypes from 2022 to 2024.