Building on the resounding success of its first edition, the Southeast Asian design talent showcase will be returning to EMERGE @ FIND from 21 to 23 September 2023, as a key event of Singapore Design Week.
Presented by DesignSingapore Council (Dsg) and supported by FIND – Design Fair Asia, EMERGE @ FIND will gather more than 50 of the region’s most exciting designers who will present pieces specially created for this year’s edition across 800 sqm of exhibition space.
Curator of the showcase, Suzy Annetta, expands on last year’s exploration of Materiality with this year’s theme, “CRAFT + INDUSTRY: MAN + MACHINE”. The fresh works will exemplify the diverse spectrum of work produced across the region – from the handmade and crafted, to pure industrial and/or mass production.
“Discover a collection of Southeast Asian designers and artists whose work is shaped by a variety of approaches – from a rootedness in ancient craft, to interpretations of the traditional through new materials and techniques, to methods of working that are entirely reliant on contemporary technological innovation. From fully developed to experimental, each piece is deeply considered, shining a light on the cross-currents between traditional crafts, new technologies and interdisciplinary methods,” said Annetta.
Diversity of Design Talent
Visitors can expect to see a mix of returning and new designers from six countries – Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam working across different materials and methods.
Among the crop showing for the first time are Tan Wei Xiang from Singapore, Khoo V-Ho and Giselle Khoo of Dad’s Wood from Malaysia, Hana Surya of Threadapeutic from Indonesia, Charnon Nakornsang of Nakornsang Studio from Thailand, Chini Lichangco of Chini Studio from the Philippines, and Thanh Tam Nguyen Tran of Tam’s Studio from Vietnam, just to name a few.
Thanh, who designs and creates screens using a heat presser on nylon sheets, is looking forward to her debut. “EMERGE is a perfect launching pad for Southeast Asian designers to make a name for themselves in the design community,” said Thanh.
Fellow debutant, Lichangco, who creates lighting fixtures and table top accessories by working with local suppliers and craftsmen to showcase Filipino talent, ingenuity, and craftsmanship, echoes the sentiment of showing at EMERGE. “What I’m presenting for EMERGE would be my KAIA Collection. I’ve always been interested in how raw texture in nature comes to life, and I wanted to create that in my pieces,” said Lichangco.
Returning designers are also taking the opportunity to launch new products and present fresh ideas at the showcase: Indonesian designer, Eva Natasa, is putting a different spin on her L02 stools with the use of natural indigo dye; Singapore’s Tiffany Loy, a textile designer, will be creating smaller pieces this time, but pushing the technique and materials further; and Thailand’s Teerapoj Teeropas is creating a special collection in collaboration with artisans.
“Working with skilled craftsmen means being able to witness my designs come to life through their hands rather than just on paper. There have been many times when the lifelong skills possessed by the craftsmen helped push my designs further. It was a pleasure to exchange know-how, and this has been a true collaboration,” shared Teeropas.
“We are excited to welcome so many talented craftsmen and women to FIND this year. The diversity, creativity and inimitable artistry on display illustrates again how bright the future of design in Asia really is,” said Carl Press, Event Director, FIND – Design Fair Asia.
“Singapore has always connected people, ideas and trades as an international hub and the gateway to Asia. As the organiser of Singapore Design Week (SDW), DesignSingapore Council envisions a festival that also celebrates and champions the design talent in Southeast Asia. We’re proud to present this year’s edition of EMERGE @ FIND, and believe this showcase will propel the region further on the global design landscape,” said Dawn Lim, Executive Director of Dsg.
