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Held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, SIDA was attended by Guest-of-Honour Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance and National Development, with over 500 guests from design, architecture, and the built environment business sectors.
SIDA is an annual competition presented by the Society of Interior Designers Singapore (SIDS) to recognize exceptional projects and practitioners in the global design industry. The award also features a dedicated category for Singapore-based designers – Luminary – one of the highest levels of recognition in Singapore, honouring designers who have significantly impacted the industry.
In its 8th edition, SIDA 2024 received nearly 700 entries from 12 countries, with Singapore leading at 492 submissions, followed by Malaysia and China. New entries from Cambodia and the UK reflect SIDA’s growing international reach. A total of 107 participants from eight nations were honoured with the SIDA 2024 award.
The SIDA 2024 jury included internationally renowned experts from design, architecture, and hospitality, bringing diverse expertise and experience.
Brandon Fee, Chairman of SIDA 2024, “Since its inception in 2017, SIDA has grown from a platform dedicated to spotlighting Singapore-based designers to a highly respected regional competition that sets the bar for design excellence across Asia. Each year, our finalists represent a dynamic blend of experienced professionals and emerging talents, illustrating that SIDA’s design-centric criteria ensure a level playing field for all, regardless of project scale or budget.”
Lifetime Achievement Award: Simon Ong, Kingsmen Creatives (Singapore)
[Jury citation] Ong is a pioneer in his field who continues to push the boundaries of experiential design. His countless contributions to the industry are an inspiration to all designers in Singapore and all over the world. There is so much more which we should learn from a mentor like him.
Designer of the Year: Averse Yau, A Blue Cube Design (Singapore)
[Jury citation] Yau's virtuosity is evident in his plethora of works, each with their own character. His play with materials and colour is commendable, underscored by his attention to detail.
Young Designer of the Year: Dickson Phoon, Twothree Design (Singapore)
[Jury citation] Phoon has impressed us with his thoughtful approach to modern luxury. His work reflects a refined sensibility and dedication to creating spaces that are both stylish and functional, embodying the principles of contemporary design with a timeless appeal.
Best Design Firm of the Year: Super Assembly (Singapore)
[Jury citation] Super Assembly's design approach is clear and consistent, representative of this generation's aesthetic pursuits. This current trajectory is very promising for a young and dynamic architectural practice that delves in all aspects of design.
Design Educator of the Year: Ho Sock Yee, Temasek Polytechnic (Singapore)
[Jury citation] Ho’s passion in education extends beyond the classroom, towards practice and the industry. Her contributions towards various professional associations and the community speaks volumes of her character and altruism. Remaining relevant in practice and industry is important for an educator shaping the minds of our next generation and she should continue to do so.
Design of the Year: EDL Regional Headquarters, Gwen Tan, The Afternaut Group (Singapore)
[Jury citation] EDL Regional HQ elegantly ties the architecture and interiors together through its sensitive play of light, shade, and colour. The design is contemporary and on point, befitting the company's image. Many interesting spaces have been planned for, where the interiors are well integrated.
As the interior design field evolves, SIDA provides a key platform to showcase creativity, skill, and innovation. The competition highlights talented designers and supports aspiring professionals through its Youth Category. This year, SIDA introduced the Youth Excellence Award, an annual bursary offering SGD 3,000 each to three students from local Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), reinforcing its commitment to nurturing new talent.
Tung Ching Yew, President of Society of Interior Designers Singapore, adds: “As Singapore’s leading professional body for the industry, the Society aims to position itself as a vital pillar of quality and credibility. One of our proudest milestones is achieving this through SIDA where we recognise not only veteran practitioners, but also aspiring design students who will be the next generation of design leaders.”
In 2024, the Society of Interior Designers Singapore (SIDS) also marked its 30th anniversary as the nation's leading professional body. At the Gala Dinner, Tung shared key milestones and addressed current industry challenges. In light of recent renovation-related issues, SIDS announced an awareness campaign for the Singapore Interior Designers Accreditation Scheme (SIDAS) to educate homeowners on the importance of hiring accredited, high-standard professionals.
