Opening Remarks by 2M Indranee Rajah at the Singapore Interior Design Awards

Dec 17, 2021

A very good evening to everyone. I am glad to join you at the Singapore Interior Design Awards (SIDA) today. Now into its fifth year, SIDA has established itself as one of the region’s major interior design awards.
 
Last year, I was also here at the Awards to announce that the Society of Interior Designers (SIDS) would be embarking on an accreditation programme which would enable interior designers to collaborate and build stronger trust with clients, while at the same time instil a culture of continued excellence and lifelong learning among designers. 

And I am heartened to hear that the Singapore Interior Design Accreditation Programme was officially launched last month. It was a significant milestone for the industry as the first-ever national accreditation scheme for interior designers in Singapore.
I hope that all of you will continue to broaden your knowledge and deepen your skills in the industry by tapping on this programme.

The accreditation programme provides our designers the opportunity to upskill and attain the necessary qualifications. The programme will also help to uplift the image and professionalism of interior designers and the overall industry. I look forward to hearing more success stories and breakthroughs in the coming years. 

This year again, the SIDS is breaking new ground. It must be something about the interior designer’s DNA - to be forward thinking and innovative.

The Covid-19 pandemic has been the biggest disruptor to businesses and lives in the history of mankind. Life as we knew it is unlikely to be ever the same again.

As designers who design our homes, public spaces and workspaces, you have a crucial role to play in the aesthetics and functionality of the spaces we work, live and play in, but now, to also work around changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic – such as the need for more spaces for both physical and mental well-being, as people spend more time at home. 

So I am glad to see that SIDA has decided to honour those who have given thought to pandemic design, by introducing the Best in Pandemic Design solutions category. 
I am told that some of the nominees and designs you will see tonight are truly ahead of their time.

Throughout the night, many designers will be honoured. Some of whom are Singapore designers flying our flag proudly in the region. 

On that note, I would like to congratulate SIDS’ very own president Prof. Keat for being elected as the president of the Asia Pacific Space Designers Association. He joins a select group of Singaporeans to occupy regional leadership positions in the built environment industry. 

SIDA is an important aspect of the local interior design industry as it not only recognises the best in the industry, but it continues to challenge the industry to do better and to be better.

And this innovative spirit is demonstrated in our award recipients today, such as the winner of the best designs in F&B and workspace, who has stints at various international practices from Beijing to London under his belt. At his studio, he works collaboratively with both clients and consultants to explore market demands, environment sustainability, design technology, and socio-cultural landscapes. 

Similarly, the Luminary Winner for the Best in Residential Award tonight believes in the importance of developing close working relationships with clients. Her studio is known for crafting elegant show apartments for luxury residential developments, and the designers are focused on cultivating a working environment that encourages supportive relationships.

My congratulations to both these winners on your awards, as well as all the designers present today for the good work you all have done. 

Thank you SIDS for your good work in continuing to raise the bar for the design community, and of course, for organising another successful awards ceremony tonight. I wish you all a good evening ahead as we celebrate the achievements of the interior design industry. Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas in advance, and may 2022 bring you all success and happiness. Thank you very much.