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Abstract
Although Singapore recently celebrated 50 years of graphic design, relatively little documentation
exists about the history of graphic design in the island state. This research explores Singaporean
design education institutes that adopted ‘twinning’ strategies with international design schools
over the last 20 years and compares them with institutions that have retained a more individual
and local profile. Seeking to explore this little-studied field, the research contributes to an emergent
conversation about Singapore’s design history and how it has influenced the current state of the
design industry in Singapore.
The research documents and describes the growth resulting from a decade of investment in the creative fields in Singapore. It also establishes a pattern articulated via interviews and applied research involving local designers and design educators who were invited to take part in the research. The content of the interviews demonstrates strong views that reflect the growing
importance of creativity and design in the local society.
In considering the deliberate practice of Singaporean graphic design schools adopting twinning strategies with western universities, the research posits questions about whether Singapore is now able to confirm that such relationships have been beneficial as viable long-term strategies for the future of the local design industry. If so, the ramifications may have a significant impact not only in Singapore but also in major new education markets throughout Asia, such as the well-supported creative sectors within China and India.