21 June 2024
Singapore’s first national-level design education committee has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to integrate innovation and design into the national curriculum. The initiative, marked by the release of a blueprint for a “future design school,” aims to equip the workforce to tackle challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI), climate change, and an ageing population.
Appointed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry in early 2020, the Design Education Advisory Committee has placed a strong emphasis on embedding design thinking across all educational levels, from primary to tertiary education. “The introduction of design thinking, which is a form of creative problem-solving, offers not just an alternative but a complimentary way of thinking,” said Committee Chairman Low Cheaw Hwei.
Central to the blueprint is the integration of design thinking as a core life skill within daily curricula. This approach is intended to foster creativity and problem-solving abilities among students, preparing them for future economic landscapes. The “future design school” concept encompasses a network of Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) that will offer distinct courses and cultures, tailored to their unique strengths and heritage.
At the higher education level, the strategy includes extended collaboration with industry partners, providing students with longer work experiences under dedicated mentorship. This hands-on approach is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical industry skills. The DesignSingapore Council has already engaged over 3,700 students from more than 70 schools in programs aimed at broadening their creative thinking through design.
