PUMA and Temasek Polytechnic Celebrate SG60 with Sneaker Design Contest Showcasing Youth Creativity

In celebration of Singapore’s 60th birthday, PUMA has teamed up with Temasek Polytechnic (TP) to launch the PUMA x TP Palermo Customization Contest.

This one-of-a-kind collaboration invites students from TP’s School of Design to breathe new life into the iconic PUMA Palermo sneaker. The results? Ten bold, imaginative designs inspired by local icons, kampung traditions, and everyday nostalgia.

The contest challenged students to reinterpret the classic Palermo with techniques ranging from hand-painting and embroidery to digital airbrushing and sculptural detailing. Each sneaker reflects a different aspect of Singapore’s identity.

Our Kampung Spirit (Jessica Chen, Tan Le Xuan)

A tribute to Singapore’s kampung heritage, weaving in materials like rattan, torch ginger, and palm leaves to create a modern streetwear silhouette steeped in tradition.

Kopitiam Culture (Lim Li Xuan, Pherlyn, Soon Zixin Janise, Lee Hao Ming Tison)

Drawing inspiration from Kopitiam culture, using coffee-dyed laces, laser-cut tiles, and resin art to transform everyday nostalgia into wearable storytelling.

Dragon Playground (Sophie Lim, Clarabel Lai, Jean Wong)

Channeling the playful energy of iconic local landmarks, using velcro patches, hand-painted designs, and sculptural forms to invite wearers into an interactive journey of expression.

From Classroom to Runway

The competition also became a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, uniting students from various design disciplines: fashion, illustration, animation, and product styling. With guidance from Sky Alfonso, Creative Director of Orchard Road Fashion, and Carlson Dino of Sneaker Freaks, students refined their ideas into gallery-worthy concepts that blend aesthetic appeal with cultural depth.

Sky also led a hands-on workshop, mentoring the teams on how to turn creative ideas into market-ready streetwear that reflects both authenticity and innovation.

See the Top 10 Designs at PUMA 313@somerset

From 1–10 August 2025, the Top 10 customized PUMA Palermo sneakers will be on public display at PUMA’s 313@somerset store, culminating in an award ceremony on 8 August to celebrate the Top 3 winning teams.

PUMA x TP Palermo Customization Contest

• PUMA 313@somerset
• 1–10 August 2025
• Award Ceremony: 8 August 2025