Singapore Unveils Design 2035 Masterplan With Over S$40 Million Investment to Shape Next Decade of Innovation and City Living

Singapore has launched its Design 2035 Masterplan, a 10-year roadmap by the DesignSingapore Council aimed at strengthening sector capabilities, driving economic growth and enhancing the nation’s urban vibrancy. Titled Singapore: Limitless by Design, the plan positions design as both a cultural force and an economic driver for the next decade.

The announcement comes as Singapore’s design sector continues to grow in impact, contributing S$2.7 billion in real value added to GDP in 2024. Broader analysis estimates the sector generated S$13.8 billion in gross value added across the economy, underscoring its importance beyond the creative industry. A public survey conducted during outreach for Design 2035 also found that 64 percent of Singaporeans view design as essential to the nation’s liveability and vibrancy.

Developed after consultations with more than 6,000 members of the design community and the public, the masterplan identifies five key focus areas where design will drive long term impact, including purposeful innovation, responsible resource use, caring communities, a culturally distinct city and a vibrant design industry.

To support these goals, more than S$40 million will be invested over the first three years from 2026 to 2028. The funding will support new initiatives and refreshed programmes aimed at designers, businesses and the wider public.

One of the major highlights is the launch of the inaugural Singapore Design Biennale in May 2027. Running over six weeks, it will replace the annual Singapore Design Week and expand its scale and international reach. The Biennale will feature new commissions, expanded design districts, international collaborations and public platforms aimed at positioning Singapore as a global cultural hub while attracting investment, talent and tourism.

Another key initiative is the Good Design Research and Development programme, which aims to strengthen design led innovation by encouraging closer collaboration between designers and businesses. This will help companies develop differentiated products and explore new markets through design driven strategies. Complementing this is the Good Design Placement programme, which supports mid-career designers in moving into strategic roles within design focused companies.

Internationalisation efforts will also be stepped up through the International Design Awards Scheme, which seeks to build global recognition for Singapore designers and improve market confidence. Designers will also receive support to access overseas opportunities through curated showcases and participation in major international events such as Milan Design Week and the Venice Architecture Biennale.

Design 2035 also highlights how design can respond to global challenges and national priorities, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, sustainability and ageing. With Singapore’s Smart Nation and National AI Strategy efforts, designers are expected to play a greater role in shaping inclusive and trustworthy technologies. One example is Hypersketch by local studio STUCK, a sketch first generative design tool that prioritises creative exploration while lowering technical barriers.

Sustainability is another key pillar, aligned with the Singapore Green Plan 2030. Designers are increasingly contributing to solutions that encourage reuse, repair and reduced waste, while also shaping adaptable urban environments. Notable examples include fashion label GINLEE, which has developed production methods that reduce waste and improve efficiency, and designer Leonard Ng, known for ecologically driven work such as Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park, which has been designed to better withstand flooding.

As Singapore moves towards super aged status in 2026, Design 2035 also emphasises opportunities in healthcare and community resilience. Local innovators such as Omnilabs Research, which developed VR assisted rehabilitation tools for stroke patients, and Equitech Collective, which created remote heart failure monitoring solutions, demonstrate how design can support better health outcomes and ageing solutions.

To bring the masterplan to the public, a nationwide activation titled New Everyday Life by Design will launch in November 2026. The programme will span 17 MRT stations from HarbourFront to Punggol Coast, featuring installations, exhibitions, pop ups, trails and markets that showcase how design influences daily life.

DesignSingapore Council is also working with regional healthcare clusters National Healthcare Group, SingHealth and National Healthcare System to upskill healthcare professionals and foster cross disciplinary collaboration between designers and medical practitioners. The initiative aims to reimagine care delivery, patient experience and ageing outcomes through design thinking.