Top image: Window Seat by Kelvin Lim

The verdict’s out! Our six-member jury panel, which includes Hunn Wai, co-founder of Lanzavecchia + Wai; Ken Koo, Asia President of Red Dot Design Award; Nathan Yong, founder of Nathan Yong Design; Wendy Chua, co-founder of Outofstock; Ross Didier, founder of Didier studio; and Alexi Robinson, founder of Alexi Robinson studio, has picked the five finalists in the inaugural Launch Pad Asia Awards.

Light by Haikal Aziz

They are: Light by Haikal Aziz; Polyframe by Leow Yuan Kai; Spot by Nigel Geh; Window Seat by Kelvin Lim; and 70.30 by Serene Ng.

Polyframe by Leow Yuan Kai

Since its inception in Australia in 2004, Launch Pad has been highly successful in nurturing and launching the careers of design talent across the country. Not just a design competition, Launch Pad is known for its unique mentorship programme whereby designers have the opportunity to be mentored by leading figures within the industry.

Spot by Nigel Geh

In Australia, Launch Pad has already helped to launch the careers of Charles Wilson, Nick Rennie, and many more, all of whom have found success not only locally, but on an international level.

All five finalists will be receiving a personalised industry mentorship from a Launch Pad Asia judge, who will offer valuable insights into developing their creative business, marketing their brands and products, finding retailers, connecting with manufacturers and more.

70.30 Work & Dine Table by Serene Ng.

The works of all five finalists will be showcased at Singapore Indesign. Additionally, we will soon be announcing the two winners who will each be taking home a cash prize of $1,000 to put toward developing their prototypes. So watch this space!