AUGUST 2017 COVER STORY:

It will take more than just design chops for a designer to succeed these days.

Barely 20, Ms Teo Min Zhen is acutely aware of the challenges ahead when she graduated from her Diploma in Industrial Design course recently. The Polytechnic graduate is among the pioneer batch of students who has enrolled in a Specialist Diploma in Design & Make, jointly launched by Nanyang Polytechnic, SFIC and SFIC Institute.

This is the first time a polytechnic is co-developing and co-delivering an Earn-and-Learn programme with a trade association. With over 2,000 companies in the Singapore furniture industry and revenue figures exceeding S$6 billion, there is much potential for growth and Human Capital Development is a key SFIC initiative.

“The launch of this course is part of SFIC’s new initiatives to make the overall furniture industry more productive, more innovative and more manpower-smart. It is part of our capabilities-building roadmap, which will help to identify future markets, and develop capabilities to tap new technologies and materials to grow the industry’s revenues and raise professional standards,” said Mr Jake Tan, Chairman of SFIC Institute.

Officially launched at the opening event on 5 June 2017 by Ms Low Yen Ling, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Education and Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), 10 companies are already on board the programme.

One of the participating employers, Mr Jay Chiu, Founder and CEO of Grandwork Interior Pte Ltd, said: “We are an avid supporter of such training programmes. Design never comes to a stop – it is an ongoing occupation which involves constant research and new knowledge to keep pace with industry development, new technology and innovative concepts. So such specialist diploma courses are useful to attract more people into the industry and train design professionals to have a sound business mind on their creative shoulders. They will be more industry-ready and hence, contribute more readily and positively to employers like us.”

The 300-hour course will help students gain more in-depth knowledge about the various aspects of furniture and furnishings design industry. This includes studies in lifestyle objects and furnishings, problem-solving with design thinking approach, immersing in the business of design and strategic understanding of the industry. In addition, students will hone skills in client management, business development and marketing capabilities through on-the-job training. The theoretical aspect of the course will be taught by Nanyang Polytechnic’s design lecturers while SFIC Institute contributes its expertise in conducting practical workshops via its Yishun Industry Campus. Students will learn about the latest materials, construction and production methods. The programme complements the current courses provided in industrial, product, interior and experience design.

Those taking up the course will be eligible for course-fee subsidies of up to 90% of the total course fees. Mr Albert Lim, Director, School of Design, Nanyang Polytechnic explained: “This is very significant because the trade association is focused on attracting young talents for the growth and future of the industry. So the joint programme perfectly fits the growth strategy for the entire sector.”

Commune, Grandwork Interior, Hometech, Jarrod Lim Design, Renovator Hub and Star Furniture are among the companies who have signed up for the programme, which will start running next month in September.

Interested companies can contact Ms Tanya Ong at tanya_ong@nyp.edu.sg for more information.

Website: http://www.nyp.edu.sg/schools/sdn/lifelong-learning/specialist-diploma-in-design-and-make.html