William Harris

Founding partner of AvroKO

Founded by William Harris and his three original partners—Adam Farmerie, Greg Bradshaw, and Kristina O’Neal—the work of New York-headquartered firm AvroKO encompasses a multitude of disciplines and creating thoughtful and provocative architecture, brands, products, and environments. Since its creation in 2001, the firm’s active portfolio includes projects currently taking place in 21 countries and 32 cities worldwide.

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Leonard Lee

Regional creative officer and regional managing director of Wilson Associates

During his 20-year career with the firm, Lee has designed numerous award‑winning projects around the world for international brands including Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons and Banyan Tree. Lee believes in creating emotive experiential moments for guests as they journey through each space of the hotel and his portfolio is a reflection of his dedication to his craft. He currently manages more than 140 designers and project managers spread across offices in Singapore, Bangkok and Tokyo.

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Mike Lim

Principal designer of DP Design

With experience ranging from events and exhibition design to business administration and architecture, Mike Lim believes that design should be purposeful and inclusive. Founded in 1982, DP Design has birthed iconic interiors such as Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Resorts World Sentosa and Orchard Central, as well as overseas projects such as the Kobe Mall in Japan and Doha Festival City in Qatar.

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Terence Ngan and Ed Ng

Co-founders of AB Concept

Founded in 1999 in Hong Kong, the company has become a well-respected name in hospitality, commercial and residential properties, ranging from the finest restaurants to seaside resorts and luxury retail spaces. The firm is led by Terence and Ed, the designer and architect duo who together have made a remarkable impact in the world of luxury design. 

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Talenia Phua Gajardo

CEO and head art hunter of The Artling

Phua Gajardo is an e-commerce entrepreneur who founded The Artling in 2013, revolutionising the way that people collect Asian contemporary art by taking her business to the online marketplace. She is now based in Asia where she continues to search for artists and galleries around the region.

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Christian Boucharenc

Head of the Division of Industrial Design, National University of Singapore

Boucharenc’s field of research is design fundamentals; he wrote his first book, Design For A Contemporary World, about his teaching methods and practice of design in 2008. He is currently completing his second book on the design principles.

Derek Lo

Course chair of School of Design, Temasek Polytechnic

Lo has practiced as an architect for 18 years and has been teaching since 2006. He has a wealth of experience teaching design, and also has extensive knowledge and application in design thinking; the lecturer has trained adult learners in pedagogy during his five-year stint in professional development in Temasek Polytechnic’s Learning Academy.

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Sabrina Long

Dean of School of Art and Design, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (Nafa)

Under her leadership, Long spearheaded a number of initiatives which include the development of the double majors learning and practice. Under her mentorship, students and alumni have been winning awards at major international competitions including the Red Dot Concept Award, Design Quest from USA, IAI Awards in China and locally at Furniture Design Awards. 

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