Hong Kong Design Centre

As Asia’s economic power grows, the competition among the vast and diverse Asian market has also become more vigorous. Your project may be a groundbreaking design that improves the lives of people or an ingenious solution for a social problem, but how do you get the attention you deserve in the age of information overload? Getting recognition by winning an acclaimed awards is among the best ways. The DFA Awards, organised by Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) and funded by CreateHK, is one of the most influential awards in the region. Its DFA Design for Asia Awards honours user-centric designs that embrace the cultural values in Asian societies and improve the quality of life in the region. Its progressive vision, rigorous judging and significant scale have earned it a distinguished position in the design world. Since 2003, it has identified thousands of game-changing designs and outstanding designers, and established a regional network of design elites.

DFA Design for Asia Awards winners can gain prominent exposure in HKDC’s extensive network, especially in its annual flagship event, Business of Design Week which gathers top players in the international design scene. Awardees also get the chance to share their design projects and philosophies in international and regional events hosted by HKDC, such as talks and exhibitions. So if you have a brilliant design project, the opportunity is right around the corner — the DFA Design for Asia Awards will open for global submission from 1 April 9:00 AM to 28 June 5:00 PM (Hong Kong Time; GMT +8).

Want to know if your project is eligible? First, DFA Design for Asia Awards covers 4 major design disciplines — Apparel and Accessory, Communication, Environmental, and Product and Industrial Design — in 26 categories. You will surely find one that fits your project. If your project is produced and launched in one or more Asian markets between 1 January 2017 and 31 May 2019, it ticks off another box. In terms of judging criteria, the award looks into 4 aspects: the impact in Asia; its overall excellence; the use of technology; and commercial and societal success. The judging panel is formed by local and international designers and industry experts. Last year, it included leading British product designer Paul Priestman, award-winning Japanese designer and educator Keizo Matsui, renowned Singaporean architect Colin Seah, among others. Last but not least, those who submit an entry before 30 April 11:59 PM can enjoy 50% off the entry fee.

The DFA Awards not only advocates outstanding design projects, but also invest in nurturing emerging talents. Its DFA Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award (DFA HKYDTA) intends to further develop and elevate potential designers’ versatility, resourcefulness and professional knowledge. These young guns are essential for building a strong creative economy. In the past 14 years, the award has supported more than 90 young local design practitioners and graduates in gaining overseas work or study experience. Many past awardees reflected that the international exposure has been critical in shaping their aspiration and career.

Last year, a total of 13 DFA HKYDTA awardees received this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. They were granted up to HK$500,000 or HK$250,000 to cover the airfare, lodging and living expenses of their overseas venture. Want to be one of them? DFA HKYDTA 2019 will open for submission from 18 April 9:00 AM to 27 June 5:00 PM (Hong Kong Time; GMT +8). Get your portfolio ready and stay tuned for more details!

DFA Design for Asia Awards 2018 – Grand Award winning projects