Asia has an enormous consumer market and potential, and a geographical reach which encompasses a diverse spectrum of unique lifestyles, cultural heritage and socio-economic development. In the last two decades, Hong Kong, in particular, has become a window on the world of Asian trends and a regional design centre with the rise of local talents and the exponential development of design firms.

To reflect this evolution, the DFA Awards – Design for Asia Awards have been launched in 2003 to underpin the role of designers, and to celebrate design leadership and exemplary designs and projects with a lasting impact in Asia, as well as to recognise the emerging force of Hong Kong young designers.

The awards include Communication Design, Digital & Motion Design, Fashion & Accessory Design, Product & Industrial Design, Service & Experience Design, and Spatial Design. This year, the new accolade DFA Designer of the Year marks a significant milestone in recognising creative leaders based in Asia.

Prof. Eric Yim

Prof. Eric YIM, Chairman of HKDC, is a strong advocate of design and innovation, actively involved in the community of design and creative industries, as well as the DFA Awards. Yim is a man of multi talents: architect, independent furniture designer, brand-led industrialist, serial entrepreneur, business innovation consultant, think-tank advisor, and adjunct professor in a number of design schools in local and overseas universities.

Talking about the DFA Awards and laureates, Yim explains: “This year’s DFA Awards laureates have demonstrated how design transcends aesthetics to become a powerful tool for societal change. Their work not only inspires us but also challenges us to think deeply about the role of design in addressing global issues. This year, we are thrilled to introduce the DFA Designer of the Year, which recognises individuals who are leading the charge in harnessing design to solve the complex social challenges of our time. This award highlights not only the individual achievements but also the richness of the innovative cultural perspectives that the Asian-based designers has brought to the design landscape”.

The DFA Awards 2024 laureates encompass a wide range of design practices and projects: Kengo Kuma for the DFA Lifetime Achievement Award; Kikuo Ibe for the DFA Design Leadership Award; Tino Kwan for the DFA World’s Outstanding Chinese Designer and Eisuke Tachikawa for the DFA Designer of the Year.

Kengo Kuma, a world-renowned architect, has made an indelible impact in the field of architecture by redefining the relationship between nature, technology, and humanity. Since the founding of Kengo Kuma & Associates in 1990, Kuma has brought his vision of blending architecture and its environment seamlessly to life. His design philosophy, which prioritises natural materials and human-scaled spaces, can be seen in some of the world’s most iconic structures.

His talent for blending natural materials with modern design principles offers a new perspective on how we engage with our surroundings, fostering a deeper connection between people and the environment.

Audeum (audio museum) by Kengo Kuma, Seoul, Korea

Kikuo Ibe, known as the “Father of G-SHOCK”, has revolutionised the watch industry with his groundbreaking creation of G-SHOCK in 1981, a shock-resistant watch that has become an icon of durability and style that would withstand impacts and continue to function perfectly even if dropped.

The DFA Design Leadership Award 2024 celebrates Kikuo Ibe’s contributions to the design world, recognising his relentless pursuit of innovation, resilience, and his lasting impact on global trend and product design.

Ibe Kikuo created the G-Shock in 1981

Tino Kwan, one of the world’s most celebrated lighting designers, has been a trailblazer in the field for over 45 years. His career began when he founded Tino Kwan Lighting Consultants in London in 1979, and his work around many countries on commercial buildings, yachts, luxury star-rated hotels, casinos, Michelin restaurants and mansions.

His ability to transform spaces with light has made him an industry icon, continuously expanding the limits of how we experience the environment.

Unity of Light Exhibition by Tino Kwan, 2019

Eisuke Tachikawa, founder of NOSIGNER, is a design visionary dedicated to addressing global social issues such as climate change and disaster prevention through his work. His concept of “Evolutional Creativity”, which draws parallels between biological evolution and the creative process, has garnered him over 100 design awards, including two DFA Grand Awards.

His work challenges conventional thinking, offering hope and solutions for a better, more sustainable future.

Tokyo Bousai, the disaster handbook developed by Eisuke Tachikawa

To know more about the DFA Awards, you can visit their website here.