JUROR 2012

Nathan Yong graduated from Temasek Polytechnic with a diploma in Industrial Design in 1991. He began his career not as a designer, but as a buyer as well as engaging in product development for various companies in Singapore. Through these jobs, he travelled to various countries including India, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia to source for quality manufacturers and craftsmen to develop and manufacture furniture and home accessories. Through this exposure, he learnt various production techniques and crafts.

In 1999, Nathan started his first retail store called Air Division, selling his own creations made by Asian craftsman. Air Division rapidly grew and claimed commercial success in both Singapore as well as the overseas market. Nathan subsequently sold Air Division and pursued a Master degree from the University of New South Wales, Australia, which he subsequently graduated with distinction in Master of Design.

For two consecutive years (in 2006 & 2007), Nathan won the prestigious Red Dot Concept Design Award with his conceptual designs of a mass production coffin and a portable room heater.

Subsequently in 2008, Nathan received the prestigious Singapore President’s Design Award; Designer of the Year, the highest honour accorded to designers from all creative disciplines in Singapore.

His work is inspired by simple visual memories from everyday life, but pared down with the lightness of restraints. Instead of superfluous details, he captures the poetry of products through rigorous research and engineering, creating fresh styles and functions that fit effortlessly into the user's life, as though they were nothing new.

Currently based in Singapore, Nathan runs a multidisciplinary design consultancy practice. His work spans across industrial design, graphics, interior design, architectural design, strategic planning in product development and manufacturing processes as well as branding.

Nathan's work has been exhibited globally in various cosmopolitans such as Singapore, Shizuoka, Milan, London, Koln and Taipei. His clients includes Design Within Reach (USA), Ligne Roset (France), Living Divani (Italy), Opinion Ciatti (Italy), Sphaus (Italy), Domicil (Germany), Ethnicraft (Belgium), Grafunkt (Singapore), FOLKS furniture (Singapore) and many others.