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INTERNATIONAL YOUNG DESIGN ENTREPRENEUR 2008 |
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Design entrepreneurs apply here |
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Ng Si Juan, Founder & Curator of Bigbrosworkshop and the Malaysian finalist for the International Young Design Entrepreneur (IYDE) 2008 award is back from his two week stint in London for the finals.
One great organizer, four great judges, eight great entrepreneurs and one great journey.
This experience at IYDE, meeting people from all walks of the design industry in the UK, has made it one of the most memorable in my life. Each person had a unique perspective and message to convey, and there were many interesting lessons that came up in each person's conversations as they shared their knowledge and understanding of design in their region. We in the group connected instantly, and as we travelled, our similar passions and chemistry allowed for deeper friendships to form.
During the four days we spent in Glasgow, we visited the art schools, museums and The Lighthouse and learnt about their history. We also visited Scottish design studios where the designers shared with us their experiences.
Back in London, we had the opportunities to visit some design studios in London, notably 100%design London, as well as other exhibitions during the London Design Festival. The schedule was quite tight as we tried to visit as many exhibitions as possible and build our networks.
During the IYDE08 judging day, we as the designer entrepreneurs were not able to view each other's presentations. I felt that this was a pity. However we managed to show and to share with each other our presentations, in private, back at the hotel, as to what we individually are trying to achieve back in our countries.
The discussions that we had allowed us to come to the same conclusion, that this trip to the UK for IYDE08 was not about winning the award, or the grant, as the amount of the grant, if won, would only partially help bring about our projects back home.
What we learnt was how we can lend each other a hand, after the viewing of each other's presentation. It is team work and team spirit, forging in one direction, to help the design industry. As we are now endorsed IYDE agents in our own regions, this is our duty as entrepreneurs, to share and to build understanding in our country on all matters design, to uncover and reveal. We have come up with a plan to share our individual visions and our goals, from selected countries, starting from Kuala Lumpur, to Egypt and Poland.
Overall, I found that the British Council, the judges and the people at the Creative Economy has created one of the best Entrepreneur Awards, which provides ample opportunities to young designers.
Well done and a good job done to Pablo, Sunitha, Patriana, Jonathan, Andrew, Sophie, Claire, and to the others I left out, sorry, you know who you are.
Finally, the moment we all dread and hate, the parting of ways of our IYDE08 team, I will really miss them, we have shed tears together, lots of hugs and love too.
To Michael, Nathalie, Nancy, Tsai, Osman, Fares, Siddhartha and Luka, hope that we able to meet again in a group again sometime soon.
Love you all,
Juan |
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