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Singapore, [09 Mar 2026] - Students at Temasek Polytechnic (TP) will gain new opportunities to enhance their capabilities in sustainability and develop real-world solutions that reduce waste and keep materials in use for longer through the TP x CHARLES & KEITH Group Foundation Circular Design Incubator, created in collaboration with the CHARLES & KEITH Group Foundation. The first-of-its-kind partnership between an Institute of Higher Learning and a home-grown global brand was unveiled with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing at TP Design Show 2026, underscoring TP’s commitment to advancing sustainable solutions in collaboration with the industry.

More than 330 graduating designers showcased projects tackling real-world challenges through creativity, experimentation and applied learning at TP Design Show 2026. The showcase brought together a new wave of multi-disciplinary creatives whose work spans communication, fashion, film, product, spatial and digital experiences. It reflects TP’s emphasis on innovation and design thinking, where students translate ideas into practical solutions for communities and industries.

TP x CHARLES & Keith Group Foundation Circular Design Incubator

TP will enter a three-year strategic collaboration with the CHARLES & KEITH Group Foundation to establish the TP x CHARLES & KEITH Group Foundation Circular Design Incubator, supported by the CHARLES & KEITH Group Foundation Design Innovation & Research Grant. This partnership will create opportunities for students to develop sustainable design solutions using circular design principles.

Students will have opportunities to explore circular design through global exposure, industry collaboration and public platforms. Initiatives include immersion programmes to leading sustainability hubs such as Japan and Europe, structured local and overseas internships, and opportunities to participate in sustainability conferences.

Student works will also be showcased through pop-up exhibitions in high-traffic retail venues, while the partnership will support key design competitions organised by TP’s School of Design. The grant will also support research and prototyping in areas such as biomaterials and sustainable manufacturing methods, enabling students and staff to explore innovative solutions with applications across multiple industries committed to sustainability.

Design Show 2026 Student Showcase

TP Design Show 2026 highlighted projects by final-year students across the five diplomas at School of Design. Around one-third of students from this graduating cohort worked on industry-linked projects with clients such as NTUC Health, the Asian Civilisations Museum, and Mandai Wildlife Reserve. From sustainable product innovation and purpose-led fashion to socially impactful communication campaigns, the projects illustrated how emerging designers are applying creativity and innovation to address real-world needs for communities and industries alike. 

Featured among this year’s Major Projects (MPs) are:

i)   TYPE & TYPE by Cleo Pan | Diploma in Communication Design

TYPE & TYPE is a digital translator that converts users’ Gen-AI behaviour such as prompt volume, speed and iterations into the form, stitching and colour of a personalised FREITAG bag. By turning digital activity into a physical product, the project shows how everyday AI use can influence design and consumption.

ii)   Slot & Snap by Toi Xin Yuan | Diploma in Product Experience & Design

Slot & Snap is a modular cardboard construction system designed for children aged five to eight. Created as a hands-on alternative to screen-based entertainment, it encourages imaginative play while developing creativity, spatial awareness and problem-solving skills.

iii)   TETHER by Melinda Binte Mazlan | Diploma in Apparel Design & Merchandising

TETHER is a garment collection that allows wearers to attach personal objects to their clothing, turning garments into keepsakes. Using an oil-printing technique that transfers photographs directly onto fabric, the collection encourages longer use of clothing through personalisation and emotional attachment.​

Design Futures Award 2026

In line with national priorities outlined in the Skills Demand for the Future Economy Report, TP’s Sustainability Design Award has been rebranded as the Design Futures Award. The award recognises student projects that demonstrate design impact across three pillars:

     i)   Care: Designs prioritising human well-being, empathy, social equality, and social responsibility, such as mental health, universal design, and inclusivity.

    ii)   Green: Designs demonstrating environmental sustainability, eco-friendliness, and conservation, such as regenerative and environmental stewardship initiatives.

    iii)   Digital: Designs leveraging technology, including Immersive Interactive Media, VR/AR, and AI, to deliver innovative and impactful digital solutions.

Fifteen student projects that champion sustainability, drive digital innovation, and deliver social impact were recognised at the Opening Ceremony of TP Design Show 2026. 

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