Reaffirmed Japanese Public Interest in ASEAN Design Products
The ASEAN Pavilion showcased nearly 50 products representing all 10 ASEAN Member States, including numerous award-winning items. Carefully curated products from ASEAN to present the story of “the past-present- and future of ASEAN design,” ranged from handbags by ethnic groups, footwear made with sustainable materials, lifestyle goods with a modern twist, to upcycled furniture, drew significant attention. Designers’ interactions with the public piqued interest in the ASEAN design industry, leading to the establishment of business connections during these engaging encounters.
Gained insight to the potential of design contributing to society
The inspection tour provided for ASEAN designers and policy makers who visited Tokyo for this occasion had a unique opportunity to witness the tangible impact of design and creativity on society. Remarkable sites visited included the Musashi no Clean Center and the Avatar Robot Café DAWN ver β. The former, a forward-thinking waste incineration plant, set trends in non-carbon footprint city planning and encouraged residents to reconsider waste disposal methods. The latter, by utilizing avatar robots, promoted social inclusion, transcending age, gender, location, and abilities. Participants universally expressed that this tour deepened their understanding that design extends beyond mere form, colour, and function; it has the power to address societal needs and forge meaningful connections among people.
Assented on the need for collaborations within ASEAN, promoting the region’s creative economy
AJC hosted a productive roundtable dialogue involving policymakers from different ASEAN Member States (AMS) and designers. The dialogue concluded with heightened interest among AMS in promoting the creative economy of the region, fostering trade within ASEAN, and a shared willingness to collaborate by offering resources and guidelines to AMS interested in initiating their respective design awards. Discussions also revolved around the ongoing role of AJC in fostering coordination among countries, underscoring the organization’s unwavering commitment to maintaining positive initiatives. Plans were formulated for AJC to organize an ASEAN booth at an AMS’ design show, further showcasing the region’s creative prowess and encouraging continued collaboration.
Building upon the success of the ASEAN Pavilion at the GOOD DESIGN EXHIBITION 2023 in Tokyo and the valuable insights gained during this event, it is imperative that we continue to strengthen ASEAN-Japan collaborative efforts in promoting the creative economy via educational initiatives, sustaining engagement for regional design networks, promotion of local design and award system while leveraging digital platforms and sustainability trend.
About the Event
An exhibition showcasing design products from all ASEAN Member States was set up at GOOD DESIGN EXHIBITION 2023* in Tokyo, Japan from 25-29 October 2023.
The ASEAN Pavilion -Design for Change- was initiated by ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) with the Japan Institute of Design Promotion (JDP)** to commemorate the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. The pavilion aimed to showcase the region’s innovation and creative products to the Japanese and international public. Designers and policymakers participated in viewing the pavilion, engaging in a roundtable dialogue and an inspection tour in Tokyo organized by AJC. This platform provided stakeholders an opportunity to establish connections, collaborate, and promote trade of design products from ASEAN.
* This year’s GOOD DESIGN EXHIBITION, which annually highlights Good Design Awardees (G-Mark), featured, for the first time in four years, all awarded works in central Tokyo. Alongside the ASEAN Pavilion, special exhibits for Thailand and Indonesia Design Awards were held.
** AJC and JDP have been steadfast collaborators with national design institutions, policymakers, and designers, providing crucial support for design awards in each country. A recent milestone was the establishment of the L-Mark in Lao PDR, with its awardees achieving recognition among the top 200 out of more than 1,500 works awarded the G-Mark this year.
