DESIGNING WOMAN
FAEZAH SHAHARUDDIN, 28 Designer and founder of Studio Kallang
Singapore born Faezah Shaharuddin is a multi- disciplinary designer whose works, primarily furniture and object conceptions, explore nostalgia and cultural nuances. Offering a peek into her design philosophy, Shaharuddin says, “Objects like furniture have a lot of influence on how people think and feel, so my process usually begins with that in mind. I also try to incorporate poetry and humour into the work to keep things light. Self- seriousness just isn’t my thing.”
Formally trained at the University of Washington School of Art + Art History + Design in Seattle, Washington, her unique creations – such as the Ondeh mirror and desk that reference the shape and form of the beloved Southeast Asian dessert – have been featured in the international press.
With an expanding portfolio of varied designs minted under her design outfit Studio Kallang, she now counts international brands like Diptyque and Charles and Keith as clients. Besides offering unique designs that resonate with whimsical sensibilities, Shaharuddin also aims to incorporate sustainability angles into her creation process.
“I am currently working to tackle the waste material from the studio’s furniture production. I also try to keep in mind the longevity of the pieces and avoid wasteful trends.” Getting a growing following is no small feat for this budding local creator and with such clarity, both on the creative and business front, Shaharuddin is confidently poised for Studio Kallang’s next stage evolution. – Cedric Tan
CLARENCE CHING, 29 Founder and executive director of Access Singapore
When This is What Inequality Looks Like by Tan You Yenn was published in 2018, it kickstarted uncomfortable conversations. Is Singapore truly meritocratic? What perpetuates inequality in a prosperous country?
The book resonated with Clarence Ching, a former Normal ( Academic) student who understood the stark differences in access to social capital and career resources between elite and neighbourhood schools. He thus piloted Access Singapore in 2019 while in university, emailing corporations to sell the vision of tackling social mobility through career guidance. The game changer came when Piyush Gupta, CEO of DBS Group, responded and connected Ching and his volunteers with DBS’ HR team.
Today Access Singapore is a full- fledged charity working with the likes of Google, Endowus, and Linkedin. Starting from short sharing sessions by industry professionals, Access now runs various in- depth programmes where students are paired with industry mentors over several sessions. This year, it is launching a six- month fellowship programme to equip talented tertiary students with career skills and resources.
Since its founding, Access has helped over 1,000 students from heartland schools and disadvantaged backgrounds. Its research impact studies show that participants have measurably improved in metrics such as curiosity, presentation skills, and critical thinking.
“Social mobility is important because we are in a class crisis with widening social stratification in Singapore. My team’s mission is to create a more equitable society, and we start by providing a greater breadth of opportunities to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, to expand their social and cultural capital, build their confidence, and show them that they can reach for the stars.”
– Tan Chui Hua