SINGAPORE – Get ready for non-stop action when Singapore Design Week (SDW) kicks off on March 8. That’s when the city will be abuzz with a series of events for designers, businesses and the public to immerse themselves in all things design-related.

Billed as the largest edition yet, this year’s line-up will see more than 100 events happening, including 62 fringe activities for the public. “Singapore Design Week started to celebrate the opening of the National Design Centre (in 2014) and it’s grown from strength to strength. We’ve more confidence to do more,” said Jeffrey Ho, executive director of DesignSingapore Council Board (Dsg).

The Dsg will also launch a signature event, the Innovation By Design Conference, a two-day creative symposium where top design gurus will be sharing their design and innovation processes. Keynote speakers for this inaugural session include Masaaki Kanai, the chairman and representative director of Ryohin Keikaku, the parent company of Japanese retailer Muji; as well as renowned Spanish designer Jaime Hayon.

Another highlight is the first Design And Make Fair at the National Design Centre (NDC). The NDC will be turned to a “shopping area” to showcase Singaporean-designed or Singaporean-made products over four levels – including food and beverage makers on the rooftop – for the entire period of the Design Week.

“We’ve noticed an emerging interest in locally designed items with the success of our other markets such as Singapasar. The Design and Make Fair have a lot more makers and new brands being showcased,” elaborated Ho.

There will also be workshops for the public to try designing and producing their own creations.

Other partner events happening throughout the week include Singaplural at 99 Beach Road, Maison & Objet Asia at Marina Bay Sands and the International Furniture Fair Singapore at Singapore Expo.

The ever popular staple, Design Trails, takes on the theme of Thoughtful Design this year with shuttle service going into the neighbourhoods of Jalan Besar and Geylang as well as Joo Chiat for visitors to see how design plays a role in creating products and experiences.

Designers, businesses, students and even children will also have a bumper crop of activities to cherry-pick from this year. These ranging from a trunk show developed by Singapore retailer Supermama at its new flagship shop at Beach Road opening on March 11; to a curator tour at MINT Museum Of Toys, which is meant to better appreciate the history of toy design.

“The SDW gives our local designers and businesses a dynamic arena to meet, collaborate and speak on all things design,” said Ho. “We also want to bring design to the general public so they understand just how large a role design plays in their lives today.”