We extend our congratulations to Tan Cun Jia, from Division of Industrial Design’s Class of 2024, for being named Student Winner in the Speculative category of Core77 Design Awards 2025!

The Core77 Design Awards celebrate excellence in all areas of design, with this year’s competition drawing submissions from 38 countries, spanning 22 categories. The Speculative category specifically recognises future-oriented projects designed for the purpose of cultural commentary and intervention.

Cun Jia’s thesis project, titled ‘Standard Singlish’, has achieved those goals. The project challenges viewers to reconsider the status of Singlish.  Is it an incorrect form of English? Or a unique language that is deserving of greater respect?

Through her research into writing systems and linguistic papers, Cun Jia developed a Singlish typographical system that captures the structure of Singlish.

By introducing this system with a set of educational materials which includes an assessment book and a set of flash cards, it reimagines a future where this unique Singaporean language is formalised.

“I’m honoured that ‘Standard Singlish’ was recognised in this category. It is encouraging to know that a project rooted in something as local and culturally specific as Singlish can still resonate more broadly in a global context,” Cun Jia shared. “To me, this affirms the value of speculative design in creating space to imagine alternative futures that not only challenge the status quo but also celebrate and uplift everyday cultures.”