JAMES DYSON AWARD
DID graduates win big at James Dyson Award 2025
National Winner: Zoey Chan (Class of 2024)
Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 20, Zoey faced the daily reality of up to three insulin injections and the constant challenge of carrying and disposing of needles safely. To make life easier for people like herself, she designed nido, a compact organiser that brings dignity to an overlooked routine. nido holds up to four needles of different brands and sizes, features a tapered slot for safely removing protective caps without pricking fingers, and includes a compartment for used needles and waste until proper disposal.
“Two years ago, I wouldn’t even talk about my disease, but now I’m able to bring awareness to Type 1 diabetes,” Zoey shared. Her supervisor, Assoc Prof Donn Koh, added: “She transformed a difficult, everyday moment into one of dignity and care, a design that can quietly touch countless lives.”
Zoey’s win comes with S$8,400 in prize money to further develop nido, and her project advances to the international stage of the award.
Learn more about nido here
National Runner-up: Reynard Seah (Class of 2024)
Reynard’s project, Noda, rethinks temporary structures. Inspired by how plant cells swell to stay strong yet flexible, Noda is a joint system made from 3D-printed loops and a silicone core, allowing displaced families to quickly assemble sturdy shelters. What sets it apart is that these structures exhibit the qualities of being rigid yet flexible and can be built without the need for screws and bolts. Its versatility as a joint system also means that it could contribute to more than just temporary shelter solutions in the future.
Reynard reflected: “I faced many failures and doubts navigating the unknown, but trusting myself and the process helped me figure things out along the way.” His supervisor, Asst Prof Clement Zheng, said: “Through countless prototypes, Reynard created a solution that shows how temporary structures can be more resilient and sustainable.”
Both nido and Noda began as classroom explorations in DID, but they’ve grown into design responses with the power to change lives.
Congratulations, Zoey and Reynard, we will be cheering you on as you continue evolving and developing your ideas for even greater impact!
Learn more about Noda here