The design industry in Singapore has been given a lift with the launch of its very own Singapore Good Design Mark, known as the SG Mark.

Officially launched on Oct 29 by Mr Tai Lee Siang, president of the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS) and Mr Robert Tomlin, chairman of the DesignSingapore Council (Dsg), the SG Mark is a benchmark of good design and quality.

Initiated by the DesignSingapore Council and managed by DBCS in co-operation with the Japan Institute of Design Promotion (JDP), the SG Mark will have the same stringent standards set by Japan's Good Design Award.

It aims to encourage and champion holistic design practices in Singapore as a means to enhance the competitiveness and productivitiy of businesses in Singapore.

As a symbol of design excellence, the SG Mark serves as a unique promotional launch pad for organisations to showcase their design excellence and their accomplishment as a design and innovation leader.

To be awarded annually, the SG Mark will be accredited to winning products and services with outstanding designs, under the three categories:

* Lifestyle, personal (business-to-consumer);

* Industry (business-to-business); and

* Public services such as education, research and medical.