A slim, creamy ceramic disc streaked with red - the Singaporean of the Year trophy specially commissioned by The Straits Times is a simple, yet eye-catching, statement piece.

Potters Michelle Lim, 33, and Ng Seok Har, 47, co-founders of Mud Rock Ceramics, worked for two months to create the porcelain clay piece, which is mounted on a marble base.

Said Ms Lim: "The lines are meant to represent people emerging, moving parallel, yet meeting at some point. The red and white are, of course, symbolic of Singapore, because we wanted it to reflect the passion of the Singapore story.

"Clay is fired in flames until it can withstand the heat, much like people who, after a lot of endurance, become better. In a way, using ceramics lends the piece a nice touch."