SINGAPORE - From Singlish beer to a desk organiser inspired by Housing Board blocks, 20 designs that draw inspiration from Singapore culture are now in the running for the Singapore Creative Awards.

The inaugural award, launched by Singapore Press Holdings' Chinese Media Group, aims to encourage people to come up with creative designs infused with Singapore culture.

The public have until May 25 to vote for their favourite designs online.

The award, which is co-organised by the Singapore branch of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, is divided into the Lifestyle Product and Graphic Design categories. The winners will receive cash prizes.

It is one of many events leading up to the 200th anniversary of Sir Stamford Raffles' landing in Singapore, which happens next year (2019).

Ms Loh Woon Yen, managing editor of SPH's Chinese Media Group, said: "The Chinese Media Group has always been a strong advocate of cultural and community events. With a strong belief that arts and technology are strong unifiers which can bring people together, we launch this competition to spur innovation and designs which are infused with Singapore culture. We hope that people from all walks of life will take part in this competition."

Mr Cao Yun Chuan, the deputy general manager of ICBC Singapore, added that the awards help "to promote the development of the local creative industry" and is part of the firm's corporate social responsibities in Singapore as they continue to expand here.

The panel of judges, led by Lianhe Zaobao's veteran design writer Lim Fong Wei, comprises DesignSingapore Council's deputy executive director Emily Ong; the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore's director of registry of patents, designs and plant varieties Alfred Yip; interim head of Singapore University of Technology and Design's engineering product development pillar Ricky Ang; Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts senior lecturer Winnie Tan; The Press Room's founder and creative director Kelley Cheng; and co-founder and creative director of forest&whale Wendy Chua.

The 20 finalists' works will be on display at the Singapore Book Fair at Capitol Singapore from May 25 to May 31. The winners will be announced on the evening of May 30.

Vote for your favourite designs at http://bit.ly/SCA-2018 and stand a chance to win an OSIM uDiva2 massage chair worth $3,299

For more information, visit http://project.zaobao.com/creativeawards