Dragons, laksa and samsui women designs: Uniqlo x The Straits Times limited T-shirts go on sale

SINGAPORE – The winners of a T-shirt design contest jointly organised by The Straits Times and Uniqlo were announced at the Japanese apparel chain’s flagship store in Orchard Central on Nov 27.

Their three original designs are launching on Nov 28 as part of the UTme! x ST180 collection, themed Telling Your Singapore Story. ST contributed another three designs.

The roll-out is one of a series of events in 2025 marking the newspaper’s 180th anniversary.

The iconic dragon fixture from one of the last remaining old-school playgrounds, in Toa Payoh, is the centrepiece of 46-year-old illustrator Sandara Tang’s winning submission. Its coiled body is festooned with blooms, in a nod to Singapore’s “garden city” nickname.

The collaboration could not have come at a better time, as Ms Tang is a fan of both brands.

She said: “I enjoy reading ST’s print edition with my morning coffee, and then my 15-year-old son and husband read it.

“And about 50 per cent of my husband’s and my tops, and around 90 per cent of my son’s shirts, are from Uniqlo. We’ve been buying clothing from Uniqlo since it opened its first store in Singapore.”

Meanwhile, Nanyang Technological University undergraduate Justina Low’s design features a camera, pictured with multiple generations of Singapore figures like the samsui women and labourers of the 20th century. The 21-year-old is an aspiring artist.

She said: “I received the news (that I won) in the midst of my exam period. It felt like a breather from all the school stress, a reminder that I am making meaningful progress beyond my studies.”

Lastly, graphic designer and illustrator Daphne Ong’s artwork blends national dishes with Singapore stamps. The 38-year-old said: “Seeing my design on sale at Uniqlo is such a special moment for me. I’m super grateful for the opportunity and it makes my heart so full, knowing that something I created is out there for people to wear and to share our love for food.”

The three winners received $600 Uniqlo vouchers each, a one-year ST digital subscription valued at $358.80 and limited-edition ST180 merchandise.

The UTme! x ST180 limited series is priced at $19.90 in kids’ sizing and $29.90 for adults. It is available until July 31, 2026, on a print-on-demand basis at Uniqlo’s Jewel, VivoCity and Orchard Central stores.

Every purchase comes with an ST180 limited-edition keychain.

ST’s original T-shirt designs include a print of the very first issue of Singapore’s paper of record, published on July 15, 1845. It featured not news, but descriptions of the publication, notices and advertisements on the front page. A translated excerpt from a book on French history went over pages five and six.

A tiger orchid and elusive leopard cat are drawn into a grid of Singapore’s flora and fauna in a second design by ST executive artist Lee Yu Hui, 31, while ST senior infographics journalist Cel Gulapa, 65, depicts the tapestry of national life. The busy illustration captures the MRT, HDB blocks and a wry mynah bird, among other Singapore tokens.

Said ST editor Jaime Ho: “This partnership with Uniqlo has been a wonderful way to celebrate local creativity, and a great way to end a year’s events and celebrations that marked ST180. We’re inspired by all who took part, whose designs so beautifully capture the stories of everyday Singapore.”

Uniqlo Singapore’s marketing director Paulene Ong added: “We thank our community for bringing their personal Singapore stories to life through diverse and heartfelt expressions of art.

“Together with The Straits Times, we are proud to transform these stories into LifeWear that celebrate Singapore’s everyday moments.”

Designers on their designs

Sandara Tang: Our garden city

“I wanted to use the dragon playground as the base shape to hold the design together, and I wanted the overall form to roughly resemble ‘Sg’. I draped plants over it, like how bougainvillea overhangs many of our overhead bridges – which was my primary inspiration.”

Justina Low: Capturing multi-generations ​through the camera

“The main spark came from the daguerreotype, the earliest form of photography, which means ‘writing with light’. Different generations walked through the camera lens, taking centre stage. Under the same sun and light, their stories are shared in a timeless newspaper like ST, and the same stories can be translated today.”

Daphne Ong: Food is my playground

“I wanted to share my love for food in a playful way. Using stamps – a nod to my childhood collection – I created frames that give the piece a fun, playground-like design. Parents often say, ‘Don’t play with your food’, but this is my chance to do just that.”

Cel Gulapa: Capturing the rhythm of life and textures of our home

“Singapore’s identity is a rich tapestry woven from diverse threads. This narrative is highlighted by the smooth, extensive transport system, which is illustrated by using the luggage belt – a testament to our airport’s efficiency. Despite the urban density, Singapore is deeply committed to nature, integrating green spaces that provide habitats for various animals.”

Lee Yu Hui: Highlighting the native species of flora and fauna that can be found in Singapore

“My design is inspired by plastic model kits, where many individual parts are assembled to form an awesome figurine. I wanted to showcase the lesser-known plants and animals that come together to create our beautiful, biodiverse city.”