The Department of International Trade Promotion on Monday presented the Design Excellence Award 2023 (DEmark Award) to recognise the excellence in design among Thai business operators and designers across various fields.
"To proactively promote international trade and enhance the competitiveness of Thai business operators, the department intends to show off the DEmark Award locally and globally as it proves design and creativity excellence in Thai products and services," said Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, director-general of the department.
"The award helps increase the value of Thai products and boost confidence in them. Thai products can thus meet demand in international markets under modern economic circumstances. The DEmark Award will maximise benefits for all parties concerned."
"The DEmark Award this year is organised on the theme of 'Brave the Wave of Creation' to present the excellent Thai designs that meet the world's megatrends," said Pra-onnuch Pranuch, director of the Office of Innovation and Value Creation.
"The contest organisers value the product designs that are beautiful, creative, functional and innovative. The contest also gives weight to the designs that are in accordance with the BCG Model, meaning the sustainability-oriented designs which, for example, use biotechnology and circular materials to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and be models for the product designs of industries in the country,” she said.
The Design Excellence Award or DEmark Award contest has been an annual event since 2008. The project marks its 16th anniversary this year. The event has received support from the Japan Institute of Design Promotion (JDP), renowned for its internationally recognised Good Design Award (G Mark Award). JDP experts participate as judges in the DEmark Award, and DEmark Award-winning entries are also eligible to compete in the G Mark Award contest in Japan. Meanwhile, SIAMPIWAT provides exhibition venues for DEmark Award entries, facilitating trade opportunities and recognition for participants.
This year, the DEmark Award contest attracted more than 600 entries from all regions of the country. These entries span seven competition categories, representing areas of Thai design with significant international potential. Of all the entries, 572 were shortlisted for consideration by judges from June 13 to 16, 2023. Finally, 78 entries across the seven categories won the DEmark Award.
Since 2008, 1,159 entries have won the DEmark Award. Of the total entries, 531 entries also received the Good Design Award (G Mark Award) in Japan. This year the champions in the seven competition categories also win the Prime Minister’s Export Award 2023 in the Best Design category. The winners include:
- LA DA COLLECTION - LOUNGE CHAIR by A.M.O Intergroup Co Ltd
- Marni lamp by Coomaxtudio
- TIGERDRONE 2 by HG Robotics Co Ltd
- EDGE MINERAL WATER packaging by Prompt Design
- WHAT DOES MATTER? exhibition by Pink Blue Black & Orange Co Ltd
- Uthai Heritage Hotel by Supergreen studio
- Get A application by Deverhood HT Co Ltd
DEmark Award winners enjoy many privileges. For example, they can use the DEmark logo free of charge to internationally promote their products and services as it certifies the quality and design of the products and services.
Their products are also promoted locally and overseas through advertising in leading international media. In addition, they are exhibited in the country and elsewhere.
DEmark 2023 award winners are also qualified to automatically enter the second round of the G Mark Award contest in Japan. G Mark Award winners are invited to join the Good Design Exhibition 2023 in Tokyo. G Mark Award winners will be announced in early October 2023.
DEmark Award winners also have their image enhanced and receive trade opportunities in world-class design events such as the Milan Design Week in Italy.