Kimming Yap’s Mission Is to Make The World A More Creative Place
What’s your story?
I graduated from Nanyang Polytechnic with a degree in Industrial Design and later received my Master’s Degree in Design from Domus Academy in Milan. I had the opportunity to work with design studios in Singapore, Hong Kong, and with celebrated designers Setsu & Shinobu Ito in Italy. In 2010, I co-founded a brand and design management consultancy called, “Creativeans,” with Yulia Saksen, Khairul Hussin, and Sharina Bi. I am also the co-author of the internationally-selling branding book, “Are You Brand Dead?” and I serve on the judging panel of the Singapore Prestige Brand Award, as well as other international design award panels.
I am passionate about helping the industry and making a social impact. I am currently a Council Member at the Singapore Manufacturing Federation and the Chairman of the Lifestyle Industry Group. I also serve on the Executive Committee of “Design Business Chamber Singapore” and the “IRAS Taxpayer Feedback Panel.”
In 2019, I was very honoured to receive the title of Distinguished Professor at the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts.
What excites you most about your industry?
The creative industry is always evolving in tandem with how we live, and with technological and societal changes and advancements. Therefore, creative industries never die and they offer exciting prospects and opportunities for growth so long as you are willing to keep learning and adapting.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I was born and bred in Singapore, and in recent years and I have travelled frequently to China for work.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Singapore! The stability, infrastructure, and government support that Singapore offers for businesses are excellent. I also appreciate the diversity of people and industries here. Singapore is also at the heart of Southeast Asia, and a massively growing market for businesses.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Just Do It!
Who inspires you?
Design – Ettore Sottsass
Spiritual – Sadhguru
Business – Jack Ma
Governance – Lee Kuan Yew
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
I recently read “The Order of Time,” by Carlo Rovelli. It gave me an entirely new perspective of what “time” is, and makes me wonder if it really exists. Here is a quote about the time that I find intriguing:
“Time is nothing other than the measurement of change.” — Aristotle
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would pursue my dreams more bravely and strive to live my life less seriously. Life is not a Journey. Life is a Dance!
How do you unwind?
I like to read, run, and reflect.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Bali. I have been there many times and each time it offers a new experience. It is also close to Singapore and perfect for a quick getaway.
Everyone in business should read this book:
“How to Win Friends and Influence People,” by Dale Carnegie. It is my belief that before we learn how to do business we must first learn how to be a good person.
Shameless plug for your business:
Creativeans is a brand and design management consultancy based in Singapore, Milan and Jakarta. We build brands that matter.
Leaders trust us to solve their strategic and creative challenges: from branding, business design, UI/UX design, product design, packaging design to communication design, across industries and regions. We are guided by a systematic approach and use proven methodologies such as BrandBuilder® and EDIT™ Design Thinking to help mid-size companies, institutions and seasoned entrepreneurs build brands that matter.
As an ISO 9001:2015 and management certified consultancy, we are highly committed to continuously improve and excel in our capabilities to make the world a more creative place.
How can people connect with you?
www.creativeans.com
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmingyap/
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To hear how entrepreneurs around the world overcome their challenges, search your favourite podcast platform for ‘CallumConnects’ to hear a 5-minute daily breakdown.
Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started, built, and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder and CEO of MBH Corporation PLC. He is the author of three best-selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’, ‘Agglomerate’, and ‘Entrepreneurial Investing’.
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