Taiwanese students win big at international design competition

On December 6, 2024, the Ministry of Education (MOE) in the Republic of China (R.O.C., Taiwan) announced the winners of the 2024 Taiwan International Student Design Competition (TISDC), which is globally recognized as the largest competition of its kind. This year’s event saw a record number of entries, with 19,667 submissions from over 1,138 institutions across 64 countries and regions, reflecting a post-pandemic surge in participation. The competition aims to nurture artistic talent and creativity by encouraging designs that embody principles such as 'Equal Respect', 'Universal Love', 'Embracing Diversity', and 'Fostering Harmony'. Among the top winners, a group of students from Taiwan garnered significant accolades including the Grand Prix, alongside gold and silver awards in the Product Design and Digital Animation categories. Notably, Billy Shevriyanto from the Ming Chi University of Technology earned the Gold Prize in Product Design for his project 'One for All Bench', which emphasizes ergonomic design and adaptability for users of various ages and genders. This innovative bench is crafted from high-performance concrete and aluminum, merging aesthetic appeal with sustainability while promoting inclusivity. In the Digital Animation category, the Gold Prize was awarded to a team from Chaoyang University of Technology for their work 'The Last', which presents a poignant narrative concerning the challenges faced by a daughter-in-law under traditional societal pressures. The animation's striking visuals, including a lifelike whale made from black garbage bags, serve to highlight the harmful consequences of marine waste and draw attention to broader environmental issues. Beyond the MOE’s core awards, various organizations contributed special prizes, enhancing the competition's appeal and encouraging more innovative designs. For instance, the iSee Taiwan Foundation and the Sayling Wen Cultural & Educational Foundation jointly provided 21 International Design Association Special Prizes, while environmental sustainability efforts were recognized through awards sponsored by the TPCA Environment Foundation. The event concluded with a Winners’ Sharing Session, offering a platform for awardees to discuss their creative journeys and experiences in design.