Seoul, South Korea – The Asia Design Prize, a prominent platform for recognizing outstanding design efforts across the continent, has awarded this year’s esteemed “Judge’s Choice” to Apex Lin, Chair Professor at Asia University in Taiwan. This accolade, which took place during the ceremony on March 26 in Seoul’s Four Seasons Hotel, acknowledges Lin’s substantial influence on Asian design through his extensive career in design practice, education, and global promotion.
Initiated in 2016, the Asia Design Prize has grown to become a significant event within the design community, underpinned by collaborative efforts between Japanese and Korean sectors aimed at showcasing superior design work. Managed by the Korean design media company DESIGNSORI, the competition includes several categories such as Industrial Design, Space/Architecture Design, Communication Design, and Social Impact.
This year, the competition attracted a staggering 1,879 entries from 22 countries, out of which only 304 works were selected by a jury of 42 distinguished international experts. Under the leadership of Dr. Kim Hyun-Sun, President of the Korean Federation of Design Associations and chair of the 2025 jury, the selections were meticulously made, with preference for innovation and creativity.
In 2024, the “Judge’s Choice” was inaugurated and presented to Professor Kim Nando from Seoul National University, for his contributions to researching market consumer trends. Building on this precedent, this year’s award to Professor Lin not only honors his design prowess but particularly his efforts in integrating the essence of Taiwan’s island identity into his work. His designs go beyond mere aesthetic delight, embedding deeper philosophical meanings and presenting a robust cultural narrative that elevates the global perception of Asian design.
Beyond his personal creative endeavors, Lin has significantly influenced Taiwan’s educational sector, mentoring promising arts and design talents under the aegis of Taiwan’s Ministry of Education. His initiative, the “Taiwan International Design Strategy Initiative,” has remarkably helped Taiwanese students clinch over 1,920 awards in international competitions since 2006.
Moreover, Lin has also spearheaded the “TISDC Taiwan International Student Design Competition” since 2008, encouraging global participation with endorsements from international design organizations across five continents. This annual event is another testament to Lin’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and competitive environment for new designers, further securing Taiwan’s standing in the global design realm.
In addition, since 2014, Lin orchestrated the “Design Power from Asia” series, where he has brought together more than 70 renowned designers from 20 countries to Taiwan, thereby enriching the local design education and facilitating crucial international design exchanges.
The “ADP Judge’s Choice” is a distinguished acknowledgement not only of Lin’s individual achievements but also of his pivotal role in shaping and advancing Taiwan’s and Asia’s design landscape on the global stage. Through his visionary outlook and relentless dedication, Lin has not only transformed Taiwan’s design scene but also inspired a new generation of designers throughout Asia, affirming his legacy as a pivotal figure in regional design leadership.
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