A Tribute to the Master Who Introduced the Identity and Philosophy of Asian Design to the World

Professor Apex Lin Pang-Soong, Chair Professor at Asia University in Taiwan, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Judge’s Choice at the Asia Design Prize (ADP). This recognition extends beyond individual artistic achievement—it represents a global appreciation for the cultural depth and philosophical foundation of Asian design. For decades, Professor Lin has created works that reflect the aesthetic values and narratives rooted in the diverse cultural heritage of Asia. His designs are recognized not merely as visual expressions but as thoughtful interpretations of place, emotion, and memory, articulated through a distinctive visual language. Rather than simply showcasing traditional symbols, his career has been a sustained inquiry into a fundamental question: “What can Asian design express to the world?”

Design is Culture and the Spirit of the Times

On March 26, during the awards ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, Professor Hyun-Sun Kim—Chair of the ADP 2025 Jury and President of the Korea Federation of Design Associations—personally presented the award to Professor Lin and stated:

Indeed, Professor Lin has always approached design as a form of cultural communication, going beyond aesthetics and function. His method of visualizing Taiwan’s regional identity and island image has presented a new paradigm in articulating the unique identity of Asian design.

TISDC: Evolving into Asia’s Global Hub for Design Education

One of Professor Lin’s most significant achievements is his leadership of the Taiwan International Student Design Competition (TISDC). Since its inception in 2008, this competition—supported by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education, the iSee Taiwan Foundation, and the Sayling Wen Cultural and Educational Foundation—has attracted over 20,000 submissions annually from more than 1,000 universities across 60 countries. Through strategic collaborations with 21 key institutions across five continents—including WDO, Cumulus, BEDA, NY ADC, and JDP—TISDC has firmly established itself as a global platform for design education. More than just a competition, it has become a vibrant space where global design leaders engage directly with emerging talent across the region. The program enables the next generation of designers to gain global insights while staying connected to their cultural contexts—an embodiment of Professor Lin’s consistent design philosophy: “Local to Global.”

Asian Design Speaks from the Center of the World

Launched in 2016 through collaboration between the design communities of Korea and Japan, the Asia Design Prize (ADP) is an international design award based in Asia. It aims to showcase the region’s creativity and innovation across various categories including industrial design, spatial/architectural design, communication design, and social impact. In 2025, the competition received 1,879 entries from 22 countries, with only 304 works selected as winners. Since 2024, ADP has been presenting the “Judge’s Choice” award annually to an individual who represents the philosophy and direction of Asian design. The first recipient was Professor Nando Kim of Seoul National University, a pioneer in consumer trend research. This year, the second recipient, Professor Lin, was recognized for his exceptional contributions that span artistic depth, education, and policy leadership—making his selection all the more meaningful.

The Future of Asian Design Lies in Solidarity and Philosophy

Professor Lin Pang-Soong’s award is more than just praise for individual achievement—it is a testament to the possibility that Asian design can communicate with the world through its own unique yet universal language. His lifelong commitment to three pillars—cultural exchange through design, intergenerational transmission through education, and ecosystem development through policy—serves as a mirror reflecting the future of the entire Asian design community. Asia today is no longer just a manufacturing base for the world; it is transforming into a cultural hub that leads the philosophy and current of global design. Professor Lin’s recognition stands as a milestone in this transformation, delivering a powerful message to countless designers across Asia: “Our stories and philosophies can resonate with the world.”

Doyoung Kim