Background
During my internship at The Singapore Mint, I was tasked with designing a souvenir collection to commemorate Singapore’s Hawker Culture induction into UNESCO’s list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
Through research, we decided to divide the collection into three categories that best show the culture of Singapore’s Hawkers. The 3 categories are Food, People, and Places. Within each of these categories, I wanted to highlight their importance in establishing this culture that all Singaporeans hold dear. From there each categories have different types of souvenirs attached to the design.
Category: Food
The designs for this food are inspired by the popular and well-known dishes eaten by the locals across the country. With Singapore being a multi-racial and multi-cultural society, it is reflected in the food that we eat. Hence, I decided to depict a wide range of dishes from the different cultures found in Singapore.
To the side are the food dishes graphics that I created that will be used in the designs of the different souvenir sets later. The dishes designed are as follows: Bak Ku Teh, Laksa, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Fish & Chip, Roti Prata, and Nasi Lemak.
Additionally, I also made some charm graphics of the ingredients that go into each of these dishes, The designs are as shown below.
Souvenir Designs
Below are the different souvenirs I designed for them that was best able to showcase the design. They are as follows: Tote Bags, Pillow Case Covers, Coasters, Coin Pouches, Tissue Paper Box Covers, Poker Cards, Card Holder Box, Name Card Stand, and Keychains.
Category: People
The designs are inspired by the hardworking and dedicated Hawker uncles and aunties who are constantly waiting up early to prepare the tasty food that we enjoy. Not forgotten too in the design are the cleaners who tirelessly labour to keep the place clean.
To deliver the amazing food that has allowed it to be established as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, many generations have passed down that knowledge. However, there has been a lack of younger generation learning the trade. But with this induction, we see and can have hope in the young people desiring to further continue this precious culture.
Souvenir Designs
Below are the different souvenirs I designed for them that was best able to showcase the design. They are as follows: Tote Bags, Pillow Case Covers, Coasters, Pouches, Tissue Paper Box Covers, Gold Foil Note, and Keychains.
Category: Places
Hawker Centres have undergone many changes over the years. Being first established by the government to house the different street food vendors in a single building, it has changed in appearance over the years. But it has continued to retain its purpose of being a place where people can share a meal and enjoy a variety of different meals. To celebrate the history of Hawker Centres, I decided to highlight the past and present of these places.
Souvenir Designs
Below are the different souvenirs I designed for them that was best able to showcase the design. They are as follows: Tote Bags, Pillow Case Covers, Pouches, Tissue Paper Box Covers, Gold Foil Note, and Keychains.
Ideation Sketches
These are some of my ideation sketches of the souvenir collection:
