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The Race to Innovate: Why Innovation and Design Thinking Workshops are Critical for Companies in Singapore

  • Writer: Anagram Group
    Anagram Group
  • May 23
  • 7 min read


In today's business climate, speed, adaptability, and customer-centric thinking have become more than competitive advantages — they are survival tools. Across Singapore, from sprawling multinational corporations to nimble SMEs and transformative government agencies, the demand for innovation has never been higher. Amidst this transformation, one framework continues to stand out: Design Thinking.


And the most effective way to embed it within an organisation?

Participating in an Innovation and Design Thinking workshop in Singapore.

Why Singapore Needs Innovation More Than Ever

Singapore's global leadership in innovation was reaffirmed in 2023 when it topped the Global Innovation Index for Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania, and ranked 5th globally. Recognised for its world-class infrastructure, sophisticated business environment, and strong investment in research and development, Singapore continues to be a magnet for top global firms.



Singapore's global leadership in innovation was reaffirmed in 2023 when it topped the Global Innovation Index for Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania, and ranked 5th globally

However, staying at the top requires consistent effort. As the pace of innovation quickens and global competitors invest heavily in emerging technologies, Singapore must remain nimble and future-focused.


Investing in innovation training — particularly Design Thinking — ensures that both private and public sector teams remain agile, resilient, and capable of translating fresh ideas into real-world value. For companies and agencies alike, this isn’t just about prestige — it’s about maintaining competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.


Investing in innovation training — particularly Design Thinking — ensures that both private and public sector teams remain agile, resilient, and capable of translating fresh ideas into real-world value.

Singapore’s economy thrives on its ability to pivot swiftly in the face of global disruption. As a hub for finance, logistics, healthcare, and technology, local businesses must constantly anticipate changes in customer preferences, supply chains, and digital infrastructure. Innovation is no longer the domain of tech startups — it’s the heartbeat of sustainable growth for every industry.


Whether you're a government agency solving citizen engagement issues or a retailer revamping the in-store experience, applying innovation practically makes a measurable impact.

From government agencies in Singapore to large banks, companies are increasingly turning to design thinking to empower teams, solve real-world challenges, and stay relevant. Whether you're a government agency solving citizen engagement issues or a retailer revamping the in-store experience, applying innovation practically makes a measurable impact.


Why Learning Design Thinking Can Be the Best Investment You Make

Design Thinking is more than a buzzword – it’s a catalyst for happier customers, leaner operations, and greater revenue. Some of the world’s most successful companies have embedded this framework into their DNA, and the results speak for themselves.

Consider Airbnb. In 2009, the company was struggling to gain traction. Bookings were flatlining, and the future looked bleak. Then, the founders applied a simple Design Thinking principle: empathy. They visited their users, discovered that the quality of photos was deterring bookings, and manually replaced the photos with high-quality images. Bookings doubled within a week. That shift in perspective laid the foundation for what would become a $100 billion company.


Then there’s IBM. Once seen as a tech dinosaur, IBM made a bold move by investing over $100 million to scale Design Thinking across its 400,000-strong workforce. The result? A measurable reduction in time to market by up to 75%, and a 301% return on investment according to Forrester Research. IBM turned design from a department into a company-wide language for solving complex problems with agility and human insight.


Or take PepsiCo. When CEO Indra Nooyi brought in a Chief Design Officer, the company began using Design Thinking to reimagine its packaging, branding, and even office layouts. The impact was transformative. Not only did PepsiCo see a surge in product innovation and customer engagement, but its revenue also grew by over 80% during her tenure.


What unites these companies is not just their scale, but their willingness to put the customer at the heart of every decision.


That is the essence of Design Thinking.


It reduces costly assumptions, encourages experimentation, and delivers faster, customer-aligned outcomes. For any company in Singapore looking to reduce inefficiencies, inspire teams, and stay ahead of the curve, investing in a Design Thinking workshop is not just training — it’s a strategic decision with tangible pay-offs.


The Power of Design Thinking





Design Thinking is not just a process; it is a mindset. It teaches companies to:

  • Empathise deeply with users

  • Define core problems with clarity

  • Ideate widely without judgement

  • Prototype quickly and cost-effectively

  • Test iteratively and adapt


Unlike traditional problem-solving methods, Design Thinking places the user at the centre of every solution. In doing so, it fuels bottom-up innovation, breaks down silos, and fosters a culture where creativity and collaboration thrive.

As our trainer Mark Stuart, CSP says,  "Design Thinking gives non-designers a common language and a practical framework to innovate across departments."

 

Innovation Workshop Singapore: What Are Your Options?





Whether you're taking your first steps into innovation or seeking to scale an organisation-wide initiative, Anagram Group offers four powerful programmes that cater to various learning styles, timelines, and organisational needs. Watch Mark Introduce the Innovation & Design Thinking Workshop




For teams that want a concise, impactful introduction to innovation, the half-day workshop offers maximum value in minimum time. Participants are guided through key Design Thinking principles using practical, fast-paced activities tailored to business challenges. Despite its shorter duration, it fosters a dynamic mindset shift and sparks immediate action.

This design thinking workshop in Singapore is particularly suitable for leadership huddles, offsite meetings, and organisations looking to embed innovation culture within tight timeframes.

Perfect for: Departmental retreats, management meetings, and short learning & development sessions.




 

1-Day Innovation and Design Thinking Workshop (SGD $249.50 per pax for 20 pax)


Ideal for companies looking to ignite a culture of innovation quickly, this fast-paced workshop delivers a practical crash course in the fundamentals of Design Thinking. Participants are taken through the 5-step process of empathising, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing, using real business challenges they face.


Interactive, energising, and insightful, this design thinking workshop in Singapore is perfect for leadership teams, project managers, and high-potential talent looking to explore innovation through hands-on experience. Participants leave with immediately applicable tools and a renewed sense of purpose.


Perfect for: Leadership offsites, innovation sprints, and kickstarting transformation projects.

 


For organisations serious about embedding innovation as a strategic capability, the 2-day workshop offers a deeper dive. Day 1 covers the essentials of Design Thinking, while Day 2 guides participants through building and refining high-quality prototypes, conducting tests, and preparing stakeholder pitches.

Unlike other innovation workshops in Singapore, this version equips teams with the confidence and competence to tackle complex challenges well beyond the classroom. It includes advanced brainstorming techniques, case studies, and peer feedback — ensuring solutions developed during the course can be brought to life.


Perfect for: Innovation champions, transformation teams, and departments launching new services or customer journeys. This is a deeper dive into the 1-day Innovation & Design Thinking Workshop.

 

Disruption Half-Day Workshop (SGD $147.50 per pax for 20 pax)


Disruption can come from anywhere — a startup, a change in regulation, or new customer behaviours. This workshop helps teams understand and respond to disruption with confidence. Rather than fearing change, participants learn to harness it as a force for innovation.


This programme covers innovation theory, principles and discussion – using global and regional case studies to highlight what makes a disruptor successful.


Perfect for: Strategy teams, R&D departments, and executive leadership preparing for the future.

 




💻 Self-Paced Online Innovation Course (SGD $129 to $149 per pax)


Designed for companies looking for scalable learning at their own pace, this course is perfect for training large teams or upskilling staff remotely. Hosted on a digital learning platform, this innovation workshop Singapore format features interactive lessons, real-world examples, and assessments that ensure knowledge transfer.

Each learner gains access to templates, case studies, and videos that guide them through the design thinking framework. It's ideal for busy professionals who want flexibility without compromising on quality.


Perfect for: Remote teams, HR L&D programmes, and training budgets requiring high ROI.

 

Innovation is Everyone’s Business


Innovation is no longer the responsibility of a select few departments. It is everyone’s business. As digital transformation, AI, and sustainability reshape markets, every employee must be equipped to think creatively, solve problems collaboratively, and take initiative.


By investing in an innovation and design thinking workshop in Singapore, your organisation is not just future-proofing — it is empowering its people to create that future.


Whether you’re in the private sector looking to enhance customer experience or a government agency keen to deliver citizen-centric solutions, now is the time to embrace innovation not as a project, but as a way of working.

 

Ready to Start Your Innovation Journey?


Explore which of Anagram Group’s innovation programmes is right for your organisation:


Visit Anagram Group to learn more or book your next workshop today.

 


 

Why Engage Anagram Group

Anagram Group is trusted by over 750 organisations globally, including Singapore’s top ministries and multinational corporations such as Microsoft, Amazon, Pfizer, and Toyota. Our clients choose us not only for the impact of our training, but because we bring credibility, experience, and deep customisation to every workshop.


Our lead trainer Mark Stuart is one of the most highly accredited professionals in the industry — a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), the speaking profession’s highest designation, held by only 15% of speakers worldwide.


As one of only a handful in Singapore with this accolade, Mark brings global insight and practical strategies that resonate across all levels of an organisation.


Every workshop is tailored to your organisation’s needs, and over 85% of our clients rate our training as “excellent.” We are also proud recipients of the "Future of Work" award for helping organisations transform and prepare for tomorrow’s challenges through innovative training and design thinking facilitation.


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