The International Academy for Design and Health, based in the UK and Sweden, held the 6th World Congress and Exhibition on Design and Health at the Ritz Carlton Millenia, Singapore, from 24 - 28 June 2009.

Attracting an international attendance of over 350 delegates, the event highlighted emerging trends and the latest research findings on the impact of design on health, wellbeing and quality of life.

The panel of world renowned speakers addressed topics spanning design quality standards, evidence-based design, research based design, mental health, restorative justice, and designing for the care of seniors and children, with specific sessions focusing on design and health in Singapore, the Middle East, China, India, Europe and USA.

The congress was opened by the Singapore Minister for Health, and featured 27 UK delegates, including Lord Nigel Crisp, an independent cross-bench peer and former chief executive of the NHS.

The congress concluded with the 2009 Design & Health International Academy Awards, which acknowledged the innovative designs in healthcare projects in various categories. Three UK companies were ‘Highly Commended’ for exemplary healthcare buildings in the Mental Health and International Healthcare Project (less than 40,000m2) categories, while Britplas won the ‘Product Design for Healthcare Application Award’ for their innovative Safevent Window for secure buildings.

Established 12 years ago, The International Academy for Design and Health promotes high quality inter-disciplinary 'research based' design for psychosocially supportive physical environments and technologies that improve human health, wellbeing and quality of life.

It supports a global network that promotes environmentally friendly design principles that also addresses a key issue of our time - climate change. The Academy also publishes World Health Design, a journal that connects researchers and practitioners in the fields of architecture, design, psychology, health sciences and economics, to promote health through environmental design. Visit www.designandhealth.com or www.worldhealthdesign.com for details.

For more information about doing business in Singapore relating to Medical and Healthcare sectors, please contact Ms Valsa Panicker, Valsa.Panicker@fco.gov.uk, Senior UK Trade & Investment officer.