Background

Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) is a global event that aims to connect people and catalyzes new partnerships between innovation enablers, enterprises and start-ups from Singapore and the rest of the world. Amidst the growing concern over the pandemic, having all physical interaction coming to a pause, innovation takes the helm of overcoming the unprecedented challenges that we are facing. The virtual event needed to create a healthy ecosystem between the exhibitors and the attendees without compromising the user experience, pushing boundaries to combine the intangible physical experiences with a digital approach. We aimed to not only take advantage of this new found digital freedom but to challenge the virtual boundaries, bringing a sense of realism and the physical connection that the event had. It had to be spectacular to excite the attendees and also providing the exhibitors with an amazing stage like never before.

Describe the creative idea (40% of vote)

Unbounded by physical borders, SWITCH 2020 had adapted to extraordinary times by creating a round-the-clock event that could be accessed virtually by the global FinTech and Deep Tech communities from Asia and around the world. Featuring a digital city that never sleeps, it was a one-stop platform where innovation meets enterprise. Highlighting Singapore on the world map as a global hub for innovation and tech start-ups, the digital city was modelled after the Buona Vista district due to its nature as a nexus for the buzzing tech community. The experience included navigating 11 unique villages where attendees could immerse in and connect with more than 1,000 exhibitors and sponsors. The engagement would empower and provide exposure to the startups while ensuring a seamless connection and building of relationships between people, ideas and organizations.

Describe the execution (40% of vote)

With a timeline of 3 months, we had to finalise the concept, site architecture, user experience and a clear design structure to achieve our objectives. With the broad concept of bringing the physical experience online, the spatial quality of an actual visit to Singapore had to be established and in addition, augmented to enhance the audience experience. Every touchpoint in the user journey was designed and tested. Other than the representation of an overall map of Singapore with its iconic architecture, we highlighted the Buona Vista District to house the sectors and the respective exhibitors in “villages”. Every village was unique, with different designs for its building lobbies, showcases and exhibitor booths. We did a total of 1 overall map design, 3 iconic areas in Singapore, 1 overall Buona Vista District, 11 villages (76 building architecture), 12 lobbies, 12 showcases, 42 booths and 2 special showrooms.

List the results (20% of vote)

The results for this first ever full virtual SFF X SWITCH 2020 event over the span of 24 hrs in 5 days, has been a massive success. It expanded its global outreach, connecting 31 countries and 42 cities together. A total of 1,300 exhibitors participated with more than 2,000 global speakers and 4,400 meetings facilitated. All in all, the event has touched 60,000 participants from over 160 countries and garnered an extensive attention from 3.5 million views globally. Setting a new benchmark for this biggest innovation and tech event in Singapore like never before. We managed to bring a touch of physicality to a virtual world and excite the audience with the extensive arrangement of the various environments. Achieving what we first set out to do, providing a one-stop platform, empowering businesses and innovators, connecting the world together in a safe, insightful and vibrant environment.