Be a Changi Millionaire Grand Draw: Celebrating Singapore's 50th Birthday in Style

An Event Design by Aris Mannequis & Maitri Marks

Changi Airport Singapore hosts an annual event called "Be a Changi Millionaire," where shoppers can enter a draw to win a million dollars. Visual Studio had the opportunity to design the grand draw event, which happened to coincide with Singapore's 50th birthday celebration. The theme selected for the event was "SG50," a tribute to the nation's half-century milestone.

The design team drew inspiration from various aspects of Singaporean life and culture to create a truly unique and engaging experience. The stage design, made up of wood, acrylic, stickers, and lighting, aimed to enhance the overall visual effect and transport the audience into a world of celebration.

The games featured in the event were particularly noteworthy, as they were inspired by everyday Singaporean routines. For example, the "Clothes Drying" game required contestants to hang clothes in a specific order on bamboo sticks, mimicking a daily lifestyle activity. Another game, based on luck, involved choosing numbers on a giant car parking coupon structure. The "Mama Shop," a traditional Indian grocery store, served as the backdrop for a price-guessing game. The final round challenged contestants to piece together a jigsaw puzzle to form a complete map of Singapore.

The event kicked off with a grand entrance, as the five contestants arrived on trishaws, traditional manual transports from Singapore's earlier days. They then went through several rounds of games, with only two finalists competing for the one million dollar prize. The winning moment was marked by confetti and money notes flying around, creating an atmosphere of excitement and celebration.

The Be a Changi Millionaire Grand Draw project began in July 2014 and was completed in February 2015. Throughout the process, the design team faced the challenge of blending various elements into one cohesive space, ensuring a seamless flow and consistency in the design.

This outstanding event design was recognized with the Silver A' Design Award in 2016. The award highlights the exceptional expertise and innovation demonstrated by Aris Mannequis and Maitri Marks. Their design showcased strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, evoking positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.

The Be a Changi Millionaire Grand Draw was a testament to the creativity and talent of Aris Mannequis and Maitri Marks, as well as a celebration of Singapore's rich culture and heritage. It served as a reminder of the nation's progress and achievements over the past 50 years, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.