40 Under 40 2025: Kimming Yap, Creativeans

Kimming Yap

Managing director
Creativeans
Singapore

Kimming Yap is a globally recognised ‘designpreneur’ whose journey began in high school when he discovered his passion for design. This calling led him to pursue Industrial Design at Nanyang Polytechnic in Singapore, followed by a Master in Design from Domus Academy in Milan and a Master of Arts from the University of Wales. Immersed in Europe’s design culture, he cultivated a deep understanding of design’s strategic, cultural, and transformative power.

In 2012, Yap co-founded Creativeans, a brand and design consultancy headquartered in Singapore with offices in Milan and Jakarta. Under his leadership, Creativeans has transformed brands across diverse sectors including technology, healthcare, FMCG, and hospitality defined by sustainable growth, digital innovation, and global recognition.

It’s a business with staying power. To mark its 10th anniversary, Creativeans hosted ‘Ten Designs in a New Decade’, a milestone exhibition celebrating impactful projects officiated by Singapore Senior Minister of State Sim Ann. Meanwhile in Jakarta, Creativeans achieved a 150% year-on-year revenue increase in the Indonesian market since entering three years ago, driven by partnerships with organisations like Cipta Mata Group and a deep understanding of local consumer behaviour.

A firm believer in design’s potential to shape society, Yap was conferred the title of Distinguished Professor at the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts. He contributes as a curriculum advisor at both Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and the Institute of Technical Education, where he helps align academic programmes with industry needs. He is currently vice president of the Design Business Chamber Singapore and the immediate past chairman of Lifestyle Industry Group at the Singapore Manufacturing Federation. His work has been exhibited internationally at Salone del Mobile, London Design Festival, and Triennale Design Museum. 

Yap is the co-author of the branding book Are You Brand Dead? and the creator of proprietary methodologies like BrandBuilder and EDIT Design Thinking. BrandsBuilder.ai is Singapore’s first AI-powered brand consultant, which automates brand audits, strategic positioning, and identity creation. This platform has helped startups and SMEs brand smarter and scale faster, demonstrating Yap’s commitment to democratising branding.

Further innovating, he co-founded Hovarlay, a no-code platform that transforms physical packaging into interactive digital experiences using augmented reality. This sustainable solution reduces reprints and waste while boosting consumer engagement. Yap also founded SustainableSG, a platform focused on eco-conscious living and sustainable design innovation. Through this initiative, he introduced consumer products such as beeswax wraps and reusable items, encouraging sustainable habits in everyday life.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Yap led Creativeans in a swift digital pivot, ensuring zero layoffs and sustaining business continuity. He launched a firm-wide upskilling programme in digital marketing, UI and UX design, and animation. This transition helped the agency secure new clients and earned it new respect for resilience and working culture.