Nien Siao, Dean of JS Institute of Design was felicitated by ADI | NCR in New Delhi on the occasion of National Guru Day. The event aimed to honour the pioneers and thought leaders for their extraordinary contributions shaping the Indian design industry.
Ms. Siao, a renowned thought-leader in India’s design sphere has over 30 years of experience in design education and practice. She has held leadership positions at leading academies such as Pearl Academy and IILM University. As a design professional, she has extensive work experience in various domains, including fashion, textiles, and crafts. Additionally, Ms. Siao actively contributes to design education, serving as an advisor to universities across India.
The felicitation ceremony was a part of the Imagine Fest 2024, organised under ADI | NCR Delhi Durbar. The immersive art festival included events like panel discussions, keynote sessions, exhibitions, and workshops led by industry stalwarts. The celebration also featured the first in-person ADI Mentor’s Meet, an offline mixer inviting design students, professionals, and enthusiasts from NCR, providing a unique platform for networking.
Expressing her gratitude on being felicitated, Nien Siao, Dean at JS Institute of Design, said, “It is a privilege to receive this recognition. I am grateful to my colleagues, students, and everyone who has been a part of my journey, inspiring me to continue my work. The award acknowledges the vital role educators play in enhancing design education, leveraging their expertise, and bringing empathy, uniqueness, and vision. Design industry is dynamic, and our goal as mentors should be to remain collaborative, open-minded to the latest industry innovations, and think holistically to better prepare our students.”
Highlighting the importance of faculty training programs, Ms. Siao stated, “Experienced professionals must undergo faculty training to impart knowledge in an efficient way for students to understand. While industry professionals can bring their robust experiences to classrooms, disseminating knowledge requires a certain level of sensitivity, ensuring every student benefits from it. Consequently, we must invest in training programs to further refine the design education system in India.”
