Kookmin University, under the leadership of President Jung Seung-ryul, is set to launch the international design award 'DBEW Award 2026' in collaboration with the Italian Association of Industrial Design, ADI. Prominent design curator Paola Antonelli from MoMA has been appointed as the chair of the judging panel. Antonelli's work in breaking down boundaries between Eastern and Western design, and integrating technology with human interaction, emphasizes a broader definition of design that the award aims to explore.

The DBEW Award—standing for 'Design Beyond East and West'—seeks to challenge traditional notions of design by inquiring into the universal values and roles design must embrace in contemporary society. Notable judges from around the world will evaluate submissions in two rounds, including experts like John Thackara, a leading voice in sustainable design dialogue, and renowned designer Stefano Giovannoni, alongside local luminaries like architect Cho Byeong-soo and Chinese academic Lou Yongqi.

Antonelli emphasizes that design is fundamentally about creating connections, highlighting its deep roots in specific places and cultural contexts while simultaneously possessing an essence that is simple and abstract. As the award seeks to gather international attention, it promises to foster a dialogue among designers regarding sustainability, and the evolving role of design in a global context, reflecting current societal needs and cultural narratives.