A self-taught designer quietly reshapes Singapore’s transport experience, one sign at a time

Good design should feel effortless. For one young Singaporean, that belief has turned everyday frustration into a quiet movement reshaping how commuters navigate the city.

Redefining What Good Design Means
Ask Vareck Ng what defines good design and he will point to a chair. No instructions, no confusion, it simply works. That same philosophy guides his approach to wayfinding in Singapore’s public transport system, where he believes signage should be intuitive rather than instructional. At just 23, Mr Ng has become known as Singapore’s self-described “guerrilla wayfinder,” designing and installing unofficial signs to fill gaps he feels formal planning often misses.

Frustration Turned Into Action
His journey began at Orchard MRT station, where exit numbers replaced landmark-based directions following the Thomson East Coast Line update. Navigating to familiar places such as Lucky Plaza suddenly became confusing. While Singapore consistently ranks among the world’s best for transport infrastructure, Mr Ng observed that top-down systems sometimes overlook real commuter experiences. Instead of only voicing complaints online, he decided to act.

From Park Connectors To Campus Buses
Mr Ng started small, installing clearer directional signs along the Lorong Halus Park Connector. His largest early effort emerged during his diploma studies at Nanyang Technological University in 2024, where campus bus stops lacked clear information. After repeatedly missing buses late at night, he spent months designing new signs, refining them through feedback from fellow students. Inspired by Singapore’s Circle Line map and Kuala Lumpur’s transit icons, he installed them discreetly during early morning hours.

Navigating Rules And Resistance
Some signs lasted hours, others months. NTU eventually engaged Mr Ng to discuss his proposals, confirming that safety and infrastructure requirements applied to all installations. While his ideas were considered, the project was ultimately shelved, with students advised to rely on Google Maps. Although disappointed, Mr Ng remained open to collaboration, saying he would gladly contribute if institutions were receptive.

Taking Wayfinding Into Public Space
His work soon extended beyond campus. At Marine Parade MRT station, two bus stops shared the same number without clear bus route information. Installing signs in public areas carried risks, as vandalism in Singapore can result in fines up to S$2,000 or imprisonment, along with caning. Still, Mr Ng pressed on, guided by a personal belief that public benefit justified the risk. He estimates completing at least 10 projects, often leaving signs behind as what he calls a “gift to commuters.”

A Lifelong Love For Transport
Though trained as a percussionist with no formal design education, Mr Ng grew up immersed in the arts. His fascination with transport dates back to childhood, when he memorized street directories instead of reading books. Today, his room is filled with transport-themed creations, and he avoids ride-hailing apps entirely. This deep curiosity continues to drive his work, even as he balances teaching music and other passions.

Seeding A Broader Movement
While unsure if wayfinding design will become his career, Mr Ng remains committed to advocating better transport experiences. Active on social media under the handle Tehsiewdai, he has inspired others to contribute, with some of his signs later replaced by official versions. For him, success is not permanence but participation. The true impact lies in encouraging everyday citizens to care about shared spaces and take ownership of their communities, a mindset with long-term value for both Singapore and the region.

Mr Ng’s story highlights how individual initiative can complement institutional planning, offering lessons for Singapore and Indonesia alike. As cities grow denser and more complex, human-centered design and community involvement may prove just as vital as large-scale infrastructure in shaping inclusive urban environments.

Sources: Channel News Asia (2025) , Channel News Asia Vid (2025)

Keywords: Singapore MRT, Wayfinding Design, Public Transport, Urban Planning, Civic Action