Leading Light

Stanley Tay of Illuminating Asia melds design and science to create unique offerings that raise the bar for global lighting innovation

- Ryan Reuben

In a world flooded by cookie-cutter products and cheap, throwaway items, Stanley Tay's enthusiasm for innovation and emphasis on quality is refreshing. The managing director and principal consultant of homegrown lighting design consultancy Illuminating Asia (IA) maintains a singular focus on producing creative, one-of-a-kind products that can go toe-to-toe with the best offerings from around the world.

“We're creating a new paradigm in the global industry through an in-depth study of the sciences and art of lighting,” he declares. Tay goes on to cite the techniques of renowned 15th-century Italian polymath Leonardo Da Vinci as a key source of inspiration, perfecting design with knowledge from the sciences and adjacent verticals: people, the landscape, architecture, interior design, materials, natural sunlight, and mechanical and electrical engineering.

The award-winning company has developed modern lighting applications for a wide assortment of clients, ranging from private homes to landscapes as well as popular public places such as Chijmes, Haw Par Villa, Marina One, and the NTU Skydome.