Must Taiwanese designers always follow Western standards? Associate Professor Ken-Tsai Lee of Taiwan Tech’s Department of Design breaks new ground as the first Taiwanese invited to judge a major international design award - marking another “first” for Taiwan. His role as a design juror for the prestigious American One Show Awards represents a significant step in moving Taiwanese design from the sidelines to center stage.

Founded in 1975 by The One Club, the One Show is hailed as one of the highest honors in global advertising and creative industries. The competition spans categories such as design, TV and radio advertising, outdoor campaigns, interactive marketing, and more—setting industry standards for brand integration and creativity. Lee's appointment is a milestone moment for Taiwan on the international design scene.

Ken-Tsai Lee (back row, first from the left) poses with fellow One Show design judges and The One Club staff after the judging session.

This year’s panel of 13 design judges includes creative leaders from globally renowned organizations - such as the Creative Director of the Netherlands' Studio Dumbar, the Brand Director of Instagram, and the Senior Design Director at PepsiCo. Comprising acclaimed creative directors, design experts, and industry leaders from around the world, the panel not only reflects the pulse of global trends but also reinforces the One Show’s authority in advertising design, creative strategy, and copywriting.

Ken-Tsai Lee’s selection as a judge - representing the academic sector alongside top designers from international brands - is a rare honor and a testament to Taiwan’s growing influence and expertise in the global design community.

Lee is no stranger to The One Show. Back in 2005, he won his first award for outstanding design work, setting a new benchmark for Taiwanese designers. With rich international experience, Lee has served as a judge for prestigious competitions such as D&AD, Communication Arts, New York Festivals, TDC (Type Directors Club), Graphis, LIA (London International Awards) Chinese Creativity Awards, and the Taiwan Contemporary Biennial. His judging expertise spans design, creativity, and contemporary art. Notably, he has chaired both the Typography jury at D&AD and the Design jury for LIA’s Chinese Creativity Competition - achievements that highlight his respected stature in the global design arena.

“It’s a great honor to be invited as a judge for The One Show,” Lee said. “This award holds a critical place in the world of advertising creativity. The role of design in the creative industry today goes beyond traditional graphic work - it's about demonstrating originality and impact. I look forward to April’s judging session in New York, working alongside top judges from around the world to select this year’s most exceptional entries.”

Lee encourages young Taiwanese designers to take part in international competitions and broaden their horizons: “Don't limit your vision - let the world see you.” For students, he emphasizes the importance of breaking away from conventional thinking: “An open mindset matters more than chasing awards - awards aren’t the only standard.”

After meeting with several Taiwanese students currently studying design in New York, Ken-Tsai Lee (far left) remarked with admiration that Taiwan Tech offers incredibly high value for its cost.

During his trip to the U.S. to serve as a judge, Ken-Tsai Lee expressed his hope to bring back the latest industry insights to enhance both teaching and learning. After meeting with several Taiwan Tech Design alumni now pursuing advanced design studies in New York, he was struck by the contrast in tuition costs. Compared to the high fees of New York design schools, Taiwan Tech offers rich, competitive educational resources at a fraction of the cost. “The value for money is truly exceptional”, he remarked.

Ken-Tsai Lee (right) poses for a photo with a graduate student who has been in New York for ten years.

Ken-Tsai Lee has been teaching in the Taiwan Tech Department of Design for over twelve years. Throughout this time, he has consistently brought award-winning works from major international design competitions to exhibit at Taiwan Tech, broadening the horizons of both students and Taiwanese designers. These exhibitions not only deepen the global perspective within design education but also showcase the strength and influence of Taiwanese design on the international stage through the outstanding achievements of local designers.