Here’s something you don’t hear every day: a treasure hunt in the middle of Singapore’s city centre, led not by pirates but by a new, ground-up collective of some of the most exciting independent brands around. Say hello to the Tanjong Pagar Designers Clan—or as the cool kids call it, TPD Clan.

Made up of 14 homegrown, design-led brands that call the historic Tanjong Pagar district home, TPD Clan is all about mutual support, creative collaboration, and a shared love for beautifully made things. The collective officially launched this February (yes, straight out of the group chat and into real life), and to mark the occasion, they’re throwing a two-day celebration on 16 and 17 May—and you’re invited!

The Great Treasure Hunt is a self-guided tour-meets-creative adventure where you get to explore the charming streets of Tanjong Pagar, pop into beautifully curated stores, try your hand at crafty workshops, and score exclusive promos and prizes along the way. It’s part retail therapy, part design appreciation, and 100% fun.

The Highlights (AKA, What You Absolutely Shouldn’t Miss)

Two of my favourite pit stops? Lark & Peony, where I took part in their Craft Your Own Modern Kerongsang workshop. At $68, this session is a creative dream—you get to piece together your own accessory using a thoughtfully curated selection of modern, whimsical motifs and trinkets. Think bold colours, unexpected charms, and a whole lot of personal flair. Bonus: You can redeem the workshop fee with a same-day purchase!

If you’re like me and find the gentle rhythm of beadwork strangely calming, you’ll want to book yourself a spot at EDEN + ELIE’s Ring Beading Workshop. Held from 2–4 pm on both days, this therapeutic session lets you create your own beautifully beadwoven channel ring in luxe finishes like stainless steel, rose gold, and black oxidised metal. The beginner workshop is priced at $190 and the intermediate at $220, with 15% off your same-day purchase (non-sale items) if you join in. It’s the perfect way to bring home a little piece of jewellery made entirely by you.

More Than Just A Walk Around The Block

What makes this treasure hunt so special is the limited-edition collectable map you get to collect from each store. It’s not just pretty to look at—it’s your passport to unlocking real rewards. Snap a reel or post a pic with it on Instagram, collect stamps at each stop, and you could walk away with some seriously cool swag.

TPD Clan Treasure Hunt Map

Get seven stamps, and you’ll score an exclusive bag charm designed by Binary Style (yes, the same folks known for their gorgeous Singapore-inspired prints). Go all in and collect all 14 stamps, and you’ll be entered into a lucky draw for a massive goodie bag featuring products from all 14 brands—plus over $2,000 worth of cash vouchers. Not too shabby for a weekend stroll, eh?

A Celebration Of Local Design & Community Spirit

What I love most about the Tanjong Pagar Designers Clan is that it doesn’t feel like a marketing campaign—it feels like a celebration of community. These 14 brands, each with their own unique stories and specialities, have banded together not just to sell, but to share. Whether it’s heritage craftsmanship, sustainable fashion, bespoke homeware, or contemporary jewellery, there’s a palpable sense of pride in what they do—and it shows in every detail, from the workshop curation to the thoughtful store layouts.

In a world of fast fashion and mass production, it’s refreshing (and honestly, a little heartwarming) to see a collective that’s rooted in the kampung spirit—mutual support, genuine admiration, and the joy of coming together to create something bigger than themselves.

So if you’re in town on 16 or 17 May, skip the mall, grab your walking shoes, and head over to Tanjong Pagar for this one-of-a-kind event. With workshops, prizes, discounts, and design inspiration around every corner, the Tanjong Pagar Designers Clan is showing us all that shopping local can be an experience, not just a transaction.

Limited slots available, so book your workshops early and check out the full lineup at tpdclan.com. Happy hunting!