SINGAPORE : Swedish kitchen appliance maker Electrolux has opened a new regional innovation design centre and headquarters in Singapore.

Speaking at the launch on Wednesday, Information, Communications and the Arts Minister Lee Boon Yang said such a centre will strengthen Singapore's competitiveness.

He added that Singapore will remain attractive to design-driven companies.

That is due to the city's pro-business environment, creative talent pool and intellectual property protection.

To spur designers, Electrolux is also holding a national design competition.

Called the "Asian Dream Kitchen", it aims to develop new concepts and products which may later be commercialised.

Another collaboration will see Electrolux design experts mentoring young Singapore designers. - CNA/ms