The 21st century—our society is more internationalized than ever; businesses happen at the different parts of the world, designers share ideas and thoughts across the globe, and students have wide options of foreign educations. Borders between countries are increasingly thinner. However, much appreciation including understanding of foreign cultures as well as education for younger generation in such subject is absent.

Though many historical conflicts still exist between countries, designers need to educate themselves about different cultures and affairs include customs and traditions meanwhile carry on respects to others’ design works. Others are people who do not have the same cultural background or the same value with yours and yet create amazing works. Cognitions and notions that were born from these differences should generate much contribution to individual’s work and give contrary dimensions to the same creative conundrums.

On the other hand, as Bonsiepe addresses, “the discussion about Self and Identity, about Presentation and Representation,” in my opinion, each of us needs to recognize what we could offer to others because of who we are with the values we have. The distinctive backgrounds between us are in fact the most valuable assets a designer has to be unique of his or her own. Our work is essentially a representation of our gathered ideations, which illustrates the best solution to a particular design problem. Regardless of what the mainstream culture is, preserve our “own-ness” would bring another delightful dimension to the cultural education we could offer to the others and ourselves.