Melbourne (Australia) - Oliver Kratzer, founder and MD of Sydney based industrial design consultancy, Ideal Industrial, has been appointed as the Design Institute of Australia's new President.

Delft (The Netherlands) - Start-up company NightBalance is the winner of the Venture Challenge Fall 2010, where they developed a sensor system that helps patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea sleep in healthier positions.

Montreal (Canada) - As Seoul's WDC term is nearing its end, more than 350 participants gathered on 8 December 2010 for the WDC Seoul International Conference and Convocation Ceremony to review the progress the city has made throughout this year and to witness the handover to the City of Helsinki (Finland).

Paris (France) - The 8th European Conference on the challenges of design in Europe will be held in Paris, France on 10-11 January 2011. This new edition will concentrate on the specific issues of professional development and World Design Capital Helsinki 2012.

Taiwan (Chinese Taipei) - The International Design Alliance (IDA), together with host organising member, Taiwan Design Center, are offering early bird registration rates until 31 December 2010. By booking early, visitors can earn a 60% discount for the Congress, also there are special discount rates on hotels and flight tickets.

Milan (Italy) - The Learning Network on Sustainability (LeNS), a 3 years project funded by the Asia Link Programme, EuropAid, European Commission, involving 7 design schools in Europe and Asia, has recently released a design manifesto during the 2010 Bangalore Sustainability in Design: Now! Conference.

Hunan (China) - Finalists for the 2010 Lotus Prize have been announced on 1 December for the Open Group and Enterprise Group for the gold, silver and bronze awards.

Beijing (China) - The 2010 China Red Star Design Award ceremony was held at the Beijing Exhibition Center Theater, where over 190 products were awarded. This edition marks their debut as an international award ceremony as they've opened the doors to the UK, Korea and Taiwan (Chinese Taipei).

Helsinki (Finland) - Corporate partnerships with WDC Helsinki 2012 have been announced. The project offers a platform for corporations to tap into many opportunities, including international networking and marketing, progress in design know-how, and new influence in society.

Seoul (South Korea) - World Design Capital Seoul is hosting the Seoul International Conference, where it will announce its accomplishments in economic, social and cultural terms since its designation in 2007. The official hand over ceremony will also take place to celebrate the next WDC.