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Mr Toh Ping Huang, who is in his second year at Singapore Polytechnic, told The Straits Times last week that he did his research by looking into what past Budgets had comprised.

"I was inspired by thoughts and considerations of previous budgets in building a better home for Singaporeans," said the visual communication and media design student.

With this in mind, he set out to create a concept for the logo. His designs, supervised by his lecturers, went through seven drafts before it was finally approved.

The orange logo will be ubiquitous this month in the lead-up to the Budget speech, which will be delivered for the first time by Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat on March 24.

It comprises four hearts that converge to form the shape of a house. And in the house is what appears to be a three-generation family.

Mr Toh said he used orange to represent youth, enthusiasm and vibrancy. Meanwhile, the four hearts "represent a united nation working together towards a better future for our loved ones, and progressing as a nation".

The Ministry of Finance said this is the first time it has involved students in the design of the Budget logo. Its spokesman told The Straits Times: "Through this effort, we hope to ignite the curiosity among our youths to learn more about the national Budget process and how it impacts our society."

The design, the spokesman said, was chosen for its "vibrant and meaningful design".

Mr Toh, who harbours ambitions to be a designer, said he has "a fascination with stories and ideas and how I can represent them visually".

This is his first project on the national scale. His previous works include a rebranding project for the Women In Energy Asia network of female professionals in the energy sector, which was shortlisted. He has also worked on a mural for the National Environment Agency.

Through this experience, Mr Toh said: "I have learnt how to dig deeper and find insights that will help me develop my concepts. And if you work hard and keep trying, you will eventually achieve something.

"Opportunities are always there for those who reach for them."