EVENT
International Furniture Fair 9-12 March 2012 – Singapore Expo, Singapore
Words: Catherine Martin Photography: Courtesy of IFFS/AFS
The International Furniture Fair Singapore strengthens its offering with a hospitality-focused conference and city-wide design week.
“A
s we raise the curtains on IFFS/AFS, Deco Asia and The Hospitality Show, we do so with great
excitement and anticipation,” announced James Goh, President of the Singapore Furniture Industries Council and Director of IFFS Pte Ltd at the official opening ceremony of the International Furniture Fair Singapore 2012. In the presence of guest of honour Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade & Industry, he added: “The trilogy of events had its humble beginnings in 1981, and has grown from strength to strength to where it is today. Similar to past editions, new elements have been introduced this year, and they promise to make the event a renewed experience for all.” True to his word, the new elements
attracted a larger following and reinforced the event’s status as Asia’s premier, design-led furniture sourcing platform. Goh continued: “512 companies from 26
countries are exhibiting this year, including some of the world’s top international furniture brands and firms. A breakdown of the exhibitor figures is indicative of Asia as the main driver of the economy, with over 80% of exhibitors from ASEAN region and Asian countries. This strong global support is a true affirmation of the show as a key destination in
the Asian furniture trade circuit with a unique identity – a design-led exhibition where the best furniture and furnishings from the region and the world can be found, all under one roof.”
The Minister also showed his support telling exhibitors: “To capitalise on the growth opportunities, especially those in Asia and emerging markets, we need to stay at the forefront of competition. To do this, we will continue to help our furniture companies move up the value chain, venture into promising markets and enhance your design capabilities. With quality products and good design capabilities, I am confident that more of our local furniture companies will be able to transform themselves into global brands capable of competing at the international stage.” Taking place at Singapore Expo, the four-
day International Furniture Fair Singapore 2012, held in conjunction with the 29th ASEAN Furniture Show, Deco Asia and The Hospitality Show, attracted Asian- based exhibitors alongside international manufacturers from Canada, USA, France, Germany and Spain. The likes of Maspar (India), Indigo Living (Hong Kong), Maxim (Singapore), Hafele (Singapore), Odelic (Japan), and Kawashi (Singapore) showcased
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their latest collections of wall and floor coverings, fabrics, lighting, fixtures and fittings, sanitaryware, and furniture, and despite an expected slowdown in growth in the coming years, the mood on the exhibition floor was buoyant, particularly amongst those working in the hospitality industry. Organisers too have spotted the potential
of Asia’s burgeoning hospitality market and as such have introduced a number of design-based initiatives. The inaugural
Hospitality.Design.Furniture CONVERGE Asia Conference was established as a knowledge-based platform for the show, aimed at harnessing synergies between the hospitality, design and furniture industries. 200 delegates heard from close to thirty heavyweights speaking about a range of topics including ‘Potentials and Opportunities in the Phenomenal Growth of Asia’, emerging markets, hotel branding through design, and the ‘Lifestyle Hospitality Experience’. Keynote speaker James Dilley, Associate Director, Jestico + Whiles, travelled from the UK to address the audience on ‘Imagining the Convergence of Hospitality Design and Furniture’, while Karsten Vollmer, Partner, Foster + Partners, spoke about the role of furniture and interior design in optimising value. A rountable session offered an insight
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