MAR 2019 FEATURE:
Nex Gen Urban Living Showcase at IFFS 2019
Visitors to IFFS 2019 Basement 2 would have been drawn to the biggest booth managed by SFIC that serves as a visual representation of the industry roadmap launched last year.
Well-known around the world as a Singapore Landmark, the tourist magnet that is the Marina Bay Sands (MBS), hosted International Furniture Fair Singapore (IFFS)’s 2019 edition at its convention wing, for the first time.
Spanning over two levels, visitors to the Basement 2 segment of the show would not have missed the NEX GEN Urban Living booth managed by SFIC that serves as a visual representation of the industry roadmap launched last year.
Kicking off the showcase at a launch event, SFIC Hon Treasurer Mr Joshua Koh reiterated the value of customer-centric design in our industry. Attended by over 80 guests, key speaker & Greenology founder Mr Veera Sekaran spoke on how Nature should play a major role in urban living spaces for our own well-being. The botany expert has a string of consultancy projects under his belt and has also held key green-related positions in the public sector including the National Parks Board.
Urban dwellers are expected to rise exponentially in the next few decades, with the majority in Asian cities. The roadmap has prescribed a workable strategy on how to engage customers in the information age, where personalised experiences matter in a huge way. With a strong value proposition that resonates with consumers, industry players that are able to meet these demands will stand to gain a greater market share.
The NEX GEN Urban Living showcase has been an amazing feat to pull off — under two months — with a strong show of support from our local NEX GEN leaders and sponsors. Divided into four zones, from a bachelor’s pad to a work/office combo and more, SFIC’s roadmap that centres on ‘’Urban Living’’ came to life.
Thanks to SFIC’s extensive membership network that includes retailers, material suppliers and designers, it didn’t take long to assemble a team of brands sold on the urban living concept. Curated by Ms Celine Ng, Founder of Fraction Design, the showcase has garnered praise from visitors and attracted many business enquiries.
“It’s heart-warming to see everyone putting aside their business rivalry and coming together to collaborate on this project. I think the results are better than expected, especially given the short amount of time we had,’’ she quipped.
The impressive “NEX GEN Urban Living” showcase @ IFFS/NOOK Asia has been a collaborative effort with four designers (Mr Kenny Hong of 11H, Mr Li Ziqi of Resource Design, Mr Alan Kueh of AK+ and Mr David Tham of Studionorm) and eight other local furniture brands (Benel, Enlighten, Koncept Kreation, Renovator Hub, Spaceweiss, OPSH, Synergraphic and Kompacplus).
Faced with a plethora of purchasing options and changing lifestyles, consumer desires and needs are increasing becoming more sophisticated. The NEX GEN Urban Living showcase presented functional and elegant solutions that can appeal to different consumer segments in various settings.
For example, small living spaces can still offer productive and creative environments for inhabitants aided by smart multi-functional furniture.
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