Ushering the Year of the Rooster at SFIC's annual Chinese New Year Luncheon on 7 February, President Mr Mark Yong shared his vision for 2017 with over 200 industry players and government agency guests. 

Read the full speech below:    

SFIC PRESIDENT’S SPEECH FOR CNY LUNCH  

Distinguished guests, SFIC Members, Partners and friends of the furniture industry  

Happy New Year, and warmest greetings to all of you as we celebrate the year of the Rooster!   

With the rise of the confident Rooster, we certainly look forward to a new beginning – one that is brighter and better. 金鸡报晓 - As Roosters herald the sunrise every day, I am optimistic that this lunar year, new golden opportunities and fortune shall be brought forth.  

I am therefore delighted and honored today to be here – delivering my first Chinese New Year speech.    

Despite the rapidly changing economic and business environment, the SFIC’s long-term vision remains unchanged -  we are the collective voice of the industry, and we are committed to creating new value and growth opportunities for our members.  

Let me share my Vision for the New Year through SFIC’s five main objectives:

1.      First,  Building Capabilities, Boosting Employment  

In today’s dynamic business environment, we need to focus on building capabilities that last, in order to meet the demands of the Future Economy.

Taking the lead in this will be our SFIC Institute, offering targeted capability development programmes for both SMEs and individuals.  The well-received ones include the Place and Train Programmes for our creative craftsmen and designers. administrators, retail salespersons and project coordinators.  

The SFIC Institute will be launching its first accreditation scheme on craftsmanship this year.    In addition, it is an appointed Lean Enterprise Development (LED) Multiplier – driving manpower-lean solutions, raising productivity and building a workforce with a strong Singapore core.   For those who are looking at formulating strategic projects to enhance their company’s capabilities, feel free to contact our SFIC Institute who will be able to assist and guide you in your applications.    

2.      Second, Boosting Competitiveness, and Staying Smart  

Helping our members boost their competitive edge is very important for us. As an association, we must stay relevant to our members.  

2.1    Enhanced services

As part of our new thrust, the Secretariat will be empowered to work more autonomously and creatively to improve our services and further enhance the co-ordination and interaction between SFIC and members.  

2.2    Going digital: New e-Marketplace for furniture businesses  

Digital disruption is something we have to embrace. So in line with our new vision for a “SMART SFIC”, we will be launching an initial e-Marketplace for the furniture industry by mid of this year.  

This e-Marketplace, open to companies in the furniture trade and other adjacent industries, will encourage more local brands to go digital and tap on overseas growth opportunities. It can also bring about greater collaboration amongst/between big and small players and more importantly, enable smaller SMEs with limited budgets to share resources and internationalise via the online marketplace.  

3.      Third, Growing Membership  

One of my key goals is to grow our membership – now newly organised under 5 clusters and 4 main strategic thrusts, in order to cover the eco-system of companies in our industry.  

This new cluster structure will be helmed by experienced Executive Committee members who are dynamic and passionate about their field of expertise. It is my pleasure to introduce them to you:  

3.1    First, our 4 Vice Presidents and the macro/ strategic directions that they are spearheading:  

- Steven Chew (Executive Director of Sitra) : who looks after business innovation;
- Kenny Koh (Group Managing Director of Star Furniture): Design Development
- Phua Boon Huat (Director, Europe, of HTL): Internationalisation and
- Neo Sia Meng (General Manager of Four Star): Enterprise and Human Capital Development.  

3.2    Our 5 industry clusters will be helmed by the following exco members, supported by a dedicated full-time specialist from our secretariat team for each cluster:  

Manufacturing Cluster

• Chairman: Mr Ernie Koh (Executive Director of Koda)
  
• Vice Chairman: Mr Jeffrey Yong (Vice President of Eurosa)
  

• Chairman: Ms Alison Kwok (Executive Director of Cathay Interiors)
  
• Vice Chairmen: Ms Avelyn Teo (Director of Benel), Ms Fion Ng (General Manager of Grandwork Interior), Mr Don Lim (Director of Renovator Hub)
  

• Chairman: Mr Gan Shee Wen (Vice President, Marketing of Koda)
  
• Vice Chairmen:  Vice Chairmen: Mr Joshua Koh (Chief Financial Officer of Commune Lifestyle), Mr Marcus Wong (Director of Danovel)

• Chairman: Mr Nathan Yong (Founder of Nathan Yong Design)
• Vice Chairman: Ms Emily Sim (Business Development Leader of NS Trading)
  
  

• Chairman: Mr Tony Pang (General Manager of V-Mark Woodcraft)
  
• Vice Chairmen: Mr Jake Tan (Executive Director of Admira), Mr Kaden Choa (Director of Excel Hardware)

We applaud them for taking the lead in each cluster. I am sure that under their stewardship, SFIC will be bigger and stronger!    

4.      Fourth, Expanding Network of Partnerships and Collaborations  

With our 5 clusters of membership, we plan to increase our activities in the coming months to enable our members to capitalize on the wealth of opportunities in the global market.

We will work closely with relevant government and trade agencies to increase our participation in internationalisation, capability development and other relevant activities.  

For certain industry clusters, we will be addressing common challenges and possible solutions.   We will also strengthen efforts to ensure that customers and potential business partners recognize the true value of our services.  

5.      Last but not least, Keeping Young and Fresh  

With the changing demographic landscape and the rise of the millennials in the workforce and as a powerful consumer group, we must continue to step up efforts to quickly nurture younger members to sustain the association’s growth and relevance.  

Case in point, the Youth Furniture Committee that is led by Jake Tan, has since expanded its programmes to the ASEAN region and China. More programmes will be planned over the coming months so for those of you who are below 40, don’t miss out.  

Looking Ahead  

While some perceive that we are in the depth of economic doldrums with rapidly changing global events, I would like to highlight the many positive prospects for growth.  

The implementation of AFTA, the 50th anniversary celebration of ASEAN in 2017 as well as the continued rise of China and its One Belt, One Road initiative will inject fresh impetus and open up new trade routes for all in Asia.

The demographic changes in Singapore and the region will also generate new demand - in terms of furniture and furnishings for the elderly consumers as well as the increasingly design and tech savvy millennial generation.   So there are many bright spots for success and therefore up to us to seize the opportunities.  

So I am asking each one of you to strongly support SFIC. Let’s join hands to make SFIC - an organisation that we all take pride in, as well as our industry -  stronger, fresher and smarter!  

Last but not least, we have two key SFIC events launching next month – SingaPlural, the anchor event of Singapore Design Week as well as the International Furniture Fair Singapore/ASEAN Furniture Show and Nook Asia.

We hope to see you there!  

On this note, let me wish everyone a Happy, healthy and prosperous Chinese Year again.  

祝各位 鸡年 生机勃勃，福气满满，身体健康，精力旺盛，万事大吉，财运亨通!  

Thank you.

SingaPlural – held from March 7-12 –celebrates its 6th anniversary with new stories to tell. Themed: “Stories – A New Perspective,” SingaPlural 2017 aims to give visitors a glimpse into the creative minds of designers while offering visitors a visual treat as they journey through the various narratives and eye-catching displays on show.

The annual anchor event of the Singapore Design Week, SingaPlural 2017 brings about completely new perspectives with a refreshing take on design and how it influences our daily lives. It highlights the best design elements from the multi-faceted creative spectrum.

For the first time, SingaPlural 2017 will be held at the 3rd floor of the F1 Pit Building.

SingaPlural 2017 is organised by the Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC) and supported by DesignS, DesignSingapore Council, International Enterprise (IE) Singapore, the Singapore Tourism Board and SPRING Singapore. It will also be curated for the very first time by award-winning design firm – BLACK – which was named one of Asia’s Top Design Practices at the Singapore Design Awards 2015.

The week-long festival features over 100 participants including top global brand UNIQLO as well as several local design and lifestyle brands such as Ewins, Antalis and Admira.       

SingaPlural Chairman, Mark Yong said: “SingaPlural 2017 brings about a refreshing new format and theme as well as new partnerships. With our established track record and stature, we are able to attract global names such as UNIQLO, Studio Architetto Egidio Panzera, and even Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade & Industry (METI-Kanto) to be part of our design festival. Their presence here certainly adds much to Singapore’s world-class design credentials.”

The new theme for SingaPlural 2017 relooks at the design process through different perspectives and creates new stories for the future.

Mr Yong said. “We want to share the story of design by narrating our experiences behind the scenes and interpreting new ways of seeing through collaborations. In fact, our key feature project for SingaPlural 2017 is: ‘TOMORROW: Design Stories of Our Future.’ It paints a picturesque design scene of the future in 2065. Ten designers – all of whom are past President’s Design Award winners will collaborate with ten illustrators to present their visions of our future lifestyles.”

With their refreshing take on design, SingaPlural 2017 targets to attract visitors from both Singapore and overseas.

SingaPlural 2017: Event Highlights

SingaPlural 2017’s new and exciting format consists of new segments such as “Partners,” “Pop-up,” and “Projects.” Mr Jackson Tan, curator of SingaPlural 2017, said: “Under the Partners Segment, SingaPlural will present for the very first time - the KYO Project. This is a maiden collaboration between the Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade & Industry (METI-Kanto), Japanese craft makers and Singaporean designers. They will collaborate to create new and unique creations to celebrate 50 years of established diplomatic relations between Japan and Singapore.” Local designers who will work on the KYO Project include iconic names: Chris Lee of Asylum, Wong Mun Summ & Richard Hassell of WOHA Architects as well as Colin Seah from the spatial design, interior and architectural firm, Ministry of Design (MOD).  

The Pop-up segment supports the growth of Singapore brands through encouraging collaborations with Singapore designers. New products developed will be launched for sale at SingaPlural.

Mr Tan said: “Pop-up will feature products with distinctive designs put up for sale. In doing so, we hope to increase Pop-up participants’ brand exposure and gain new revenue streams and at the same time, delight our consumers with the high standards of creativity that our local brands possess.”

“This is the first time that visitors to the event will be able to purchase the unique design creations from local brands directly at the site,” Mr Tan said.

Visitors interested in the Pop-up segment can look forward to buying tantalising creations from brands such as Supermama, Shermay’s Fine Food and ETTE TEA.

The Projects segment will spotlight collaborations between several well-known designers and brands.

International clothing brand - UNIQLO will team up with local designers – Fizah and Ando from Machineast and Roots to feature UNIQLO’s AIRism clothing line. Visitors will be able to enjoy a series of mini games and installations which emphasise the quick-dry and breathable aspects of AIRism.

Studio Architetto Egidio Panzera will collaborate with Singapore-based lifestyle company – Ewins – to display a design installation using high-performance, high-resistance acrylic sheets from their flagship brand Veromobi.

SingaPlural 2017 will be held in conjunction with the International Furniture Fair Singapore/ASEAN Furniture Show and Nook Asia. It is also the anchor event of the Singapore Design Week, which is organised by the DesignSingapore Council, a part of the Ministry of Communications and Information.

Tickets for unlimited entries will be sold on-site at $10 each. Local students, children 12 years and below as well as senior citizens aged 60 and above will enjoy free admission.

SingaPlural 2017 is open to the public from 7-12 March 2017, 11am to 10pm daily. For more information, please visit the www.SingaPlural.com website.

With barely a month to the International Furniture Fair Singapore 2017, preparations for the show are now in full swing. Along with co-located events - the 34th ASEAN Furniture Show (AFS) and the inaugural Nook Asia, the show returns from 9 - 12 March at the Singapore EXPO.  

A landmark event within the global furniture industry, IFFS has established itself as one of the leading premier business platforms in Asia-Pacific. Building upon past successes over the last three decades, the coming edition is set to wow the industry once again with the introduction of a plethora of business and design-led initiatives.  

“Innovation holds the key to business success, and this applies not only to furniture companies but to IFFS as well”, said Mr Ernie Koh, Chairman of IFFS Pte Ltd. “Trade fair modes are evolving. Recent trends indicate that event organizers are moving towards novel ways of offering valuable content through new formats that do not necessarily require large physical presentations. In the same manner, IFFS will move in this direction progressively, starting with the all-new Virtual Reality Zone that we’ll be offering this year.”  

Spark Conversations with Specialised Initiatives  

For the first time, IFFS partners Singapore-based start-up, Dimension 5 Technologies (D5T), to inject a fresh perspective to the well-established sourcing platform. Visitors can look forward to a novel experience at the Virtual Reality Zone, where furniture pieces from companies like Commune, Danovel, Resource Decor, and Sam & Sara will be presented in VR showrooms at dedicated VR booths, both in Hall 4 and within the respective exhibitors’ booths. The implementation of VR technology offers exhibitors limitless potential, and participating companies are given the opportunity to extend their product displays beyond the physical space.  

Other new pavilions include the EU Business Avenues in South East Asia Pavilion and the Upholstery Pavilion. The EU Pavilion falls under the inaugural Nook Asia event, and is organised in partnership with EU Business Avenues in South East Asia. As part of a Contemporary European Design business mission, the pavilion is expected to house 50 of the best design and interior companies from across the European Union. The Upholstery Pavilion houses a curated line-up of exhibitors with upholstery offerings, including Alexander & James, Asiades, Bellagio Asia, Novaz, NS Furniture, PR Interiors, Prieels, and Sofa Source. It will feature a comprehensive showcase of furniture, interior lighting, finished home textiles, wallpaper, carpets, and decorative items such as pottery, high-end design tableware, and cutlery.

Going a step further, IFFS will also organise a familiarisation trip devoted to brands that are keen to explore international franchise expansion. This newly-developed initiative will offer these companies valuable opportunities to learn and network with a group of seasoned franchisors, and gain necessary market knowledge in the process.   All in all, these initiatives are expected to create more opportunities for exhibitors and visitors to engage in quality interactions, share insights, and develop potential business relationships.  

Awe-inspiring Design Showcases  

In addition to the myriad of opportunities for business networking, visitors looking to feast their eyes on show-stopping pieces will be spoilt for choice by the abundant design elements at IFFS. For the first time in the show’s history, IFFS welcomes onboard two industry bigwigs, who will each conceptualise and curate a distinctly different but equally impressive feature area.   The White House, designed exclusively by home-grown designer Nathan Yong, showcases selected works from key exhibitors, whose pieces are derived from the theme of whiteness. Participating companies include the likes of A. Garcia, Deesawat, Fashion Interiors, Geoffrey Marshall, Jatra Design, Maiori, Massimo Cappella, Mok Kam Por, Resource Decor, Sam & Sara, Square Roots, The Rug Republic, Triboa Bay Living, Wendelbo, and Woven+.  

The Italian Hospitality is a curated space and lounge exclusively styled by world-renowned Italian designer Giulio Cappellini. Representing the best of Italy in IFFS, whether in the areas of design, furniture production, or culinary arts, the showcase will present a juxtaposition of current and technological furniture with some pieces of tradition and rich history, to emphasise the Italian savoir-faire. Visitors keen to get a taste of Italian furniture can expect to be introduced to established brands, as well as up-and-coming companies like ArteArredo, Boffetto, Cappellini – Cap Design, Ceramica Flaminia, Corà Domenico & Figli, FDC Fuda Division Contract, Gervasoni, Giorgetti, Icone Luce, Italian Kitchen Group, La Murrina, Pepe & C (Mosaico Digitale), Vanixa, Vibieffe 85, and Vismara Vetro. Apart from discovering how Cappellini and Yong transform their concepts to real-life displays, visitors can also get acquainted with up-and-coming designers through the Design STARS Showcase. The showcase features product debuts by 10 design talents from around the world, including Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and the United Kingdom.  

Visitors interested in viewing these showcases in their full glory may head over to the Piazza Hall that is located in Hall 4.  

Design & Business Seminars  

To enrich the IFFS experience, trade visitors will also be treated to a series of complimentary educational seminars conducted by industry experts, thought leaders and celebrity designers. These will be held concurrently with the exhibition. Based on the theme ‘Smart Livng, Convival, and Design Forward’, the seminars will take place throughout the show dates and touch on a variety of design and business-related topics. The full programme schedule will be made available at a later date on the event website.  

For more information on IFFS 2017, please visit www.IFFS.com.sg and www.NookAsia.com.sg.

• 7-12 Mar SingaPlural 2017, Singapore
• 8-11 Mar Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• 8-11 Mar VIFA – EXPO 2017, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• 8-11 Mar Export Furniture Fair (EFE), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  
• 8-12 Mar Thailand International Furniture Fair (TIFF), Bangkok, Thailand
• 9-11 Mar Philippines International Furniture Show,  Manila, Philippines
• 9-12 Mar International Furniture Fair Singapore (IFFS)/ASEAN Furniture Show/Nook Asia
  
• 11-14 Mar Indonesia International Furniture Expo (IFEX), Jakarta, Indonesia
  
• 13-16 Mar Jogja International Furniture & Craft Fair Indonesia (JIFFINA), Jogjakarta, Indonesia
• 16-20 Mar International Famous Furniture Fair, Dongguan, China
  18-21 Mar China International Furniture Fair, Guangzhou, China (Residential)
  28-31 Mar China International Furniture Fair, Guangzhou, China (Office)