International Furniture Fair Singapore ASEAN Furniture Show Post Show Report

Furniture World Magazine

The International Furniture Fair Singapore 2008 and 25th ASEAN Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS 2008) reported that: The show recorded an attendance of 18,361 trade visitors from 129 countries. Spread over 70,000 square metres (630,000 square feet) of gross space at the Singapore Expo, the fair showcased the best of Asian and international furniture to great success, achieving an estimated USD 271 million of spot orders. The excellent results reaffirmed the effectiveness of the IFFS/AFS as a business gateway to the Asian and international market for global trade players. A total of 118 foreign buying delegations visited the four-day fair which took place from 9 to 12 March. As a result of the business partnerships and opportunities forged at the fair, an additional estimated USD 2.45 billion is expected in follow-on sales. IFFS/AFS 2008 also generated an estimated USD 45 million in economic spin-offs for Singapore’s Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) and tourism sectors. A truly record-breaking event, IFFS/AFS 2008 has already established itself as the largest in its 25-year history. This year, the fair played host to a record number of 517 exhibitors from 33 countries, with the largest booths occupying 900 square metres each. In terms of exhibition space, IFFS/AFS 2008 was larger than the 2007 fair by 12 per cent, with 44,000 square metres of nett space. In line with the push towards design development in the Singapore furniture industry, IFFS/AFS 2008 also saw the return of PLATFORM, Furniture Design Award and the FL!P Challenge. Ninety-five local and Asian talents from 38 different design houses and institutions displayed creative new furniture prototypes to the international trade fraternity, adding to the dynamism of the fair. With over 60,000 pieces of furniture and furnishings on display at the fair, buyers were spoilt for choice. The myriad of high-quality furniture and furnishings available further strengthened IFFS/AFS’ reputation as a one-stop Asia-wide sourcing platform. Mr Sundeep Bagga, a VIP buyer from SUNPAN, Canada/USA commented, “This is the eighth time we’re at IFFS/AFS, and it never disappoints! I make it a point to mark IFFS/AFS in my calendar – it really is a big event for the furniture industry!“ Another satisfied attendee, Mr Jonathan Wogan, a VIP buyer from Furniture Link International, Ireland remarked, “The last time I was here, I came away with great buys! IFFS/AFS always delivers beyond expectations and that’s why its good reputation in the furniture trade show scene is successfully growing every year. Whatever I’m looking for, I’m confident that I’ll always be able to find it at IFFS/AFS.” Exhibitors were also pleased with the results of IFFS/AFS 2008. “This IFFS/AFS was a very successful edition for us. It was a great opportunity for Kenas to showcase some of our latest collections. With the additional exhibition halls and the great showing of international buyers, we are looking forward to next year’s event!” complimented Mr Jack Wang, Chief Executive Officer of Kenas Pacific Pte Ltd, an exhibitor from Hong Kong. Mr Mark Symes, Managing Director of International Furniture Direct, the United Kingdom, remarked, “We had a great experience at IFFS/AFS 2008, meeting with existing and new customers from as far away as Spain and Lithuania. The good organisation, excellent exhibition venue and facilities made for a trouble-free and rewarding show.” Mr Tony Pang, Chairman of the IFFS/AFS 2008 Show Advisory Panel, said: “The stellar figures achieved have once again proven that the IFFS/AFS is recognised as the best furniture trade show in Asia for quality furniture in trend-setting designs. The bar has been set for an even better show next year, and with our continuous bid to excel, I’m certain that IFFS/AFS 2009 will surpass even these high standards.” For more updates on IFFS/AFS 2009, visit www.iffs.com.sg About International Furniture Fair Singapore Pte Ltd (IFFS Pte Ltd): International Furniture Fair Singapore Pte Ltd (IFFS Pte Ltd) is partly owned by the Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC) and MP International Pte Ltd. IFFS Pte Ltd’s primary objectives are to organise and manage furniture and furniture-related fairs, exhibitions, shows, conferences and other events worldwide. This includes the annual International Furniture Fair Singapore/ASEAN Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS), a keynote event on the furniture trade exhibition calendar that is widely regarded as the “Best in Asia” by the industry. The company has a six-member Board of Directors, comprising the Chairman, Mr Andrew Ng who is also President of SFIC, Mr Jerry Tan and Mr Kenny Koh, SFIC Vice Presidents, SFIC Executive Committee Member, Mr James Koh, Chairman of MP International Pte Ltd, Mr James Chia and Ms Sylvia Phua, CEO of MP International Pte Ltd. About International Furniture Fair Singapore/ASEAN Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS): The International Furniture Fair Singapore, held in conjunction with the ASEAN Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS) began in 1981 and has since grown to be regarded by industry experts as Asia's most prestigious furniture trade show. IFFS/AFS provides an effective marketing platform for regional companies to venture into global markets. As a testimony to the quality of the show, IFFS/AFS is the first Asian-based international furniture fair to be accepted as a member of the elite Union des Foires Internationales, a Paris-based international authority on trade fairs. In addition, it is the only furniture trade event in Singapore to be awarded the 'Approved International Fair' status by the Singapore Tourism Board. The Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau also recognises the fair as a major event on Singapore's international exhibition calendar.