1JxQXyD

NEWS
Asia Pacific & Middle East
IFFS 2015: Design-centric show trio opens to a strong start
Singapore – The International Furniture Fair Singapore
2015 / 32nd ASEAN Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS 2015), The
Décor Show, and Hospitality 360° opened on 13 March
2015 to welcome trade professionals of the furniture,
interior design, and hospitality industries from all over
the world. Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Senior Minister of State,
Ministry of Trade and Industry, graced the occasion as
the Guest of Honour.
Over the four days, 487 exhibitors from a record
number of 39 countries showcased an impressive range
of furniture and the latest design elements in interior
décor. “In the last decade, we’ve seen a steady growth in
the soft furnishings and home accessories segment within
our show,” commented Mr Ernie Koh, Chairman of IFFS Pte
Ltd. “This development has benefitted exhibitors as well
as buyers, and it also confirms The Décor Show’s unique
identity next to IFFS,” added Mr Koh.
Photo: Courtesy of IFFS
Since 2011, The Décor Show has offered attendees
a mix of high quality and trendy decorative items, such as bedding and linen, carpets and rugs, decorative accessories, home
textiles, handicrafts, lacquer ware, mirrors, paintings, and wall coverings. This year, more than 150 companies from the ASEAN,
Asia Pacific, North American, and European regions showcased their original, functional designs, and superior craftsmanship
at the show.
For the first time this year, The Décor Show was selected
by EU Business Avenues, a business support programme for
Europe-based SMEs, as the platform of choice for a debut
trade mission to Southeast Asia. A total of 39 interior design
companies and brands from 15 different European Union
(EU) countries will bring a microcosm of the EU design
scene to Asia through this event in Singapore.
“European companies have always been at the
forefront of modern interior decoration. Their reputation
as trendsetters is based on excellent craftsmanship and
innovative ideas,” said Dr Michael Pulch, EU Ambassador
to Singapore. “We have chosen to showcase some of the
best small and medium enterprises the EU has to offer in
this sector at IFFS. Companies participating in the Business
Avenues programme will have the opportunity to team up
with other companies here to maximise opportunities in
Photo: Courtesy of IFFS
growing local and regional markets,” added Dr Pulch.
Design Empowers Business Seminars were held in the
Design Hall 4 from 13 to 15 March. These complimentary sessions featured prominent practitioners and luminaries from
various industries such as, architecture, furniture, interior design, and hospitality. The seminar programme included a plenary
on intellectual property (IP) and designs - jointly organised by British High Commission Singapore, UK Intellectual Property
Office, IFFS, and Halo Creative & Design – as well as sessions that explore industry trends, business strategies, and success
stories.
For more information on IFFS 2015, The Décor Show, and Hospitality 360°, visit www.IFFS.com.sg, www.TheDecorShow.
com.sg and www.Hospitality360.com.sg.
MAISON&OBJET ASIA returned to Singapore for its second edition
Singapore – The second edition of MAISON&OBJET ASIA 2015 took place from 10 to 13 March 2015 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and
Convention Centre. The show featured an expanded selection of the best of high-end decoration and home fashion by prestigious
brands and designers in the Interior Design and Home Decoration sectors.
Featured in the Interior Design section were leading brands offering the highest quality in decoration and design, ideal for
residential, contract and hospitality projects. Within the Home Decoration section, an eclectic group of the most coveted and
innovative brands in furniture, lighting and decorative accessories were showcased.
24 Southeast Asia Building MAY-JUNE 2015