The International Furniture Fair Singapore 2018 (IFFS 2018) concludes yet another successful edition from 8 to 11 March at the Singapore EXPO. The highly-anticipated fair, along with the co-locating 35th ASEAN Furniture Show (AFS) and NOOK Asia 2018, attracted over 19,196 trade professionals from 89 countries representing the furniture, furnishing, and interior design industries.

This year, the fair features a comprehensive portfolio of 374 exhibiting companies from 26 countries, which put up an inspirational showcase of design-rich and innovative pieces. Since its inaugural edition in 1981, IFFS has served the furniture industry as a choice sourcing platform in Asia.

READ MORE: Missed Singapore Design Week 2018? Here are 4 more design events you can attend

The Singapore government recognized IFFS’ continuing efforts at pushing Asian and international furniture trade. Speaking at the IFFS 2018 Opening Ceremony, guest-of-honor Mr S. Iswaran, Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry), said, “IFFS has become Asia’s premier design-led sourcing platform, with a comprehensive and diverse range of furniture and furnishing designs from all around the world.”


He continued, “With Singapore’s thriving innovation ecosystem, growing design scene, and strong linkages to the region, I am confident that the SFIC will continue its good work to support the development of the furniture industry.”

“The trade exhibitions scene and exhibitors’ needs are always evolving, and we need to keep up with the times by embracing change,” shared Mr Ernie Koh, Chairman of IFFS Pte Ltd. “The challenge is in finding the right balance between staying ahead, while still meeting our exhibitors’ needs. As the show continues to evolve, we will progressively reinvent ourselves to cater to the needs of our audiences.”

Ernie Koh during the opening program of IFFS 2018.
Ernie Koh during the opening program of IFFS 2018.

The fair’s focus on design was demonstrated through its feature areas, displays, and knowledge-sharing seminars, and visitors looking for content-rich features were treated to a variety of inspiring, engaging, and immersive showcases that sparked conversations across the show floor.

Popular feature areas captured visitors’ attention with their classy and sleek displays. These include the record-breaking 15 Country Pavilions, which featured the debut of four new pavilions from France, Japan, Portugal, and Turkey; The Italian New Renaissance, curated by Italian design icon, Giulio Cappellini; and CARTE BLANCHE, presented in collaboration with TANKE.LONDON/, curated by Founder of French design magazine Intramuros, Chantal Hamaide and directed by ARRO Studio.

The CARTE BLANCHE set up was situated in the middle of the EXPO and functioned as the stage of the numerous talks during IFFS 2018.

At the IFFS 2018 Opening Ceremony, the organizers announced that as part of its rejuvenation efforts, IFFS 2019 will relocate to the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Marina Bay Sands (MBS). Set to take place from 9 – 12 March 2019, the fair expects attendance from a new wave of participants and exhibitors alike.

Koh concludes, “Over the past 37 years, IFFS has been a bridge linking the Asian furniture industry to that of the West. The fair is a great platform for buyers, visitors, and exhibitors to make meaningful connections and enjoy exclusive networking opportunities. We believe that with our move to the Sands Expo and Convention Center next year, we will be positioned to better cater to our exhibitors’ and buyers’ needs, deliver top notch content, and to invoke design-centric and innovative ideas.”

For more information, please visit www.IFFS.com.sg and  www.NOOKAsia.com.sg.


Download this month's BLUPRINT magazine digital copy from:
Subscribe via [email protected]