SPEECH BY DR VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN, MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, YOUTH AND SPORTS AND SECOND MINISTER FOR TRADE & INDUSTRY, AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE FAIR SINGAPORE 2006 AND THE 23rd ASEAN FURNITURE SHOW 2006 (IFFS/AFS 2006) ON 1 MARCH 2006 AT THE SINGAPORE EXPO @ 9.40AM

Your Excellencies

Mr James Koh, President, Singapore Furniture Industries Council

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good Morning.

Introduction

I am pleased to be here at the International Furniture Fair Singapore or IFFS 2006, held in conjunction with the 23rd ASEAN Furniture Show 2006.

IFFS – An International Furniture Event

Since its debut more than two decades ago, the IFFS has grown to become Asia’s leading furniture trade fair. It now plays a key role in positioning Singapore as the international furniture hub and a “must-visit” destination for every international furniture buyer coming to this part of the world. I attribute IFFS’ success to two factors – the overwhelming support from our local and overseas furniture players, as well as the hard work put in by the SFIC staff. I am told that this year’s fair is the largest ever, with more than 500 exhibitors from 29 countries. This is indeed a resounding vote of confidence for IFFS. With the continued support as well as hard work from the various stakeholders, I am confident that IFFS will become a landmark event in the international furniture calendar. I look forward to IFFS growing into a truly iconic and world-class trade show, like the other internationally-renowned furniture fairs in Cologne and Milan.

“Lead”ing the Furniture Industry

Last May, the Government launched the Local Enterprise and Association Development programme. SPRING and IE Singapore will work with vertical industry associations to upgrade the capabilities of players within specific sectors in order to enhance their competitiveness.

I am pleased to announce that the Singapore Furniture Industries Council will embark on a series of projects under this programme to further enhance Singapore’s position as an international furniture hub. These projects, estimated to cost about $16 million, will groom local design talents and differentiate Singapore furniture products through superior branding and novel designs, thereby expanding our global market share.

I would like to single out three of the projects to be undertaken by the SFIC under the LEAD programme.

International Furniture Centre

Firstly, SFIC will establish the International Furniture Centre at Sungei Kadut. This will encourage more furniture companies to use Singapore as a springboard for their expansion into the Asia Pacific region, a region we all recognize as a rapidly growing market, as well as a manufacturing base. The IFC will comprise export showrooms for both local and foreign companies, as well as a Furniture Design Village to serve as a resource Centre and meeting place for designers.

The IFC is also in line with JTC’s master plan to revitalize Sungei Kadut, which is home to many local furniture companies. By serving as a one-stop, year-round meeting place for international furniture buyers and sellers, the IFC will help to catalyze JTC’s renewal plans for the area. I am confident that the IFC, scheduled to open by the end of the year, is well-positioned to become an iconic symbol for Singapore’s resurgent furniture industry.

Design Entrepreneur Development Programme

Next, we recognize that design is an important differentiating capability for our furniture players. Next year, we will have a showcase of designs by our very own local furniture designers. This initiative is inspired by the Salone Satellite at the Milan Fair in Italy, which showcases the work of the most innovative furniture designers from around the world. I am happy to hear that the School of Design and Environment from the National University of Singapore has been invited to take part in this year’s Salone Satellite in Italy. Such events will allow young designers to gain the exposure, experience and confidence to make their foray into the international marketplace.

Furniture Design Award

Another initiative by the SFIC to promote our design capabilities is the Furniture Design Award or FDA. This annual competition was started in 1993 to nurture Singapore’s budding design talents, and has seen the participation of overseas furniture designers as well.

The SFIC intends to raise the profile and standard of the competition by inviting internationally renowned furniture designers as judges. The winning entries will also be showcased at the IFFS starting this year, alongside the exhibits of established furniture companies. The SFIC and the Government will also provide incentives for local furniture companies to employ winning designers, so that they can be mentored on commercializing their designs.

I am confident that through these efforts, the capabilities of our furniture industry will be upgraded and Singapore will achieve strong international branding for our furniture.

Conclusion

On this note, I would like to commend the SFIC for its vision, dynamism and commitment in developing the furniture industry with support from the Government.

It is now my pleasure to declare this year’s IFFS open.

Thank you.