1) MOU Signing Ceremony with NYP

On 28 October 2014, Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC) and School of Design, Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which aims to strengthen ties between the two parties leading to enhanced collaboration opportunities.

The MOU sets the platform for both parties to collaborate with the following objectives:

•To promote design in the furniture industries and design education in Singapore,
•To strengthen the design capabilities of SFIC, its members and SDN/NYP staff and students through projects, applied research and development, competitions, and staff exchanges,
•To share information and expertise in furniture and related design thoughts and trends between the parties and Singapore furniture industry at large through lectures, seminars and/or workshops by design practitioners and scholars, and
•To share invitations in the participation of, and/or to co-organise conferences, seminars or workshops.

The signing ceremony was held at NYP’s School of Design. Mr Bacus Boo, Head of SFIC’s Design Development, gave a background on SingaPlural – the anchor event for this year’s Singapore Design Week – as well as the plans for next year’s edition, followed by a speech by Mr Mark Yong, Chairman of SFIC’s Design Development.

Mr Yong shared, “It is SFIC’s vision to integrate furniture makers, manufacturers and designers, to innovate the entire business. We hope to witness new breakthroughs and ideas, so as to elevate the design industry in Asia to the next level. This collaboration is one of the key initiatives under our 3i Approach strategic framework – Improve, Innovate and Integrate – which has been put in place to foster design-centric growth and to expand Singapore’s influence within the global furniture industry.

Mr Lee Youn Kay, Director of NYP’s School of Design, also shared insights on the school’s vision and their objective for students and alumni to have more opportunity to build their career in the industry. He commented, “It is an excellent opportunity for the School of Design to be connected to SFIC’s members, as it acts as a platform for talent and manpower development. This partnership will also provide us with a better understanding of the industry so as to enhance the curriculum for the students to be more equipped after graduation. We look forward to explore more that can be achieved through this collaboration, including the area of continuing education.”

The MOU was signed by both Mr Yong and Mr Lee, while witnessed by Mr Neo Sia Meng, Vice President of SFIC. Both parties presented each other with a special memento to mark the new partnership. After which, guests of SFIC were treated to a tour of the school.

2) SFIC’s 33rd Annual Dinner and Dance – SFIC City

Excitement filled the air as guests and staff of SFIC started pouring into Singapore EXPO’s Max Atria for SFIC’s 33rd Annual Dinner and Dance on the evening of 31 October 2014. Many enthusiasts came dressed in occupational-themed outfits, to signify how different people play a part in building SFIC City– a land of endless possibilities.

Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Trade & Industry and National Development graced the event as our Guest-of-Honour. Mr Ernie Koh, who was re-elected as SFIC’s President for the 2014/2016 term at the Annual General Meeting held in the afternoon, kick-started the evening by looking back at the council’s achievements in the past and present, as well as moving toward the future with the 3i Approach – Improve, Innovate and Integrate. The newly elected Executive Committee was then announced and along with our GOH, toasted to a greater journey ahead.

The event was then followed by one of the main highlights of this year’s D&D – the Pioneer Generation Tribute Ceremony. In conjunction with SG50 celebrations, this is the first of SFIC’s efforts to honour the pioneers who have laid the foundations and contributed significantly to the industry. Members of the Youth Furniture Committee opened the ceremony with a heart-warming song item dedicated to the pioneers – who made it possible for them to be a part of this industry to begin with. A group of pioneers were recognised and received a special memento presented by the GOH. A special category – Friend of the Singapore Furniture Industry – was also presented to Mr Andrew Sng, who has been SFIC’s Masterplan Consultant since 1992.

Mr Choo Cheng Meng, the oldest recipient, founded Cheng Meng Furniture Group 73 years ago. The company is one of Singapore’s pioneers in custom-made furniture and the interior fit-out industry. His sons, Mr Kesavan Choo amd Mr Choo Yong Fee, who were also recipients, expressed, “We are very glad that SFIC took the time to honour the first generation of the furniture industry. Seeing so many old friends and acquaintances in one night, it certainly brought back memories of how we strived and built our companies from scratch. The ceremony was indeed a timely tribute and it was well planned by the younger generation and the SFIC staff. We know that they will continue the legacy of the industry and pass the baton to many more generations to come.”

The evening continued as guests tucked into a delicious eight-course dinner, while entertained by the beautiful voice of local artist, Alexandra Hsieh, and bonded over a line-up of fun games. When it moved on to the best dressed competition, uproar and cheers were heard among the guests, where contestants stood the chance in walking away with $100 cash prize. The finalists – a Japanese Sushi Chef, a cool Lifeguard, and a comical “Phua Chu Kang” wannabe, as well as a beautiful Nurse, a gorgeous Pilot and an elegant “SQ Girl” (Singapore Airline’s Air-Stewardess) – brought much laughter as they did their best to strut their stuff on stage in the hopes of winning the competition. Our very own Marcus Wong, SFIC Assistant Honorary Treasurer, and Adeline Siau, Assistant Director of Operations, IFFS – also known as “Phua Chu Kang” and “SQ Girl” – eventually emerged as individual best dressed of the year! Avelyn Teo and her team from Benel Singapore Pte Ltd, were crowned the best dressed in the group category and also won $100 cash each!

The evening ended on a high note as three very lucky winners went home with our top 3 Grand Lucky Draw prizes – Trip for 2 to Korea + $100 Taka Voucher, Trip for 2 to Bangkok + $100 Taka Voucher and a Cruise for 2 to Malacca, Tioman or KL + $100 Robinsons card.