BY KOH HUI THENG
SINGAPORE-DESIGNED furniture are going to far-flung countries like Brazil and Russia as furniture companies set out to conquer the world.
These markets, especially those in Latin America, offer many opportunities for growth as they have not been affected as much by the tough times.
Mr Andrew Ng, president of the Singapore Furniture Industries Council, which organises the annual International Furniture Fair Singapore (IFFS), said: 'It's not all doom and gloom. The Middle East, Asia and Latin America offer new opportunities because they are less affected by the downturn.'
As a result, Singapore-designed chairs are turning up in offices in Dubai, India and even Mexico.
Firms at the IFFS and Asean Furniture Show said these countries are the latest 'it' markets for their products.
Comprising mainly small and medium-sized enterprises, the $2.9-billion furniture industry exports mainly to the United States and Europe.
But the economic slowdown has forced home-grown furniture companies to look for greener pastures.
Mr Ng, 50 - who is also managing director of Kiat Lee Industries and Getz Bros - said five Getz Gallery series, launched this year, have found buyers in Brazil.
The company furnished several offices in Papua New Guinea in the 1990s and is 'now bidding for boutique hotel projects in Dubai and Minneapolis in the US'.
Another firm, Star Furniture, is also getting orders from the Netherlands, Russia and the Middle East.
Managing director Kenny Koh, 43, said while his business had dipped, it did not fall as drastically as he initially feared. The ability to customise furniture also gives firms a competitive edge.
Yang Ah Kang & Sons, which will be decking out the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort and 400-plus rooms in Dubai Marina Mall Hotel and serviced apartments, focuses on delivering fittings on time.
Senior contract manager Teo Wee Keng said: 'US projects have declined but Dubai is going strong. India is another market that has showed interest.'
Last year's IFFS drew over 18,000 visitors and generated more than US$270 million (S$416 million) of orders on the spot, with another US$2.45 billion of follow-on sales.
This year's IFFS drew 11,624 visitors on the first three days of the four-day fair which ended last Thursday.
Source : http://business.asiaone.com/
