Back for its second edition, FIND – Design Fair Asia 2023, the key marketplace for furniture, interiors and design, returns to the Singapore Design Week from 21 – 23 September 2023. Spanning over 18,000 square metres of exhibition space at Marina Bay Sands, Sands Expo & Convention Centre, this year’s edition will spotlight Italy’s prominent position as a top exporter of furniture to Singapore, including the collective participation of 38 Italian companies and a new installation “Italia Geniale”. The event will also feature an array of partner activations, expanding on the show’s purpose of curating a platform for business, exchange and discovery as well as strengthening the collaboration between Italian companies and their Asian counterparts while promoting the excellence of “Made in Italy” design in the region.
The Italian Touch: A Growing Trend in Singapore’s Furniture Choices
Italy has shown exceptional growth in furniture exports to Singapore in recent years. In 2022, Italy ranked first as the European supplier of furniture to Singapore, with an export value of 59.8 million euros, recording a significant growth of 16.7% compared to 2021. Between January to April 2023, Italy maintained its top position, with a total furniture export of 20.1 million euros, marking a growth of 10.63% compared to the same period in 2022.
The Italian presence at FIND – Design Fair Asia 2023 will be highlighted through “The Italian Design Futures Capsules” – a special section dedicated to Italian exhibitors. The Italian Trade Agency (ITA), with the support of the Embassy of Italy in Singapore, will organise an Italian Pavilion featuring 29 Italian companies, showcasing the latest and most innovative designs, including high-quality sofa beds, indoor and outdoor furniture, sustainable thermoplastic materials made from recycled sources, and much more. Plus exhibiting autonomously with their booths there will be additional 9 companies, bringing the Italian presence at the fair to 38 Italian companies.
Designed by the prestigious architecture studio Stefano Boeri Interiors, the Italian Pavilion offers a unique and inspiring experience. The exhibition space centres around a vibrant “square,” symbolising a meeting place for exchanging ideas and visions. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops and masterclasses curated by industry experts and opinion leaders. The Italian Trade Agency, thanks to the support of its network of offices abroad, will also organise and host a delegation of 21 foreign buyers, designers, and architects from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam, invited for B2B meetings with the Italian companies, with the aim of fostering collaboration and trade relationships.
Italian Design Day 2023: Italia Genial Exhibition
Another exciting addition to this year’s FIND – Design Fair Asia 2023 is the “Italian design Day 2023: Italia Geniale Exhibition. Organised by the Italian Embassy in Singapore with the support of the Italian Trade Agency and in collaboration with ADI- Associazione per il Disegno industriale (Italian Industrial Design Association) and ADI Design Museum, the exhibition will feature the famous “Italia Geniale” collection. The exhibition showcases approximately 80 of the most significant objects designed in Italy, many of which have been recognised with the prestigious Compasso d’Oro award, celebrating Italian design’s imagination, work, well-being, and relationships between people.
“We are thrilled to be once again part of FIND – Design Fair Asia 2023 and witness the next generation of consumers being captivated by the sheer brilliance of Italian craftsmanship and contemporary interiors,” commented H.E Dante Brandi, Ambassador-Designate of Italy to Singapore.
“I am also pleased to announce that new to this year’s edition will be the unique exhibition ‘Italia Geniale’, created by the Italian Industrial Design Association (ADI) and supported by the Italian Embassy and the Italian Trade Agency in Singapore. The collection includes a selection of over 80 world-famous icons of Italian design, many of which have been recognised with the prestigious “Compasso d’Oro” award”.
Commenting on the Italian participation at this year’s edition, Ilaria Piccinni Deputy Trade Commissioner for Singapore and the Philippines Italian Trade Agency said, “Singapore is an experiment of architecture and urbanism, therefore the high quality and innovation of our Italian products are the perfect solutions to the needs of the country. Also, the presence of 38 Italian companies at FIND – Design Fair Asia 2023 is a sign of the importance of Singapore as an ideal hub for Italian producers and designers for the whole region.”
H.E Dante Brandi, Ambassador-Designate of Italy to Singapore, will deliver his welcome remarks during the opening ceremony of the trade show on 21 September at 10am. In his speech, he will delve into the notable statistics and emerging patterns concerning Italian furniture exports to Singapore, an overview of the Italian participation at the event, and the new “Italia Geniale” exhibition, elaborating on its significance and contributions.
FIND – Design Fair Asia 2023 promises to be a remarkable platform for the entire regional architecture and design community to draw inspiration, network, and foster business opportunities between Italian and Asian stakeholders. Italy’s continued success as a leading exporter of furniture to Singapore underscores the country’s commitment to innovation, quality and sustainability in the design industry.
