Advertised as the place to “Embrace the World’s Finest,” the IFFS 2012 (International Furniture Fair Singapore 2012), which ran from March 9 – 12, was exploding with the finest in innovative ideas; all on display and pointing the way to furniture’s next frontier.
SINGAPORE FUN FACT: As an island nation that encompasses only 712.4 square km, The Republic of Singapore, whose capital is also Singapore, is located in the heart of Southeast Asia, between Malaysia and Indonesia.
As a growing and impressive furniture fair, the IFFS has evolved into one of Asia’s most prestigious furniture trade shows welcoming thousands of furnishings buyers from around the globe. This year, held in conjunction with The Singapore Furniture Design Week, ASEAN Furniture Show, Deco Asia 2012 and the Hospitality Show 2012 at the Singapore Expo, the IFFS show had the look, the feel and the edgy sensibility of the global furniture hub it has grown to embody. As the trendsetting marketplace within the Asian show circuit, the IFFS put on display a total of 512 exhibitors from 26 countries occupying 226,000 square meters of exhibition space.
SINGAPORE FUN FACT: With a tropical climate, Singapore is hot and sunny all year. In December and March its monsoon seasons occur bringing heavy rains.
A staple, and “must see” at the annual fair, Deco Asia, once again gave center stage to the hottest designs and trend creations in residential furniture and interior design. The demand for strong design was evidenced. With form and function continuing to be highly desirable qualities throughout the furniture segment, Deco-Asia 2012 did not disappoint and provided tremendous options and a perfect sourcing platform for buyers.
SINGAPORE FUN FACT: With a tropical climate, Singapore is hot and sunny all year. Monsoon seasons occur in December and March bringing heavy rains the nation’s 5,183,700 Singaporeans.
SINGAPORE UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL.
A visit to Singapore is not complete without taking in the experiences and excitement that is in complete harmony with the thriving arts and design scene within the design focused show. Singapore is a very colorful cosmopolitan city with a rich migrant history from all corners of the globe.
Within Singapore, one can feel the heavy influences from the Malay Peninsula, India and China that are blended with those from Europe and North America. Singapore has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a fishing village to an independent nation.
SINGAPORE FUN FACT: Governed by a parliamentary system, Singapore has a bustling economy with a GDP of almost $327 billion Singapore dollars. Major industries include electronics, chemicals, financial services, oil drilling equipment, petroleum refining, rubber processing and products, processed food and beverages, ship repair, offshore platform construction, life sciences and entrepot (middle-man) trade.
DINING OUT IN SINGAPORE.
One of the best things about being in Singapore is undoubtedly the food. It is no secret that Singaporeans eat and drink with a passion. Singapore’s multi-cultural diversity is reflected in the variety of local cuisine it has to offer, from Chinese to Malay, Indian to Peranakan. Some of Singapore delicacies include Satay (Originated by the Malays), Roti Prata (Indian “pizza”), Fried Kway Tiao (fried black noodles), Hainanese Chicken Rice, and local desserts including Ice Kachang (flavored ice with ingredients like red bean and jelly), Chendol (coconut based dessert) or Grass Jelly (a refreshing black jelly that cools down on a hot day).
SINGAPORE FUN FACT: Singapore boasts a young population with a median age of 38 years; but a life expectance of nearly 82 years. The population, which is growing at a rate of 2.1%, encompasses multiple ethnic groups from Chinese (74%), to Malay (13.4%), to Indian (9.2%). The country has four official languages including Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English. Citizens primarily worship Buddhism (33.3%).
FINAL REFLECTION.
IFFS 2012 provided a perfect blending of an unparalleled display of design inspiration and the flavors and fragrances of a tropical island locale.
In our next installment of our SINGAPORE REFLECTIONS Bog, we will reflect directly from the show floor on what we were seeing and experiencing from the latest trendsetters and bravest global designers as they presented their furnishings artistry.
