ACCLAIMED designers like Finland's Alvar Aalto and France's Philippe Starck are said to have single-handedly established the furniture design industry of their respective homelands.
And if plans by Spring Singapore succeed, a locally established furniture brand name may also achieve the international cult status of Aalto and Starck one day.
The enterprise development agency says it is working with the Singapore Furniture Industries Council on a Furniture Design Programme that aims to raise design standards and capabilities of local furniture firms.
The programme includes seminars, workshops and attachments to both foreign and local brands for players in the Singapore furniture industry.
'We aim to develop local design talent and to increase the adoption of designs by the manufacturing companies as a key competitive edge,' said Ms Kee Ai Nah, director of Spring Singapore's retail division.
According to her, viable and innovative design will not only help Singapore furniture firms survive the current downturn but also position them for faster growth once the economy recovers.
Given the scarcity of land in Singapore, local furniture firms rarely have the luxury of setting up their own manufacturing plants here.
Despite that, official statistics show that the companies still managed to provide more than 13,000 jobs and generate about $700 million a year in value-add to the national economy.
Singapore's share of the world furniture export market came to $2.9 billion last year.
This includes exports from Singapore-owned factories based overseas.
However, like most industry sectors here, the furniture industry comprises mainly small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
And like most SMEs here, they typically require financial assistance - specifically in the areas of capability development and new market exploration.
Spring says local furniture firms can approach it for help in brand development, IT system implementation and new product development.
'Our available schemes include BrandPact to support a company's brand-building initiative and the Technology Innovation Programme, which supports projects that leverage on technology to develop or improve products, processes or business models,' said Ms Kee.
To help local firms venture abroad, Spring also organises study missions to countries such as the United States, Germany and France for furniture companies and designers.
For example, a recent mission to New York allowed furniture manufacturers and designers to study retail concepts, business models and design trends, as well as to explore market opportunities in the US.
'These (trips) will assist Singapore furniture companies in exploring business opportunities or collaborations, and keep them updated on the latest developments in the furniture world,' said Ms Kee.
This article was first published in The Straits Times on January 14, 2009.
