ASEAN Furniture Industries Council - AFIC

🌏 Furniture Forum 2026: ASIA Rising – Design Leading
Held on 6 March 2026 at Hawa Expo 2026, this dynamic forum brought together influential voices from across Asia’s furniture industry to share insights on the region’s rising design leadership, collaboration, and future opportunities.

We were honored to hear perspectives from distinguished representatives of the ASEAN Furniture Industries Council and regional industry leaders:
• Mr. Nguyen Quoc Khanh – Chairman of AFIC and President of Viforest, Vietnam
• Mr. Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan – Chairman of TFIC - Thai Furniture Industry Club, Thailand
• Mr. Joshua Koh – President of SFIC, Singapore
• Mr. Oak Soe Paing – Secretary General of Myanmar Furniture Producers and Timber Merchants Association, Myanmar
• Mr. Dedy Rochimat – Chairman of Indonesian Furniture and Craft Industry Association, Indonesia

We were also privileged to welcome our special guest speaker, Mr. Rudra Chatterjee, Chair Furniture Commitee from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, who shared valuable perspectives on strengthening regional partnerships and expanding opportunities between Asia’s furniture industries.

Together, the forum highlighted how Asia is not only rising as a manufacturing powerhouse, but also leading the future of global furniture design and innovation.

🌟 A New Chapter for the ASEAN Furniture Industry

On 4 March 2026, a significant milestone was marked for the ASEAN furniture industry as the chairmanship of the ASEAN Furniture Industries Council (AFIC) was officially handed over from Thailand to Vietnam.

During the handover ceremony, AFIC members and representatives from each country proudly marched with their national flags, symbolizing the unity and collaboration of the ASEAN furniture community. As part of the AFIC tradition, the AFIC Cup was ceremonially passed to signify the transfer of the Chairmanship.

Mr. Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan, AFIC Chairman 2024–2025, officially handed over the AFIC Cup to Mr. Nguyen Quoc Khanh, who will serve as AFIC Chairman for the 2026–2027 term.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Khanh and the HAWA Vietnam team as they begin this important journey of leadership.

On behalf of the TFIC - Thai Furniture Industry Club, we would like to sincerely thank all member countries for the strong support and collaboration throughout our term. We wish the HAWA team every success as they lead AFIC forward for the next chapter of regional cooperation and growth. 🤝🌏

The 44th AFIC Working Committee Meeting was successfully hosted in Ho Chi Minh City, bringing together representatives from across ASEAN to review progress and strengthen regional collaboration.

Led by Mr. Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan, AFIC Chairman, together with Mr. Chinthep Angkhumsub, AFIC Secretary General, the meeting covered key agenda items including the approval of the Financial Statement and a review of the achievements during Thailand’s Chairmanship term.

Key focus areas during the term included:
• Digitalization
• Sustainability & BCG
• Design & Collaboration
• Leadership & Tradition
• AFIC Global Commitment

Country Reports were presented by representatives from Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, sharing updates on developments within each country’s furniture industry.

The meeting also included a discussion on future collaboration between AFIC and PEFC International, presented by Ms. Wikkie Netten, South East Asia Market Engagement Manager.

Looking ahead, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Khanh, the incoming AFIC Chairman for the 2026–2027 term, shared his strategic vision focusing on:
• Deeper regional integration
• Sustainability
• Next generation of leaders
• Elevating design and innovation
• Development of the retail market within ASEAN

Mr. Dhanakorn also expressed his sincere appreciation to all member countries for their continued collaboration and support throughout the term. Together, we are stronger.

Thank you HAWA Vietnam for the hospitality and warm welcome.

🌏 ASIA RISING – DESIGN LEADING
Furniture Forum 2026

Join us at HAWA Expo 2026 for an inspiring morning of insights, trends, and regional collaboration.

🗓 5 March 2026
⏰ 09:00 – 11:30 AM
📍 Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Conference Room – 2nd Floor
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

This special forum brings together leading voices from across Asia to discuss:
✨ The future of Asian furniture markets
✨ Emerging interior design trends
✨ ASEAN cooperation & value chain opportunities
✨ Positioning ASEAN interiors on the global stage

Featuring representatives from the ASEAN Furniture Industries Council and key industry associations across the region.

🎤 Speakers & Guests
- Mr. Kano Hiroshi – Chief Editor, Japan Furniture News
- Mrs. Korakoth Kunalungkarn – President, Thailand Interior Designers’ Association (TIDA)
- NTT Jarrod Lim – Founder & Creative Director, Jarrod Lim Design Studio
- NTT Dang Viet Khoa – Managing Director, KAZE Interior Design Studio

🎤 Panel Discussion Guests
- Mr. Nguyen Quoc Khanh – Chairman, Vietnam Timber & Forest Products Association (VIFOREST)
- Mr. Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan – Chairman, ASEAN Furniture Industries Council (AFIC)
- Mr. Thongda Sihamaya – President, Laos Furniture Association
- Mr. U Win Htein – President, Myanmar Forest Products & Timber Merchant Association
- Mr. Pak Dedy – Chairman, Indonesia Furniture Industry & Handicraft Association
- Mr. Joshua Koh – President, Singapore Furniture Industries Council

📌 Register now:
https://forms.gle/eXXzbLTondyo53Z28

Ho Chi Minh Export Furniture Fair - HawaExpo

[FURNITURE FORUM 2026]: ASIA RISING - DESIGN LEADING
A REGIONAL FORUM ON ASIAN FURNITURE DESIGN & MARKET

⏰ Time: 9:00 - 11:30 AM | March 5, 2026
📍 Venue: SECC - Conference Room, 2nd Floor
👉 Registration link: https://forms.gle/eXXzbLTondyo53Z28
🌐 Language: English - Vietnamese

Within the framework of HawaExpo 2026, Asia Rising - Design Leading is organized as a regional and international dialogue platform for the furniture industry, bringing together experts and guest speakers from across Asia

📌 The forum will provide insights into:
- An overview of the Asian furniture market, featuring in-depth perspectives from countries across the region
- Presentations on furniture design practices and trends that are shaping the future of the industry
- A high-level panel discussion featuring representatives from the ASEAN Furniture Industries Council (AFIC)

🎤 Speakers
Mr. Kano Hiroshi - Chief Editor, Japan Furniture News
Mrs. Korakoth Kunalungkarn - President, Thailand Interior Designers’ Association (TIDA)
Designer. Jarrod Lim - Founder & Creative Director, Jarrod Lim Design Studio (Singapore)
Designer Dang Viet Khoa - Managing Director at KAZE Interior Design Studio (Vietnam)

🗣 Panelists
Mr. Nguyen Quoc Khanh - Chairman, Vietnam Timber & Forest Products Association (VIFOREST)
Mr. Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan - Chairman, ASEAN Furniture Industries Council (AFIC) ASEAN Furniture Industries Council - AFIC
Mr. Thongda Sihamaya - President, Laos Furniture Association
Mr. U Win Htein - President, Myanmar Forest Products & Timber Merchant Association
Mr. Pak Dedy - Chairman, Indonesia Furniture Industry & Handicraft Association
Mr. Joshua Koh - President, Singapore Furniture Industries Council

Asia Rising - Design Leading is a must-attend forum for fostering regional cooperation and enhancing the position of the ASEAN furniture industry within the global value chain.
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HOCHIMINH EXPORT FURNITURE FAIR - HAWAEXPO
📆 March 4–7, 2026 | SECC, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
📌 [email protected] | +84 987 980 859

Before the year ends, let us give you a sneak peek of what’s coming in 2026 ✨

Get ready to discover the finest creations from across the region at ASEAN Furniture Fair 2026.
An exciting lineup of exhibitions awaits—mark your calendars and start planning your visits!

🪑 3–6 March 2026
EFE – Export Furniture Exhibition, Malaysia
EFE Malaysia Malaysian Furniture Council 马来西亚家具总会 （MFC）
👉 https://www.efe.my/

🪑 4–7 March 2026
HAWA HoChiMinh Export Furniture Fair, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh Export Furniture Fair - HawaExpo HAWA Vietnam
👉 https://www.hawaexpo.com/

🪑 5–7 March 2026
PIFS – Philippine International Furniture Show, Philippines
Philippine International Furniture Show CFIP
👉 https://pifs.ph/

See you in 2026 as ASEAN design and craftsmanship take center stage!