On 4th March 2026, the ASEAN Furniture Industries Council (AFIC) convened its 44th Working Committee Meeting in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, bringing together leaders and representatives from across ASEAN to review progress, strengthen regional cooperation, and discuss future directions for the ASEAN furniture industry.
The meeting was led by Mr. Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan, AFIC Chairman, together with Mr. Chinthep Angkhumsub, AFIC Secretary General. The delegation also included Ms. Dhanaporn Kasetrsuwan and Ms. Ornvara Kasetrsuwan, both serving as AFIC Assistants to the Secretary General. The meeting served as an important platform to review the achievements made during Thailand’s Chairmanship term, including the approval of the AFIC Financial Statement and updates on major initiatives undertaken over the past two years.
Achievements During Thailand’s AFIC Chairmanship
During Thailand’s Chairmanship, AFIC advanced several key initiatives under five strategic pillars designed to strengthen the ASEAN furniture industry.
1. Digitalization
To strengthen AFIC’s digital presence, a new website for the ASEAN Furniture Industries Council (AFIC) was launched, providing improved accessibility and a more modern platform for communication. The website, together with AFIC’s Facebook page, has been regularly updated with news and information from both AFIC and member countries, including furniture fairs, exhibitions, and industry seminars taking place across ASEAN.
To further expand outreach and engagement, AFIC also launched a new YouTube channel, creating an additional platform to share activities, industry insights, and updates with the regional furniture community.
2. Sustainability & BCG
Sustainability remained a key focus throughout the term. AFIC continued its collaboration with the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) to promote responsible sourcing and the use of sustainably certified materials within the furniture industry.
In addition, sustainability principles aligned with the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy model were incorporated into AFIC activities and discussions, reinforcing the region’s commitment to environmentally responsible and future-ready manufacturing practices.
3. Design & Collaboration – ASEAN Furniture Design Award (AFDA)
Thailand hosted the first-ever ASEAN Furniture Design Award, establishing a new regional platform to recognize design excellence and showcase emerging talent from across ASEAN. The initiative aims to strengthen the global identity of ASEAN furniture design while encouraging collaboration between designers, manufacturers, and industry stakeholders.
4. Leadership & Tradition – ASEAN Youth Furniture Exchange (AYFE)
To support the next generation of industry leaders, AFIC organized the ASEAN Youth Furniture Exchange (AYFE) program. This platform brought together young furniture entrepreneurs from across ASEAN to connect, exchange ideas, and build long-term relationships that will contribute to the future leadership and development of the regional furniture industry.
5. AFIC Global Commitment
Throughout the Chairmanship, AFIC maintained active communication and cooperation among member countries. Regular updates and information sharing helped strengthen regional connections and ensured greater visibility for furniture industry activities across ASEAN.
Through these collective efforts, AFIC continues to promote stronger regional integration while positioning the ASEAN furniture industry for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
Country Reports and Industry Updates
Country Reports were presented by representatives from member nations, providing updates on developments within their respective furniture industries.
Participating leaders included Mr. Dedy Rochimat, Chairman of ASMINDO from Indonesia; Mr. Sihamaya Thongdam, President of Lao Furniture Association (LFA) from Laos; Mr. Win Htein, President of Myanmar Furniture Producers and Timber Merchants Association (MFPTMA) from Myanmar; Ms. Evangeline L. Fernandez, President of Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP) from the Philippines; and Mr. Joshua Koh, President of the Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC) from Singapore. Representatives from Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam also shared updates on industry developments and national initiatives.
The meeting also featured a special presentation on potential collaboration between AFIC and PEFC International, delivered by Ms. Wikkie Netten, South East Asia Market Engagement Manager. The presentation explored opportunities to promote certified sustainable wood and responsible forest management practices within the ASEAN furniture sector.
Looking Ahead: Vision for the Next AFIC Term
Looking ahead, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Khanh, incoming Chairman of the ASEAN Furniture Industries Council (AFIC) for the 2026–2027 term, shared his strategic vision built around five key pillars:
- Regional Integration
- Sustainability
- Next Generation Leadership
- Design & Innovation
- Retail Market Development
This vision aims to further strengthen ASEAN’s position as a dynamic and competitive force in the global furniture industry, while establishing the region as a key supply chain hub for the global furniture market.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Dhanakorn expressed his sincere appreciation to all AFIC member countries for their continued collaboration and support throughout Thailand’s Chairmanship.
“Together, we are stronger,” he emphasized, highlighting the collective commitment of ASEAN nations to advancing the regional furniture industry.
AFIC also extends its sincere appreciation to Handicraft and Wood Industry Association (HAWA) for their warm hospitality and excellent organization in hosting the meeting in Ho Chi Minh City.
