On 6 March 2026 at Hawa Expo 2026, industry leaders gathered for Furniture Forum 2026: ASIA Rising – Design Leading, a thought-provoking session that explored the evolving role of Asia in shaping the future of the global furniture industry. The forum brought together representatives from across the region to exchange insights on design leadership, industry transformation, and regional collaboration.
The session featured distinguished speakers from member organizations of the ASEAN Furniture Industries Council, representing key furniture industries across Southeast Asia. Speakers included Mr. Nguyen Quoc Khanh, Chairman of AFIC and President of Vietnam Timber and Forest Product Association, Vietnam; Mr. Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan, Chairman of the Thai Furniture Industries Club – Thai Furniture Industry Club, Thailand; Mr. Joshua Koh, President of the Singapore Furniture Industries Council, Singapore; Mr. Oak Soe Paing, Secretary General of the Myanmar Furniture Producers and Timber Merchants Association, Myanmar; and Mr. Dedy Rochimat, Chairman of the Indonesian Furniture and Craft Industry Association, Indonesia.
The forum also welcomed a special guest speaker, Mr. Rudra Chatterjee, Chair of the Furniture Committee from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, who shared perspectives on India’s growing role in the global furniture landscape and the importance of strengthening cooperation between South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Throughout the discussion, speakers highlighted how Asia continues to evolve beyond its traditional role as a manufacturing hub, increasingly emerging as a center for design innovation, sustainability initiatives, and strategic collaboration. The dialogue emphasized the importance of cross-border partnerships, knowledge exchange, and collective efforts to enhance the region’s competitiveness in the global furniture market.
Furniture Forum 2026 served as an important platform for industry leaders to share ideas, identify opportunities, and reaffirm a shared vision: that Asia’s furniture industry is not only rising, but also leading the way forward through design, innovation, and collaboration.
