SFIC Initiatives
For the past 30 years, SFIC has always been in the forefront to pave the way for its members and help them adapt to changes in the business environment. Major initiatives introduced by SFIC include:

International Trade Development Programmes

a. International Furniture Fair Singapore / ASEAN Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS), Deco Asia and The Hospitality Show

::	Organises the annual IFFS/AFS, Deco Asia and The Hospitality Show, an international event that is well regarded by industry experts as Asia’s most prestigious trade show.
::	IFFS/AFS, Deco Asia and The Hospitality Show provides an effective marketing platform for SFIC members and global industry players to find new markets and alliances.
::	It is endorsed by the Singapore government as an “Approved International Fair” since 1992.
::	It is also the first Asian-based international furniture fair to be accepted as a member of the elite "Union des Foires Internationales" (UFI), a Paris-based international authority on trade fairs, since 1998.

b. Participation in Overseas Programmes

::	Helps members develop and expand their export business at international trade fairs.
::	Organises business missions to established and emerging markets in search of new market potentials and to leverage business opportunities abroad.
::	Helps members to look for overseas business partners through inbound and outbound business-matching activities.

c. International Furniture Centre (IFC)

::	Manages the IFC, a one-stop solution shop, catering to the global furniture market and facilitating businesses multilaterally.
::	IFC will comprise of export showrooms, a design village, training facilities, office space and warehousing support for the furniture industry.

Collective Initiatives

::	Focuses on three collective initiatives: the consumer, raising standards of furniture retailing and enhancing manufacturing quality.
::	Successful collective initiatives include the management of IFC, the administration of the Good Furniture Retailers Scheme and the development of overseas industry clusters such as the Singapore Furniture Industry Park – Kunshan in China.

Talent Development

::	Accords top priority to human resource and talent development to ensure the industry’s long-term viability and sustainability. Hence, the initiation of the Furniture Learning Institute in 2004 to address the industry’s needs in areas of design, professional and skills development; and in the long term, develop a knowledge-driven furniture industry for Singapore.
::	Spearheads design-led business paradigm with design exchanges, work collaborations and learning programmes between local/international design institutions to nurture design talents. Annual activities include the Furniture Design Award, Furniture Design Forum as well as the provision of facilities for designers to gather and network with industry players.
::	Actively recruits second-generation leaders and young furniture managerial talents into the Youth Furniture Committee to groom new talents for the industry and to facilitate a smoother transition of business from the earlier generation to the next.
::	Organises regular CEO Learning Circles and industry networking events to create added opportunities for members and their business associates to establish closer rapport and business relations.

Adopting E-commerce as another channel to trade

::	Actively encourages industry players to harness infocomm technologies, adapt and adopt a new economy mindset and innovative business channels to find new growth opportunities beyond our geographical boundaries.
::	SFIC e-initiatives include: www.singaporefurniture.com, www.iffs.com.sg, www.ifcsingapore.com, www.furnituredesigndna.com, www.singaporemozaic.com and www.sficinstitute.com

Formation of strategic partnerships

::	Assumes a major role as providers of business information, training and consultancy to benefit the industry.
::	On the national level, the SFIC has been an effective bridge between the government, statutory boards and trade bodies to ensure that the industry’s views were heard when new legislations were being formed.
::	SFIC is represented in the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, DesignS, Enterprise Development Advisory Council, Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Singapore Manufacturers’ Federation, Specialists Trade Alliance of Singapore. On the regional level, SFIC continues to represent Singapore in the ASEAN Furniture Industries Council.