SFIC Launches ‘Marketforward’ to Help Singapore Furniture Companies Connect, Compete And Grow Globally
SFIC LAUNCHES ‘MARKETFORWARD’ TO HELP SINGAPORE
FURNITURE COMPANIES CONNECT, COMPETE AND GROW GLOBALLY
Boosting Singapore furniture companies’ competitiveness by combining structured internationalisation support and intelligent business connections through an AI based platform
SINGAPORE, 4 September 2026 – Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC), in partnership with Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), today launched MarketForward, its flagship industry growth programme to help companies build stronger business connections, sharpen their international positioning and achieve sustainable growth in overseas markets.
The programme was officially launched by Ms Sim Ann, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Second Minister for Home Affairs, and SFIC Patron, during the opening of Scanteak's new flagship building on 4 September 2026.
As part of the opening, Scanteak will also unveil ScanLiving, a new brand that forms part of the Group’s plans to broaden its customer offering and develop new avenues for growth.
AN INTEGRATED PROGRAMME FOR BUSINESS GROWTH
MarketForward brings together two flagship components — MarketForward Connect and MarketForward Grow — designed to address practical business needs across the industry. Through these initiatives, SFIC aims to onboard 100 companies onto its AI-enabled platform, facilitate at least 30 business matches, and support participating companies in generating a cumulative S$450,000 in sales or investments by 2028.
MarketForward Connect – an intelligent business connection platform that will use AI-enabled recommendations to help members identify potential partners, complementary capabilities and new collaboration opportunities across the SFIC ecosystem.
MarketForward Grow – supports companies on their internationalisation journey, from building market readiness and making the right business connections to establishing in-market partnerships and pursuing long-term growth.
Mr Joshua Koh, President, SFIC, said:
“MarketForward reflects SFIC’s commitment to helping our members connect with the right partners, strengthen their international positioning and build lasting success beyond Singapore. For many companies, the challenge today is no longer whether they have a good product — it is whether they can find the right partners, enter the right markets and sustain growth over time.
Through this programme, we are bringing together technology, collaboration and internationalisation into a single platform that will empower our members to compete with greater confidence in global markets.”
Ms Cindy Ngiam, Director, Retail, Enterprise Singapore, said:
“Enterprise Singapore is pleased to work with the Singapore Furniture Industries Council on MarketForward, to support Singapore furniture companies in their overseas expansion. By leveraging AI-enabled tools and collective networks, MarketForward helps our companies better connect with business partners, strengthen their offerings and pursue opportunities in global markets. We look forward to seeing more Singapore furniture companies leverage this programme to thrive on the world stage.”
The first MarketForward Grow programme will focus on China, with 10 participating companies exploring new capabilities and business opportunities across areas such as hardware innovation, smart materials, advanced production equipment and techniques, technology integration, and research and design for evolving ways of living. This will help participating companies strengthen their product offerings, develop new capabilities and identify opportunities that can translate into commercial growth.
SFIC plans to roll out another two MarketForward Grow programmes in 2027. In total, SFIC aims to support participating companies in generating a cumulative S$450,000 in sales or investments by 2028. Together, these initiatives provide sustained support before, during and after market entry.
Image courtesy of: Lianhe Zaobao
Download PDF here: SFIC Press Release - Launch of MarketForward.pdf