Singapore Furniture Association (SFA) Celebrates 100 Years: 2026 Gala Dinner
The Singapore Furniture Association (SFA) celebrated its 100th anniversary with a prestigious Gala Dinner on 21 October 2026 at The Clifford Pier, The Fullerton Bay Hotel, Singapore. Under the theme “100 Years of Excellence, Partnership & Progress,” the milestone event brought together furniture industry leaders, association representatives, business partners and distinguished guests to celebrate a century of industry development and look towards new opportunities for international cooperation.
The evening was graced by Guest of Honour Mr Xie Yao Quan, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore and Member of Parliament for Jurong Central SMC, who joined the SFA community in commemorating this important milestone.
The celebration was particularly meaningful as it brought together representatives from overseas furniture associations, reinforcing Singapore’s role as a meeting point for regional business relationships, industry dialogue and collaboration.
A century of contribution to Singapore’s furniture industry
Established in 1926, the Singapore Furniture Association has played an important role in representing and connecting businesses across Singapore’s furniture and furnishing industry. Its centenary is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of generations of industry participants while looking ahead to the next chapter of innovation, internationalisation and sustainable growth.
The 100th Anniversary Gala Dinner celebrated not only the Association’s history, but also the relationships that will help shape the future of the furniture sector.
For an industry that depends on manufacturing expertise, design, craftsmanship, materials, distribution and international trade, strong relationships between companies and national associations remain essential.
Welcoming furniture industry leaders from China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand
One of the highlights of the evening was the participation of international industry representatives from across Asia. The visiting leaders represented important national furniture organisations and reflected the long-standing regional connections within the furniture sector.
The distinguished overseas association leaders included:
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China — Mr Xu Xiangnan, President of the China National Furniture Association (CNFA).
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Indonesia — Mr Dedy Rochimat, Chairman of the Indonesia Furniture Industry and Handicraft Association (ASMINDO).
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Malaysia — Mr Desmond Tan, President of the Malaysian Furniture Council (MFC).
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Thailand — Mr Jirawat Tangkijngamwong, President of the Thai Furniture Association (TFA).
Their participation highlighted the value of cooperation between the Singapore Furniture Association and its counterparts across the region. By bringing association leaders together, the gala provided an opportunity to strengthen professional relationships, exchange perspectives and explore areas of mutual interest.
Regional cooperation is increasingly important as furniture businesses respond to changing consumer expectations, evolving design trends, manufacturing developments, sustainability priorities and new opportunities in international markets.
The presence of these leaders also underlined the importance of industry associations as platforms for dialogue and collaboration beyond national borders.
MOUs and a commitment to international cooperation
The anniversary celebrations also featured the signing of memoranda of understanding (MOUs), marking an important step in strengthening institutional relationships and creating a foundation for future cooperation.
MOUs can help establish a framework for associations and industry partners to explore collaborative initiatives, share knowledge and develop closer working relationships. In the context of the SFA centenary, the signings reflected the importance of turning professional connections into practical opportunities for the future.
The event’s emphasis on partnership was especially fitting for an association celebrating 100 years of bringing businesses together.
Supporting SFA in the centenary celebrations
Our CEO, Maxence Mely, Assistant Honorary Secretary of the Singapore Furniture Association and Co-Chair of the Organizing Committee of the Gala Dinner, played a role in bringing the milestone celebration together.
Organising an event of this significance involves coordinating guests, industry representatives, partners and event arrangements while ensuring that the occasion reflects the Association’s history and future ambitions.
For Max, the gala was an opportunity to help celebrate the SFA’s century of contribution while welcoming international guests and supporting the relationships that connect Singapore’s furniture industry with the wider region.
The involvement of the Organizing Committee, SFA leadership, members, sponsors and partners was central to delivering an occasion that recognised the Association’s achievements and its continued commitment to progress.
Oppolia x HomeShake supports the SFA 100th Anniversary Gala Dinner
The Singapore Furniture Association’s centenary was made possible with the support of industry partners and sponsors who share a commitment to the development of the furniture sector.
Among the sponsors was Oppolia x HomeShake, bringing together Oppolia’s cabinetry offering and HomeShake’s Singapore-based carpentry and furniture expertise.
HomeShake is a Singapore carpentry, furniture and renovation business with a heritage dating back to 1972. Its work includes bespoke carpentry, custom furniture and cabinetry solutions, alongside renovation and interior design services. Through its partnership with Oppolia, HomeShake offers cabinetry solutions supported by its local design and installation capabilities.
Supporting the SFA 100th Anniversary Gala Dinner reflects HomeShake’s connection to Singapore’s furniture industry and its appreciation of the association that brings businesses together. The centenary was an opportunity to celebrate the people, partnerships and businesses that contribute to the industry’s continued development.
For Oppolia and HomeShake, the event was also a meaningful occasion to stand alongside fellow industry participants in recognising the importance of craftsmanship, business relationships and long-term progress.
Recognising the wider SFA business community
The strength of the Singapore Furniture Association lies in the diversity of businesses and professionals that form its community. Furniture manufacturers, carpentry specialists, interior design firms, retailers, suppliers and other industry participants all contribute to a connected business ecosystem.
Our group Kian Wah Contract Pte Ltd has been member of SFA for 23 years. Its inclusion in the Association’s wider business network illustrates the range of companies connected with Singapore’s furniture and interior-related sectors.
HomeShake and Kian Wah Contract Pte Ltd represent the type of business names that form part of the broader industry landscape in which the SFA operates, alongside the international associations and leaders who joined the centenary celebration.
The anniversary is a reminder that the furniture industry is built not only on products and manufacturing, but also on relationships between businesses, designers, craftsmen, suppliers and the organisations that represent them.
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Looking towards the next 100 years
The SFA 100th Anniversary Gala Dinner was more than a celebration of the past. It was an opportunity to renew relationships, welcome regional partners and look towards a future shaped by cooperation, innovation and progress.
The participation of leaders from China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, together with the MOU signings and support of sponsors such as Oppolia x HomeShake, reflected the importance of building strong connections across the regional furniture industry.
As the Singapore Furniture Association begins its next century, its centenary offers a fitting moment to recognise the contributions of its members and partners while continuing to create opportunities for the industry to grow.
Congratulations to the Singapore Furniture Association on 100 years of excellence, partnership and progress.
About the Singapore Furniture Association
The Singapore Furniture Association (SFA) is an industry association representing businesses across Singapore’s furniture and furnishing sector. It supports industry engagement, business networking and connections with regional and international furniture organisations.
More About the Singapore Furniture Association (SFA)
About Oppolia x HomeShake
Oppolia x HomeShake brings together Oppolia cabinetry and HomeShake’s Singapore-based carpentry, furniture and renovation expertise. HomeShake has been serving the local market since 1972, offering bespoke carpentry, custom furniture and cabinetry solutions.
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