The Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC) has launched its 2026–2030 Industry Roadmap, a five-year plan designed to help local furniture and furnishing companies grow amid challenging global trade conditions and rising competition. Building on more than four decades of industry leadership, the roadmap aims to “enable future living and working spaces that touch lives” by focusing on innovation, technology, and international collaboration.
The strategy is anchored on four key pillars. SFIC will strengthen advocacy and thought leadership to shape discussions around future living and working environments. It will deepen membership engagement to unite the ecosystem around shared industry goals. Leveraging Singapore’s strong brand reputation for quality, safety, and sustainability is another priority, alongside driving meaningful technology adoption. SFIC itself will undergo a digital transformation and support its members in applying new technologies effectively.
“The recent headwinds in global markets have shown just how unpredictable things can be,” said Joshua Koh, President of SFIC. “Yet within this volatility lie new opportunities for our local enterprises to diversify and innovate. Companies that design for evolving lifestyles, embrace digital tools to work smarter, and explore new markets abroad will not only stay competitive but also help keep our industry agile and future-focused.”
Expanding global reach with the 3L model
A central feature of the roadmap is a stronger push for internationalisation through SFIC’s new “3L” model, which supports companies in three phases: Learn, Launch, and Land. The Learn phase offers pre-market training and readiness support, while Launch focuses on guided market entry, local partnerships, and pilot deployments. Land supports companies after market entry, including distribution and sustained growth efforts.
This structured approach combines training, in-market consulting, and follow-up support to help Singaporean brands expand overseas. SFIC has already tested parts of the model in the United Arab Emirates, helping local companies better understand and enter the rapidly changing Gulf market.
Designing for wellness and longevity
Future living and working spaces will increasingly focus on health, wellness, and longevity as people live longer and spend more time at home and at work. This shift is creating demand for furniture that improves comfort, mobility, and mental well-being.
To meet these needs, SFIC will enhance its Design Innovation Programme, which supports companies developing adaptive and multifunctional products. The programme has already delivered close to S$5 million in revenue and helps brands translate urban living needs into modular designs through collaborations with local and international designers.
Local brands are already applying this approach. Scanteak’s Leika Collection, created for multi-generational homes, offers modular versatility, while Pepperwall’s Flutes Seating Collection combines modular craftsmanship with sustainability, winning international design awards. With one in four Singapore residents expected to be over 65 by 2030, SFIC is also commissioning a study on elderly-friendly furniture to guide the industry in creating products that combine safety, comfort, and aesthetics. Commune’s Silver Line Chair, designed for stability and independence, illustrates how local companies are addressing real-world needs with empathy and innovation.
Accelerating digitalisation and sustainability
The roadmap also highlights digital transformation and shared infrastructure as essential to competitiveness. SFIC will help members adopt AI-driven productivity tools, business-matching platforms, and digital solutions that improve customer engagement and collaboration. These initiatives are designed to be practical and scalable, enabling even smaller businesses to benefit from technology without significant upfront investment.
Sustainability will be another focus. SFIC plans to introduce an accreditation scheme for sustainable furniture and will host its first Future Living & Working Symposium. The event will bring together regional experts, policymakers, and design leaders to share insights and showcase member innovations.
With this comprehensive roadmap, SFIC aims to strengthen the Singapore furniture industry’s resilience, competitiveness, and global presence over the next five years, positioning local companies to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
