This year’s edition of the prestigious Furniture Leadership Awards (FLA) took place on 7th March in Kuala Lumpur. Two editions of the awards were held concurrently – the International Furniture Leadership Awards (FLA International) 2012/2013, which recognised outstanding international companies, and the Malaysian Furniture Leadership Awards (FLA Malaysia 2012/2013).
The FLA initiative recognises excellence in the global furniture trade and industry while honouring outstanding companies and individuals across the regional and international furniture landscape. The award programmes highlight inspiring and motivating role models for other like-minded entrepreneurs within the international furniture fraternity. Winning companies are promoted around the world markets.
Organised by APS Media Group, a leading publishers of business-to-business magazines based in Singapore and a member of the International Alliance of Furnishing Publications (IAFP), the Furniture Leadership Awards 2012/2013 presentation ceremony and gala dinner was held at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
“The FLA programme seeks to enhance the furniture business and global trade. In addition to promoting excellence, the programme creates an effective platform for outstanding brands to shine in the global markets"
The guest of honour for the dinner, YB Dato Hamzah Zainudin, Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities of Malaysia, was unable to attend, so was represented by YB Dr Jalaluddin Harun, Director General of the Malaysian Timber Industry Board, who launched the FLA 2012/2013 and delivered the keynote address.
This latest edition of FLA was attended by leaders within the furniture and furnishing industry, comprising trade veterans, experts and business heads, as well as authorities and representatives of government agencies and industry associations. There were more than 300 guests in attendance.
“The FLA programme seeks to enhance the furniture business and global trade,” says FLA founder and programme director, Dr Casey Loo. “It has received the support and participation of many of the region’s and the world’s best furniture companies. In addition to promoting excellence, the programme creates an effective platform for outstanding brands to shine in the global markets. This is made possible with the support of leading trade magazines around the world.”
This year’s media partners included MoebelMarkt (Germany), The Home Living (Japan), Gagu Guide (Korea), Mebelny Biznes (Russia), Furniture & Furnishing Export (Singapore), Furniture News (UK) and Furniture Today (USA).
Byun Sang Joon, chairman of the Korean Living Furniture Association, commented: “This is my third year attending the FLA. It’s always a pleasure to be here. I enjoy meeting many of the industry’s biggest names in furniture and furnishing across Asia and beyond. These are outstanding companies and individuals that have made their mark as market leaders. Also, it’s a gathering of worthy winners and I’m very proud that Korea had two winners this year.”
The winners of FLA International 2012/2013 were:
FLA International 2012/2013 winners
1. China – Management Excellence Award: Zhejiang Qianglong Seating Co Ltd
2. Indonesia – Management Excellence Award: PT Cahaya Sakti Furintraco
3. Japan – Management Excellence Award: Fujiei Corporation
4. Korea – Management Excellence Award: Domo Design
5. Korea – Management Excellence Award: HBM Design
6. Singapore – Product Excellence Award: Lorenzo International Ltd
7. Thailand – Management Excellence Award: Index Living Mall Co Ltd
8. Germany – Outstanding Global CEO Award: Franz Hampel, chairman of the board of directors, Garant-Möbel Holding International SA
The winners for the FLA Malaysia 2012/2013 were:
MFLA 2012/2103 winners
1. Product Excellence Award: Apex Office Furniture Sdn Bhd and Wasaniaga Sdn Bhd
2. Rising Brand Award: BJ Cabinet Enterprise Sdn Bhd
3. Brand Excellence Award: Artak Design Sdn Bhd
4. Management Excellence Award: Wasaniaga Sdn Bhd
5. Outstanding Young Leader Award: High Value Enterprise Sdn Bhd
6. Outstanding Leader Award: Soon Yit Siang, president, G-Orient Industries Sdn Bhd
Franz Hampel, chairman of the board of directors, Garant-Möbel Holding International SA and recipient of the FLA Outstanding Global CEO Award 2012/2013, said: ““I am very honoured to receive the FLA award. This is a very prestigious industry event and gathering. I noticed the programme has done very well through the years to promote the value of excellence in the furniture business. It has been successful in gathering some of the world’s best furniture companies and managers. I am pleased to be a part of the programme.”
With the success achieved at the fifth edition of the FLA, the organiser expects even more participants from around the world for its next edition. “The FLA has celebrated yet another truly successful edition,” says Casey. “I’m very pleased that we’ve seen five excellent seasons thus far and look forward to the next five. Heartiest congratulations to all winners. I also thank all our valued guests who contributed to the success of this glorious event by gracing the awards show with their warmth, presence, and support.”
