Singaporean designer wins AFIC Award for modular kopitiam stool using PEFC-certified timber

10 April 2025 News

The ASEAN furniture industry’s commitment to a sustainable future was vibrantly on display at STYLE Bangkok 2025, where the ASEAN Furniture Industry Council (AFIC) announced the winners of the prestigious ASEAN Furniture Design Award 2025 (AFDA).

The award ceremony, held on 2 April, celebrated the exceptional talent and forward-thinking designs of young creatives from across the ASEAN region.

This year’s theme, “Seat for the Future” challenged emerging designers to create innovative seating solutions utilising ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) renewable materials. Five exceptional design students from Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam entered this ASEAN-level competition.

The ASEAN Furniture Design Award 2025 was clinched by Raihan Syahmi, a Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) student from Singapore, for the “Heritage 60 Stool”.

The design stood out for its comprehensive, full-cycle sustainable concept, seamlessly integrating PEFC-certified timber and circular design principles.

The “Heritage 60 Stool” not only reimagines a classic Singaporean Kopitiam stool for modern living but also prioritises responsible material sourcing and end-of-life considerations, using material sponsored by PEFC-certified company ETH.

The design thoughtfully incorporates interchangeable tops and stackability, embodying the future of responsible furniture design. It can be dismantled and transported as a flat pack, reflecting the adaptability needed for compact living spaces prevalent in Southeast Asian culture.

The Popular Vote Winner, selected by AFIC delegates, was Deya Tsyna Saco from the Philippines for her stunning “Amara Bench”. This captivating piece captures the essence of ASEAN’s rich cultural heritage, skillfully blending traditional craftsmanship with modern elegance, highlighting the enduring appeal of designs that honour the region’s history while embracing contemporary aesthetics.

A collaborative vision for a sustainable furniture supply chain

The success of the ASEAN Furniture Design Award 2025 underscores the collaborative four-year sustainability roadmap established between AFIC and PEFC.

This strategic partnership aims to drive sustainable forest management and a transparent and traceable furniture supply chain in the ASEAN region, recognising the increasing global demand for deforestation-free timber products.

“By fostering design that prioritises ESG principles and certified materials, we are collectively building a future where the ASEAN furniture industry thrives while safeguarding our precious forest resources for generations to come,” said Jamila Akhundova, Marketing Engagement Officer and Furniture lead at PEFC International.

AFIC and PEFC are committed to raising awareness, building capacity, and supporting companies in the ASEAN region to embrace legal and sustainable sourcing through PEFC certification. The ASEAN Furniture Sustainability Award, a key initiative of the roadmap, will further recognise and celebrate companies demonstrating exceptional commitment to sustainable practices.

Congratulations to Raihan Syahmi and Deya Tsyna Saco, representing the Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC) and the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines, Inc. (CFIP), respectively.

Their winning designs offer a compelling glimpse into the future of ASEAN furniture – where innovation, cultural heritage, and environmental responsibility converge.

About AFIC

The ASEAN Furniture Industry Council (AFIC) is a regional trade organisation established in 1987 that promotes the interests of the furniture industry and furniture-related businesses in ASEAN countries. 

For media inquiries, please contact: jamila.akhundova@pefc.org