China International Furniture Fair 2025 hosts the World Design Summit for the first time. Following the success of the Asia Pacific Design Summit at CIFF 2024, the highly anticipated event returns in 2025 with a new identity and an expanded vision. Now rebranded as the World Design Summit, this year’s edition aims to be more ambitious than ever, fostering global collaboration in the design industry.
As always, the China International Furniture Fair (CIFF) will take place in two phases. The first phase, from March 18-21, will showcase home furniture, textiles, and accessories, while the second phase, from March 28-31, will focus on office and commercial furniture.
Discover CIFF 2025
A key highlight of CIFF 2025 will be the 55th edition of CIFF Guangzhou, which will host the World Design Summit on March 20, 2025, under the theme “Design Businesses Crossing Borders.”
We spoke with Tung Ching Yew, Curator of the World Design Summit, Founder and Managing Director of SODA (Spirit of Design Analogy Pte Ltd), and President of the Society of Interior Designers Singapore, to learn more about the summit’s evolution and his expectations for this year’s event.
Click here to register at CIFF 2025
Tung Ching Yew, the World Design Summit Curator
The origins of the World Design Summit
How did the World Design Summit begin?
The summit was first introduced in 2024 at CIFF Guangzhou under the name “Asia Pacific Design Summit.” Since then, it has been rebranded as the World Design Summit to reflect a growing international presence, attracting participants beyond the Asia-Pacific region.
In 2025, the summit will welcome esteemed organizations such as the Association of Interior Designers from Italy and prominent business networks, including the Abu Dhabi Business Chambers. With this expansion, the focus has shifted from a regional to a truly global perspective. “At its core, design is universal – whether in architecture or interior design, it connects people beyond borders. It is a common language that transcends geography and disciplines,” says Tung Ching Yew.
Read more about CIFF history
A holistic approach to design
Does the summit focus more on interior design, product design, or the design process as a whole?
“My primary expertise is in spatial and interior design, but I strongly believe that design is inherently interdisciplinary,” Tung explains.
His own practice embraces a collaborative approach, working with artists, textile designers, landscape architects, and lighting designers to create unique and innovative projects.
“This cross-disciplinary approach is essential—while interior designers are specialists in their field, the best results come from understanding that design is a collaborative process. By working across disciplines, we can push boundaries and achieve innovation that wouldn’t be possible in isolation.”
Click here to register at CIFF 2025
The collaboration between CIFF and the World Design Summit
How did the partnership with CIFF come about?
“CIFF has a well-established audience and reputation in the furniture and design industry, so we reached out to them last year. They generously provided the venue and all necessary stage equipment for a one-day summit,” Tung explains. Hosting the summit at CIFF allowed organizers to engage an extensive network of professionals, facilitating meaningful discussions within an already established industry platform.
What does the future hold for the summit?
In 2024, the Asia Pacific Design Summit hosted 10 design associations. This year, as the World Design Summit, participation has expanded to 14 associations, reflecting growing global interest. Looking forward, Tung hopes to broaden participation even further, bringing together interior designers, architects, product designers, and even fashion designers under one platform. “The summit is evolving. While we currently host it annually at CIFF, we are open to the idea of rotating locations or adjusting the format based on demand. For now, the focus remains on fostering a space for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and inspiration across disciplines.”
Click here to register at CIFF 2025
The global impact of CIFF World Design Summit 2025
The World Design Summit at CIFF 2025 will feature the most influential interior design associations worldwide, with confirmed participation from:
- Italy
- UAE
- Saudi Arabia
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Vietnam
- Philippines
- Taiwan (China)
- Thailand
- Indonesia
- Japan
Under the theme “Design Businesses Crossing Borders,” the summit will examine how design businesses are expanding globally and navigating opportunities and challenges in the international market. In an increasingly interconnected world, demand for innovative design solutions is growing beyond local markets. The summit aims to equip designers with strategies to succeed on a global scale by discussing:
- Identifying and seizing opportunities in overseas markets
- Understanding cultural nuances and regional design preferences
- Adapting design solutions to diverse international clientele
- Securing global projects and building strong international networks
- Mastering global business etiquette
Through engaging panel discussions, real-world case studies, and expert insights, participants will gain practical knowledge on expanding their design businesses internationally. Additionally, the event will explore the role of technology and digital platforms in connecting global design communities, enabling cross-border collaboration and expanding market reach. By fostering innovation and adaptability, the CIFF World Design Summit 2025 aims to empower designers and businesses to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth, shaping the future of design in an interconnected world.
World Design Summit 2025 – March 20, 2025