Crossing borders with design: World Design Summit 2025

China International Furniture Fair 2025 hosts the World Design Summit for the first time. Following a successful edition of the Asia Pacific Design Summit, held at CIFF 2024, this year the summit returns, with a rebranding and an even more ambitious program.

Discover CIFF 2025

Asia Pacific Design Summit 2024

As usual, CIFF will run in two phases, the first dedicated to home furniture, textiles and accessories, March 18-21st, the second hosting office and commercial furniture, March 28-31st.
On March, 20, 2025, the 55th edition of CIFF Guangzhou hosts the World Design Summit, titled “Design Businesses Crossing Borders”.

We talked to the Summit Curator, Tung Ching Yew, Founder and Managing Director of SODA (Spirit of Design Analogy Pte Ltd), and President of Society of Interior Designers Singapore, of the World Design Summit, and his expectations for this year’s edition.

Discover CIFF 2024

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Tung Ching Yew, the World Design Summit Curator

Design connects people: the words from Tung Ching Yew

Let’s tell a bit of the history of the World Design Summit. How did it start?

The Design Summit began in 2024 at CIFF Guangzhou under the name “Asia Pacific Design Summit.” Since then, we have rebranded it as the World Design Summit to reflect our growing international presence, with guests now joining from the Middle East and Europe.
This year, in 2025, we are excited to welcome the Association of Interior Designers from Italy, alongside various business chambers, including the Abu Dhabi Business Chambers. With this expansion, we are no longer focused solely on the Asia-Pacific region but are embracing a truly global perspective. Our goal is to foster meaningful discussions on design across multiple countries and cultures.
At its core, design is universal – whether in architecture or interior design, it connects people across borders. It is a common language that transcends geography and disciplines.

Design: an inter-discipline

When you talk about design, do you focus more on interior design, product design, or the design process as a whole? Would you say design is a mindset – a way of thinking and approaching projects?

My primary expertise lies in spatial and interior design, but I firmly believe that design is inherently interdisciplinary. In my own practice, we collaborate with a diverse range of creatives – artists, watercolorists, textile artists, landscape designers, and lighting designers – to bring unique perspectives to our projects.
This interdisciplinary approach is essential, particularly within the interior design community. While interior designers excel in their craft, we must broaden our understanding and recognize that design is a collaborative process. By embracing cross-disciplinary partnerships, we can push boundaries and innovate in ways that wouldn’t be possible in isolation. I am always advocating for transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches in both my work and the broader design industry.

Read more about CIFF history

Asia Pacific Summit 2024

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The future of the World Design Summit

How did the collaboration with CIFF start?

CIFF, now in its 55th edition, has a well-established audience and a strong reputation in the design and furniture industry, so we did approach them last year, and they generously provided us with a venue and all necessary stage equipment for a one-day summit. Hosting the summit alongside CIFF, allowed us to tap into their extensive visitor base, attracting professionals already engaged in the industry and sparking meaningful conversations around design.

Looking ahead, what does the future hold for the summit?

Last year, the Asia Pacific Design Summit brought together 10 design associations. This year, the World Design Summit has grown to 14 associations – a clear sign of increasing global interest. Looking ahead, I hope to see even greater participation, not just from interior designers and architects, but also from product designers and perhaps even fashion designers.
The summit is evolving, and while we currently host it annually, I remain open to the idea of rotating locations or adjusting the format based on demand. For now, I am committed to fostering a space where designers from all disciplines can collaborate, share ideas, and inspire one another.

The World Design Summit 2025

The most relevant interior design associations worldwide take part in the CIFF World Design Summit. Confirmed associations for 2025 are Italy, UAE, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Taiwan (China), Thailand, Indonesia, Japan.
CIFF World Design Summit 2025 will focus on the evolving landscape of design businesses as they expand beyond geographical boundaries. Under the theme “Design Businesses Crossing Borders,” the summit will unite visionary designers, industry leaders, and business experts to explore the opportunities and challenges of global market expansion.
In an increasingly interconnected world, the demand for innovative design solutions transcends borders. This summit aims to provide designers with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to navigate both regional and international markets effectively.

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The key discussion topics will be how to identify and seize opportunities in overseas markets, how to understand cultural nuances and regional design preferences, and how to adapt design solutions to diverse clientele. Participants will gain practical knowledge on securing international projects, building strong networks and partnerships, and mastering global business etiquette. Through thought-provoking discussions and case studies, the summit will showcase real-world successes and lessons learned, offering valuable insights for businesses looking to expand globally.
Additionally, the event will highlight the role of technology and digital platforms in bridging global gaps, enabling designers to collaborate and compete on the international stage. By fostering innovation and adaptability, the CIFF World Design Summit 2025 aims to empower design businesses to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth, making a lasting impact in an increasingly connected world.

The participants

The 2025 CIFF World Design Summit is curated by Tung Ching Yew, a renowned multidisciplinary designer and Founder & Managing Director of SODA.

Speakers at the 2025 CIFF World Design Summit will be:
Welcome Address by Ms Crystal Deng, General Manager, China Foreign Trade Guangzhou Exhibition Co., Ltd 
Opening Address by Mr Tung Ching Yew, Founder and Managing Director, SODA Singapore, President, Society of Interior Designers Singapore (SIDS) (Opening Address)
Mr Antonio Domenico De Antonis,  President, Italian Association of Professional Interior Designers (AIPi)
Topic – Designing for Diverse Cultures: Balancing Global Appeal with Local Identity
Mr Tung Ching Yew, Managing Director, SODA Singapore, President, Society of Interior Designers Singapore (SIDS)
Topic – Legacy-making: Building Corporate Longevity and Heritage through Design
Mr Luthfi Hassan, Founder, Jakarta Vintage & Council Member, Indonesian Society of Interior Designers (HDII)
Topic – Maksimalis: Spaces of Vintage Hipsters
Dr. Brian Shegar, Founder, CEO & Founder, ME Asia Consultancy Pte Ltd, President, UAE Singapore Business Council
Topic – Expanding Horizons: Strategies for Taking Your Design Business Global

World Design Summit 2025 is waiting for you on March 20, at CIFF Guangzhou 2025

Click the link below for the complete video of the Asia Pacific Design Summit 2024
The Asia Pacific Design Summit 2024 – Review