Source: SGS website. SGS 2015 was well attended.
This year’s Singapore Gifts Show (SGS), taking place from June 29th to July 1st, sees exhibitors raising their game in response to increasingly design-conscious buyers. As the biggest event of its kind in Singapore, SGS is a trade show for gifts, premiums, lifestyle products, and services, targeting both regional and global markets. Established in 2006, this yearly showcase spans three days and encompasses both an exhibition and industry seminars.
Ooi Peng Ee, General Manager of the organizer, TTG Events, emphasizes that high-quality and inventive designs have enabled clients to set their offerings apart and strengthen their brand identities, ultimately maximizing the effectiveness of marketing merchandise. He states, “Our goal for SGS is to be a source of inspiration for the industry. A well-designed corporate gift strikes a balance between creativity and practicality, going beyond its basic function. It has the power to make a product and organization stand out as unique and memorable.”
The Allure of Design
Since Singapore’s designation as the UNESCO Creative City of Design in 2015, design has taken on a paramount role. This year marks the first SGS for Antalis Singapore, a company specializing in the distribution of paper, packaging solutions, and visual communication materials for professionals. They highlight the multifaceted nature of packaging selection, encompassing factors like shape, functionality, and the materials used.
Antalis has adopted a collaborative approach, working closely with end-users, design agencies, and packaging agencies to be more integrated throughout the entire process. Additionally, the company actively engages with the design community and endeavors to increase the visibility of their customers’ work through self-funded initiatives across Asia. Some examples include the Antalis 10-20-30 project, The Paperweight Awards, and the Conqueror Design Contest.
Source: SGS. The Tredan USB
Traveller Plug.
Chia Eng Kiat, Managing Director of Tredan Connections, has prioritized functionality as a core element of his products. In 2014, he introduced his patented USB Traveller Plug, which was met with an impressive initial order of 20,000 units from corporate clients. Currently, Tredan Connections offers a water bottle featuring a built-in pillbox and a display kit designed to assist doctors in diagnosing erectile dysfunction, both of which were conceived and developed by Chia.
Chia emphasizes the unique identity inherent in self-designed products, stating, “When you design your own product, it carries a distinct DNA that resonates with both the designer and the company. Even when others attempt to copy it, they cannot replicate its inherent meaning or worth. The industry is flooded with similar products that ultimately become commodities – they lose their value, and price becomes the primary differentiating factor.”
Also present at SGS 2016 will be a group of 12 gifted designers from Thailand. Thai exhibitors have been participating for a decade, valuing SGS as a networking hub to connect with clients who recognize and appreciate their creative abilities. Khun Jirabool, President of the Thai Gifts and Premiums Association (TGP), attributes Thailand’s prominence in creative gift design to its capacity to tap into the creative potential across all segments of its society.
Source: SGS. SIP members.
SGS continues to champion Social Innovation Park (SIP) and its Pop and Talent Hub (PaTH), a talent development initiative for social enterprises. This partnership provides a platform for showcasing creative talent. Penny Low, the founder of SIP, highlights the positive impact of this collaboration, stating, “Since our partnership began in 2010, 106 members have reaped the benefits of participating in SGS. We are delighted that our members can meaningfully contribute to the industry’s advancement.”
Intrigued?
SGS will be hosted at Suntec Singapore Halls 401 to 403 from June 29th to July 1st. Admission is complimentary for individuals presenting business cards. This year’s exhibition will feature 112 booths, showcasing exhibitors from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the United States.
For further insights, you can read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about Tredan’s USB Traveller Plug or discover the highlights of SGS 2015.