Bangkok--Aug 29--Industrial Design Network
Design is a powerful tool that drives product sales as well as the nation’s economy, according to product design specialist “Supatra Srisook.” Blessed with a number of advantages over other countries, Thailand should place more emphasis on design and capitalize on this opportunity to position Thailand as design hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
Ms. Supatra Srisook, Assistant Director-General Department of Export Promotion, Ministry of Commerce said that design has become an indispensable element of product development. It adds extra values to products and brands, which in turn generate higher sales volume and more revenue for the country. However, it is unfortunate that design was mostly left out from agenda of the public and private sectors.
“ In my opinion, the government and the private sectors should place greater emphasis on design because it plays a crucial part in marketing and sales. The key point is that Thailand now enjoys a number of advantages over other countries when it comes to designs. So, I think it is time that we take serious actions to capitalize on this opportunity, as now market demand for design is still high in the Asia-Pacific region. I am more than confident that Thailand has all it takes to be hub of design in the region,” said Ms. Supatra.
Commenting on an initiative made by Industrial Design Network Co., Ltd., to organize DESIGNEX’05 international trade exhibition and conference on September 1-4, 2005, Ms. Supatra said,
“ This is a good start that the private sector recognizes the importance of design and brings everyone in the industry together. DESIGNEX’05 is truly a manifestation of Thailand’s strong commitment to elevate our design industry to world-class standard. The Show will give Thai designers and exporters a better understanding of how design can contribute to their success in the markets, and offer a much-needed opportunity for designers and businesses to come together and turn ideas into products.”
Ms. Supatra further stated, “ Design has come a long way in Thailand. It is now recognized as a crucial part of product development that helps you win over your competitors. It is good news that other countries recognized our potential. Among them is Italy, which lent great support in DESIGNEX’05 by bringing in a collection of Italian —design furniture worth over 20 million baht for show at the event. Obviously, it is high time that we put design on top of our agenda. ”
However, over the past years, this issue of design did not get much attention and interest from designers and educational institutions. Similarly, private companies seemed uninterested. Design schools do play a very important role in developing new designers with real skills and talents. To make good designers, students should access to hands-on learning, particularly in production, marketing, and international trend. Trainers and the educational institutions are urged to help their students integrate creativity with a diverse base of knowledge about designs, marketing and international trends.
As one of the major supporters of DESIGNEX’05 THAILAND, the Department of Export Promotion is actively involved in the development programs of Thai designers and design-related industry, as inspired by their vision that design is a vital driving force behind a sustainable growth of Thai industries as well as the national economy at large.
The Department of Export Promotion’s involvement in the DESIGNEX’05 THAILAND is in the set up of “Ideas 4 Sales” zone. The Department took part in selecting 20 leading Thai designers who will be presenting their portfolios to businesses and discuss opportunities to develop these new designs into commercial products.
Ms. Supatra finally added that DESIGNEX’05 THAILAND will facilitate exchanges of information, knowledge and expertise in design, while leveraging potentials of Thai design industry. “The Show is a manifestation of the power of design and represents a good start for our design industry to become a prime center of design in this region.”
The 3rd DESIGNEX’ 05 THAILAND is supported by the Department of Export Promotion of the Ministry of Commerce and the Department of Industrial Promotion of the Ministry of Industry. The Show, which is themed “Power of Design,” will be held during September 1-4, 2005 at Hall 6 of IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, with the first three days open for trade visitors, and the last day for general public.
For more information, please contact;
Industrial Design Network Co., Ltd
Phone: 02-203-0522 End.