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stepped out of our typical environments—offces, factories, and
schools—and showcased the design proposals and wooden
furniture in this versatile space in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
It was also the frst time that the talk show was organised
in conjunction with the fnalist announcement. Speakers at the
talk show provided a comprehensive view of the process of

transforming design ideas into actual products. Young designers
were given the opportunity to propose solutions to challenges
related to aesthetic and practical aspects of design. The four-
day exhibition and talk show attracted over 2,000 guests.
The Hoa Mai Exhibition Week

Celebrates the 20th Iteration The categories
There were 320 entries this year across two categories – the
of the Hoa Mai Design Award open category (for design students and young designers), and

and Finalists Announcement the grand category (for businesses and designers with over

5 years of experience).
The Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of HCMC The theme for the grand category was ‘Saigon Metropolitan’.
(HAWA) along with the American Hardwood Export Council Designers had to demonstrate their professional competence
(AHEC) recently announced the fnalists for the 20th Hoa Mai and depth by developing creative and highly applicable ideas
Design Award 2023 during the Hoa Mai Exhibition Week. to address prominent issues and shape the living space of
John Chan, Regional Director Greater China and Southeast the current urban environment.
Asia of AHEC said, “We are delighted that the Hoa Mai Design

Award has reached the 20th iteration – a signifcant milestone! The judging process
Through our more rigorous judging process this year, we The judging process took place during the exhibition. It started
have been able to identify promising young designers who with the Specialised Judging Round where the judges evaluated all
have unleashed their creative design talent using American the designs independently. This was followed by the Presentation
hardwood.” and Defence Round where young designers were given the
opportunity to present their ideas and respond to questions from
The Hoa Mai Exhibition Week the judges. Judges were impressed by the sharp arguments and
The panel of judges chose 111 entries to be displayed at the strong display of creativity from the participants.
the Hoa Mai Exhibition Week. The event commenced at the

unique and multifaceted Sun Life Flagship - De La Sól, from The winners
25 to 28 November 2023, in Ho Chi Minh City. From the open category, the judges selected Top 25 outstanding
This year's competition took a different approach compared ideas.
to previous years, aiming to retell the Hoa Mai Design Award From the grand category, the judges narrowed the entries down
narrative by advocating sustainable design using wood—a to the Top 11. Designers of these 11 ideas will see their designs
sustainable material, and with a focus on making furniture and being produced and displayed at the White Palace Convention
design more accessible to the consumer community. The exhibition Center during the HAWA Expo from 6 to 9 March 2024.