Magazines Archives - 2010 Sep

SGSS 2010 successfully marries purse strings and heartstringsh
Story 2 - Special Review

THE fifth edition of the Singapore Gifts & Stationery Show (SGSS) 2010 proved to be a marriage of purse strings and heartstrings, with the inaugural participation of entrepreneurs from the PaTH (Pop and Talent Hub) led by local non-profit organisation, the Social Innovation Park (SIP). Fifteen SIP exhibitors showcased handmade gifts and crafts from a variety of associations that supported the socially disadvantaged at this year’s show, held from August 18- 20 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore.

Said to be the largest gift show in Singapore in terms of floor space, Ooi Peng Ee, general manager of exhibitions and events at TTG Asia Media, the organiser of the event, said that it anticipated a “bumper” show this year, with a strong educational and social message to share.

“SGSS 2010 is a holistic event, which integrates all the elements needed for a successful gift show: Buyers, marketers, entrepreneurs and industry gurus … And with the economy picking up, companies are offering more gift ideas to meet the growing demand for corporate gifts,” Ooi stated.

Organised in partnership with the Gifts Association of Singapore and the Singapore Booksellers and Stationers Association, this year’s show had over 8,300 visitors from around the globe, with executives hailing from the US, the UAE, Japan, Australia, Nigeria, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, India, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

Gracing the event was Penny Low, Singapore Member of Parliament (MP) for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC (group representation constituency) and founder of SIP, the organisation behind the PaTH initiative. In her opening speech, Low stated: “This year, SGSS 2010 intends to connect more than purse strings. It intends to connect heartstrings to become a [show] that does good and does well.”

She explained that PaTH was about building “an inclusive and sustainable environment” that “extends the mainstream economy to the marginalised”. “[PaTH is for those] who are not able to latch onto the mainstream but have tremendous talent in arts and craft. Whether they are visually- or hearingimpaired, intellectually disadvantaged, or from low-educated or low-income families, [PaTH] gives them the chance to ‘mainstream’ themselves,” Low continued.

A showcase of innovative products and ideas
Close to 150 exhibiting companies took part this year, showcasing their wares across the 4,300sqm show floor, providing buyers with practical and innovative gift ideas and experiences.

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