Uratex exec named new head of furniture industry group
Newly elected Philippine Furniture Manufacturers and Dealers Association (PFMDA) president Stephen Cheng-Lee, Uratex Philippines’ sales director, has called on his peers and their organization to focus their efforts on adapting to catch up with the rapidly changing needs of the local market.
In his inaugural address, Cheng-Lee said “social media and online sales platforms are becoming the preferred medium for sourcing and purchasing products, and this digitization compels us to innovate our display and selling methods, to successfully cater to the evolving Filipino customers.”
He also focused on the Japanese concept of “Kaizen” or continuous improvement, something he proudly says that Uratex applies in its work culture relative to their manufacturing methods and marketing efforts not only locally but also globally.
“New technology is important to provide us advanced and cost effective production processes and creative design capabilities. This will give us the opportunity to export and compete in the global markets,” he stressed, adding that taking care of the environment by using sustainable and eco-friendly raw materials in their production, is equally important.
Cheng-Lee’s induction as PFMDA president is also timely as it coincides with Uratex’s 50th anniversary. Being the company’s sales director, he finds his position in PFMDA not just as another responsibility but rather a blessing for his company and himself.
“We have been supporting this organization from way back, in fact, most of the members are also Uratex customers. My term as president just coincided with Uratex’s anniversary, and I have already served in the association before. This time, it was just my turn to serve as president and I think, being younger than most of its members, the organization would benefit with the ‘young blood’ coming in,” he said.
With catching up with the times as one of his main goals, Cheng-Lee also noted that it is a high time for the Philippine furniture industry to bloom as tremendous growth is anticipated. “Major infrastructures are being built across the country. We are seeing more condominiums, offices, houses, and resorts being constructed – all of which will require furniture,” he said.
He also noted that collaborations between the government and the business sector need some boost to promote growth in the industry. “We can have trade missions and exhibits promoting what the Philippine furniture industry can offer and eventually make the Philippines the top destination for furniture in Asia,” he said.
Cheng-Lee said that partnerships with both government and other sectors around the country is what he believes will promote growth in their furniture industry.
“Let us all face these challenges together. Let us enhance the level of cooperation within the furniture industry and with other industry associations as well. By promoting business exchanges and information sharing, we will definitely improve and flourish, both in domestic and international markets,” he urged his colleagues.
He pointed out that “if everyone works together, challenges can be overcome and nothing would be impossible.”