Nguyen Chanh Phuong, Hawa general secretary, said, the contest sees to discover young design talents and also connect them with wood furniture enterprises and international designers. — VNS Photo Xuan Huong.

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — The Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of HCM City (Hawa) has called for entries to its annual Hoa Mai (Apricot Blossom) furniture design competition.

The contest sees to discover young design talents and also connect them with wood furniture enterprises and international designers, Nguyen Chanh Phuong, Hawa general secretary, said.

Sponsored by the American Hardwood Export Council, the competition, from October 16 to March 8, is open to everyone but especially targets university students and designers working for woodworking companies, he said.

Contestants will have a chance to meet famous British designer David Trubridge and visit factories and showrooms belonging to Hawa members.

Those passing the first round will be offered professional training in design and production of wooden interior and exterior furniture.

Winning entries would be displayed at local and international furniture fairs, he said, adding they would also be manufactured and sold.

Last year the competition attracted 288 entries from 244 contestants. — VNS