KICK-OFF VMARK 2026 & DESIGNITY: ESTABLISHING A STRATEGIC ECOSYSTEM – POSITIONING VIETNAM AS ASIA’S NEW CREATIVE HUB

tran vy
22 hours ago
4 min read

On March 20, 2026, in Ho Chi Minh City, the kick-off ceremony for the Vietnam Design Industry Strategy 2026 was held successfully at the Metropole Convention Center. The event marked two significant parallel milestones: the launch of the 7th-year journey of the VMARK Vietnam Design Award and the announcement of the strategic project DESIGNITY – a breakthrough step resulting from the alliance between VMARK and VIFA EXPO. This was not merely an opening ceremony but a powerful affirmation of the mission to elevate creative identity and realize the long-held ambition of "Connecting Design with Manufacturing."

Launching the 7th-Year Journey of the VMARK Vietnam Design Award

Entering its 7th year, VMARK continues its mission with the inspiring theme: "Design | Recreating the World." In this 7th season, VMARK goes beyond honoring excellent talents to set a mission of guiding the creative community toward sustainable values and reviving the Vietnamese design ecosystem in a new global context.

Sharing their visions for this promising start, the leaders delivered inspiring messages:

Mr. Ho Tan Duong – President of VDAS Design Association HCMC: “VDAS believes that the future of the design industry lies in regional and global collaboration. Through the DESIGNITY project, we aim to build a powerful network connecting associations, businesses, and creative communities across Asia-Pacific, making design a key driver for innovation and elevating Vietnam’s value.”
Ms. Tran Ngoc Danh – Founder & CEO of VMARK Vietnam Design Week & Award: “The 7th year is a special milestone where VMARK does not only seek beauty but also strives to build a responsible design community with a long-term vision for the future. With the spirit of 'Design + Unity,' we focus on building a closed ecosystem where Designers can connect directly with Manufacturers and Investors, thereby transforming creative ideas into practical commercial values.”

Announcement of the Strategic Project DESIGNITY 2026: The Strategic Alliance between VMARK and VIFA EXPO

Alongside the launch of the new award season, the event officially introduced DESIGNITY 2026 – Vietnam Premier International Design Innovation Fair. This project serves as a two-way bridge: bringing Vietnamese design to the world and welcoming international excellence to Vietnam.

Representing VIFA EXPO, Mr. Dang Quoc Hung – General Director of Lien Minh Company shared his vision for this new-generation exhibition model: “Designity is the answer to connecting design thinking with the manufacturing flow, opening a new chapter for the development of the Vietnamese furniture industry. Through the journey of 17 VIFA EXPO editions, we have realized that if manufacturing is the foundation, then design is the key factor that creates differentiation and sustainable growth. To reach global heights, we need an ecosystem where industrial capacity and the creative community are harmoniously blended as one.”

Strategic Partnership Signing Ceremony: Establishing a World-Class Design Ecosystem

The highlight of the event was the signing ceremony of strategic cooperation agreements, marking the formation of a tight international trade network and turning DESIGNITY 2026 into a comprehensive ecosystem with breakthrough milestones:

VMARK x VIFA Partnership: The synergy between VIFA EXPO’s manufacturing and export strengths and VMARK’s creative mindset aims to realize the goal of "Design Meets Industry." This is the platform that helps breakthrough ideas be transformed into high-end commercial products ready for the international market.
Expanding to the US Market (VMARK x Culture-United): Officially launching the VMARK office in the United States, opening a strategic door for Vietnamese Designers, Architects, and businesses to directly access the vast network of partners and potential in the US market.
Strengthening Vietnam – Korea Connections (VMARK x VIFA x KOCHAM): A cooperation agreement signed with the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam (KOCHAM) to tighten trade relations and promote creative and business exchanges between the two countries.
Elevating to Italian Exhibition Standards (VMARK x VIFA x HENOTO): Partnering with Henoto (Italy) to apply world-leading display technologies and standards, committing to bringing a world-class exhibition experience to Vietnam in June 2026.

Distinguished Guests and Industry Leaders in Attendance

The event was honored to welcome and receive professional insights from distinguished guests:

Mr. Ho Tan Duong – President of VDAS Design Association HCMC.
Ms. Tran Ngoc Danh – Founder & CEO of VMARK Vietnam Design Week & Award.
Mr. Dang Quoc Hung – General Director of Lien Minh Company, owner of the VIFA EXPO brand.
Mr. Tran Ngoc Liem – General Director of VCCI Ho Chi Minh City Region Branch
Mr. Le Minh Trung – Center for Supporting Industry and Enterprise Development (CSED)
Mr. Pham Ngoc Cuong – Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Advertising Association.
Mr. Tran Duc Dung – Chairman of the SIYB Business Club HCMC.
Mr. Kim Nyoun Ho – Chairman of the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Central and Southern Vietnam (KOCHAM).
Mr. Jeong Ji Hoon – Vice Chairman of KOCHAM.
Mr. Michele D'Ercole – Managing Director of HENOTO.
Mr. Chris Tran – Founder of Culture-United (USA).
Mr. Steve Van Aelst – Director of Architecture at Van Aelst | Nguyen & Partners.
Ms. Naomi Thuy Nguyen – Arch Founder of YC Interior Design.
Ms. Phan Hoang Anh – Representative of the Communications Department of An Cuong Wood Working JSC.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Huyen – Dealer Manager of Phuc My Gia Company.

Gratitude to the Creative Community

VMARK 2026 & DESIGNITY would like to express our sincere thanks for the support from government agencies, international associations, and all distinguished guests—architects, designers, creative experts, business partners, and media agencies—who joined us in laying the first bricks for the brilliant journey of 2026.

The Organizing Committee also extends deep gratitude for the strategic partnership of An Cuong Wood Working JSC – Strategic Partner of the VMARK Design Award 2026, and Phuc My Gia Company – Accompanying Partner, for their significant contributions to the success of this kick-off ceremony.

The journey of VMARK 2026 and DESIGNITY is more than just a starting event; it is a powerful affirmation of the status and ambition of Vietnamese creative intelligence. We are not just envisioning the future—we are together creating and recreating the world through the power of Design and the unity of an unlimited community.

🚀 STAY TUNED FOR VIETNAM’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS AND LARGE-SCALE DESIGN EVENT IN JUNE 2026 – WHERE BREAKTHROUGH IDEAS WILL OFFICIALLY SHINE AND POSITION VIETNAM AS A RADIANT CREATIVE HUB ON THE GLOBAL MAP!