CREATIVE EXPO TAIWAN 2025 THROUGH THE EYES OF 3 THAI ENTREPRENEURS AND WHAT THEY EXPECT FROM THE EVENT IN TERMS OF BUSINESS AND INSPIRATIO
PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVE EXPO TAIWAN
(For Thai, press here)
At Creative Expo Taiwan 2025, the annual showcase of Taiwan’s creative industries held under the theme ‘Water Scapes,’ design was only one facet of a broader vision. Beyond its focus on design and the thoughtfully curated main exhibitions, the event also placed a strong emphasis on fostering international business connections. For industry professionals, it served as a dynamic platform to pursue collaborations across diverse sectors. We spoke with three Thai entrepreneurs who participated in this year’s edition to learn what kinds of innovations, products, and services they were seeking, offering insights into how such exchanges can help propel the future growth and evolution of the design industry.
Vilasinee Churat, President of Thai Gifts, Premiums, and Decorative Association
What makes Creative Expo Taiwan a unique or essential platform for your sourcing needs, compared to other expos or channels?
Creative Expo Taiwan stands out for its curated selection of product designs that bring together innovation, sustainability, and the creative vision of Taiwanese designers. What’s particularly appealing is that many of these products come with low minimum production requirements, which aligns well with the needs of today’s market. Personally, this is my first time being invited to participate, so I’m truly delighted. I also look forward to learning more about Taiwanese culture through these products. The fact that the event is organized by Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture makes it even more compelling and gives it a distinct identity compared to other expos.
What kind of innovative products and services are you actively looking to discover?
We’re looking for eco-friendly gift products with strong design values that suit the needs and lifestyles of today’s consumers. On the services side, we’re also interested in contract manufacturing that includes co-design opportunities at reasonable costs.
What kind of partnerships do you hope to forge at Creative Expo Taiwan, and how valuable are these interactions to your business?
As for the private sector, particularly within the Thai Gifts, Premiums, and Decorative Association, we hope to see more collaboration in both trade and product design. Right now, one challenge for Thai businesses wanting to import from Taiwan is the import tax, which affects product costs and purchasing decisions. At this point, we’d like to see greater efforts to connect design innovation and production, paving the way for closer collaboration.
Vip Buraphadeja, Editor-in-Chief, happening
What makes Creative Expo Taiwan a unique or essential platform for your sourcing needs, compared to other expos or channels?
I see Creative Expo Taiwan as a true public–private collaboration that brings Taiwan’s creative economy into full view. Attending the event allowed us to witness every facet of the industry; people showcasing their work, running booths, and connecting with one another. It’s a lively, large-scale event that offers so much to participants: from discovering new opportunities and growing business networks to gaining inspiration and even making new friends in the field. And on a personal note, I think Taiwan is a wonderful destination for Thais. Our currencies are close in value, the atmosphere feels welcoming, and Taiwanese people are as warm and friendly as we are.
What kind of innovative products and services are you actively looking to discover?
As a representative of happening, a media platform focused on art and design, I came looking for many things, from compelling stories and insights to interesting brands, designers, and artists, as well as potential business opportunities. I also attended in my capacity as part of the Bangkok Illustration Fair (BKKIF), so I was particularly on the lookout for illustrators and partners who could help us expand and enrich BKKIF in the future.
What kind of partnerships do you hope to forge at Creative Expo Taiwan, and how valuable are these interactions to your business?
We’re interested in building collaborations in various forms. This includes potential business partners, design brands, and artists who could work with BKKIF or happening, and whose products could also be featured in our happening Shop. Another key goal is to connect with organizations or brands that can offer opportunities to Thai artists, whether through commissions, collaborations, or platforms to showcase their work. At the same time, we hope to invite these organizations and brands to visit BKKIF and discover the talent of Thai illustrators firsthand.
Thosaphol Suppametheekulwat, Founder Blue Pine Ventures Limited
What makes Creative Expo Taiwan a unique or essential platform for your sourcing needs, compared to other expos or channels?
What sets Creative Expo Taiwan apart is its ability to bring together Taiwan’s leading brands in one place, allowing visitors to browse and assess potential purchases efficiently in a single visit.
What kind of innovative products and services are you actively looking to discover?
Our company is particularly interested in semi-IoT items and everyday essentials, which are among the product categories for which Taiwan is well known.
What kind of partnerships do you hope to forge at Creative Expo Taiwan, and how valuable are these interactions to your business?
Our company has the capability to help Taiwanese brands expand into the European market, drawing on over 20 years of experience and expertise in that region. If we can move forward together, it would create a mutually beneficial partnership driving sales for the brands while also supporting our business growth.
Creative Expo Taiwan will run from August 2 to 11, operating from 10:00 to 18:00 daily, with an adjusted closure at 16:00 on the final day. The Cultural Curation pavilion will be held at the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, while the Creative Brands and IP Licensing showcase from various brands will take place at the Nangang Exhibition Center. For schedules and further details, visit creativexpo.tw/en or facebook.com/creativexpo.tw.