MANILA, Philippines - Philippine design icon Kenneth Cobonpue is the first winner of the Asian Designer of the Year Award given by the Maison et Objet Paris organizers.
Maison et Objet is the premier international lifestyle exhibition held twice a year in Paris, France and attended annually by more than 15,000 visitors.
Selected by a distinguished panel of judges and besting competitors from Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia, the Cebu-based Cobonpue was chosen for his body of work which not only showcased furniture but also lighting, transportation, interiors and consumer products.
The jury cited him for being a recognized symbol of not only Filipino but Southeast Asian design to the world.
Cobonpue will be awarded in March 2014 at the first Maison et Objet Asia exhibition in Singapore where he will also give the keynote speech.