MillerKnoll’s A Better World private dining series unites Asia’s leading designers and innovators for candid conversations on sustainability, material ethics, and design innovation.
The recent A Better World private dining series by MillerKnoll brought together some of Asia’s most influential design leaders for evenings of meaningful dialogue on the future of sustainable innovation. Held across Singapore, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Pune, the initiative created intimate settings where candid exchanges could flourish. Designers, clients, and innovators engaged directly on pressing issues — from carbon reduction and material ethics to the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in shaping a more sustainable design future.
A different kind of gathering
No slides. No stages. No awkward networking. Instead, guests found themselves seated at intimate tables where authentic conversations could unfold. To spark debate, the evenings opened with thought-provoking questions: How can organisations influence suppliers to accelerate emissions reductions? How can businesses embody authentic environmental stewardship? In what areas can AI-driven innovation transform sustainability across industries?
Sean McDowell, Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Innovation at MillerKnoll, created just the right atmosphere for these conversations to happen. He drew on his experience leading the collective’s sustainability transformation to encourage participants to think creatively and propose innovative yet practical ideas that could work in the region.
Alongside him, Praveen Muppidi, Regional Sales Director for South Asia and Southeast Asia, and his team contributed insights and findings from their local markets, enriching the discussions with diverse perspectives shaped by cultural and economic contexts.
Anchored by core themes
Each dinner gravitated toward MillerKnoll’s three core sustainability pillars — net-zero carbon, sustainable materials, and circularity. These came to life through three themes that structured the conversations:
- Carbon Diet – challenging participants to identify immediate, practical steps to reduce impact.
- AI & Sustainability – exploring how artificial intelligence could spark the next material revolution in design.
- Materiality & Meaning – re-examining the ethics of material choices for a more responsible future.
More than networking
What emerged was far more valuable than a typical industry meet-up. The small groups and thoughtfully framed questions created space for meaningful, solution-driven exchanges. The discussions made clear that sustainability is not only about environmental impact — it is increasingly driving business decisions by addressing real challenges for clients and companies alike.
“These exchanges represent more than networking. They’re about building the relationships and shared understanding necessary to address our industry’s most pressing challenges,” said McDowell at the Singapore event. “MillerKnoll is proud to provide a platform for these critical conversations.”
Regional perspectives
By adopting a multi-city approach, MillerKnoll underlined its long-term commitment to Asia’s dynamic markets. Each location contributed its own insights shaped by cultural and economic context, enriching the collective dialogue around sustainable practices and their implementation.
“We’re really excited about the diverse perspectives and developments that are emerging from these dynamic markets,” said Muppidi. “Each location brought unique insights to the conversations, enriching the overall dialogue about sustainable design practices and their implementation across different cultural and economic contexts.”
Better together
The success of the A Better World series reaffirmed MillerKnoll’s conviction that sustainable design works best through collaboration. Attendees left not only inspired but also equipped with fresh, actionable ideas — from carbon-reduction strategies to innovative material sourcing and circular design methods — many of which are now being actively explored within their organisations.
About MillerKnoll
MillerKnoll is a collective of dynamic brands that comes together to design the world we live in. MillerKnoll brand portfolio includes Herman Miller, Knoll, Colebrook Bosson Saunders, DatesWeiser, Design Within Reach, Edelman, Geiger, HAY, Holly Hunt, Knoll Textiles, Maharam, Muuto, NaughtOne, and Spinneybeck|FilzFelt. MillerKnoll is an unparalleled platform that redefines modern for the 21st century by building a more sustainable, equitable and beautiful future for all.
Visit: millerknoll.com
