The Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF), Southeast Asia’s largest export-oriented furniture trade show, has announced a new integrated design ecosystem aimed at shaping the future of Malaysia’s furniture industry. Anchored by the MIFF Furniture Design Competition (MIFF FDC) 2026, the MIFF FDC CLUB, and the xOrdinary Design Exhibition, the initiative connects creativity, collaboration, and commerce across all stages of design development.
Now in its 16th edition, the MIFF FDC 2026 carries the theme “Playful. Practical. Purposeful: Furniture for Generation Alpha,” inviting designers under 40 to reimagine children’s bedroom furniture that blends imagination with functionality. The competition offers RM12,000 in prizes and closes on 1 December 2025.
“Over the past three decades, MIFF has been demonstrating its commitment towards the sustainable growth of the Malaysia furniture industry,” said Ms Kelie Lim, General Manager of MIFF. “While MIFF FDC discovers emerging talent, the MIFF FDC CLUB ensures that talent thrives beyond the competition. Together, they form a complete pipeline from creativity to commerce. Through nurturing design talent and fostering industry partnerships, MIFF provides the platform for Malaysia’s furniture sector to continue evolving and thriving for generations to come.”
Ms Kelie Lim, General Manager of MIFF
Expanding its reach beyond competition, MIFF has introduced the MIFF FDC CLUB – a year-round platform fostering designer-manufacturer collaboration through its CONNECT, SELECT, and EDIT programmes. Recent collaborations between five young designers and local manufacturers will debut as new product designs at MIFF 2026, following an MOU signing at MITEC witnessed by MIFF’s key leaders and partners.
Dr Eric Leong, Chief Judge of MIFF FDC says, “This is about designing for the future consumer. The competition encourages fresh ideas that not only respond to how children live and learn today but also enhance Malaysia’s design reputation globally.”
Dr Eric Leong, Chief Judge of MIFF FDC
xOrdinary Launching by Bo Qiang
Complementing these initiatives, the xOrdinary Design Exhibition returns for its fifth edition under the theme “Happiness”, showcasing experimental design and lifestyle concepts.
Together, these programmes form MIFF’s comprehensive ecosystem supporting Malaysia’s progression from OEM to ODM and OBM manufacturing, aligning with the nation’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030. MIFF 2026 will be held from 4–7 March 2026 at MITEC and WTCKL. Visit www.mifffdc.com or www.xordinary.com.my for details.
