14 April 2014,
Two decades on and stronger than ever, the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) continues to nurture invaluable partnerships between thousands of buyers and furniture makers across the globe.
Thousands of buyers streamed into Southeast Asia’s leading furniture show for a rousing start to the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) 20th anniversary edition. Officially opened by International Trade and Industry deputy secretary-general, Mohd Ridzal Sheriff, the fair ran from 4-8 March at two venues; the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) and nearby Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre (MECC).
The trade show has grown from 152 Malaysian exhibitors and 2,500 overseas buyers in 1995 to 500 local and international exhibitors and over 6,000 overseas buyers from around the world. Exhibitors from 13 countries and regions showcased their latest collection and products at this year’s show which occupied 80,000 gross square metres.
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
According to Datuk Dr Tan Chin Huat, Chairman of MIFF, “MIFF’s focus has always been to meet and exceed the expectations of our exhibitors and buyers and deliver the best organized show possible. We are very proud to be serving the Malaysian and global furniture industry for 20 years and will continue to do so, and provide even more future business opportunities.
The global appeal of MIFF is reflected in its impressive turnout of buyers from over 140 countries and the year-after-year record sales that reached an estimated US$854 million in business deals last year.
Exhibitors are also capitalizing on MIFF’s global reach as a gateway into Southeast Asia and the swelling buyer traffic from the emerging markets of Africa, Middle East, South America, East Europe and South Asia.
Mr Jime Essink, President and CEO of UBM Asia said, “MIFF is one of the seven world-wide furniture events dedicated to the furniture industry by UIBM. This gives our customers the added advantage to benefit from the synergy of these exhibitions such as Furniture China, Index fairs in India, FIDexpo in Russia, Indonesia International Furniture Expo, Interiors UK and May Design Series in UK, to explore new business opportunities and maximize best sourcing channels.
Another major draw for visitors is the topical industry seminars that include this time the shaping of Malaysian design for the global market, the latest on intellectual property for the furniture industry in Malaysia, the award-winning U.S.-patented high temperature drying technology for rubber wood by the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia and green technology products.
REWARDING CREATIVITY
A signature event held alongside the trade show is the annual MIFF Furniture Design Competition (MIFF FDC) featuring 10 talented designers with 11 entries rising above 244 total entries selected by an international jury. The prototypes of the finalists designing for the theme “Living Furniture, Leading Design” were showcased at MECC during MIFF.
The competition is an initiative launched five years ago by the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF), to uncover and encourage young talent to build a future in the furniture industry.
Young designer Francis Lye Aik Theng was announced winner of the MIFF FDC 2014 with XSR, a stylish airy-looking light bar stool inspired by the Chinese lucky bamboo plant. The 26 year old impressed the international jury with a clever play of metal legs, leaf-shaped thermoplastic seat and a used mountain bike spring absorber in the stainless steel frame in the construction of XSR.
“It was a good crossover; he used materials widely and wisely. The multiple materials provide a fresh approach to the furniture,” said Chief Judge Mr Philip Yap.
Exhibitors were also honoured for displaying the most creative looking booth as well as most creative product:
Best Presentation Award –
SIJ Furniture (M) Sdn Bhd
Furniture Excellence Award – Household Furniture – Resol Group
Furniture Excellence Award – Office Furniture – TAZ Corporation Sdn Bhd
Lye took home the RM10, 000 cash first prize while Lee Hui Ying and Tengku Ahmad Danial Tengku Mustaffar won the second and third prizes respectively.
www.miff.com.my / www.ubmasia.com
