Tan (centre, blue) together with his team and winners at the Malaysian International Furniture Fair’s awards ceremony.
MIFF Awards, which recognise creative excellence among exhibitors and emerging talents taking part in South-East Asia’s foremost furniture trade show, have announced their winners.
The presentation took place at the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) in Kuala Lumpur.
The awards included the MIFF Furniture Design Competition (FDC) award and two exhibitor prizes: Best Presentation Award for best booth and Furniture Excellence Award for outstanding product.
The prizes were presented by Informa Markets Asia vice-president Ian Roberts.
Also present was MIFF founder and chairman Datuk Dr Tan Chin Huat.
This year’s MIFF FDC challenge was to reimagine the most essential piece of furniture of all time under the theme “ChairVolution”, marking MIFF’s 30th anniversary.
Freelancer Toh Wei Hang scooped the RM5,000 top prize for his Mushi (wood-stone in Chinese) creation. His Flintstones vibe statement piece fitted together four slabs of smooth solid wood to resemble a natural boulder seat.
His concept celebrating the idea of relaxation and luxury of leisure time won over the panel of international judges.
The second prize of RM3,000 went to Siti Mehran Yasmine of Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) for Kumbu Lounge Chair.
Grabbing the third prize of RM2,000 was Muhammad Shafitri Aiman of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Melaka Campus in Alor Gajah for UraChair – a lounge piece with storage space.
For the first time, a special mention prize was awarded.
It went to Ong Chia Yong from Southern University College for designing a whimsical upholstered sofa, Mifor, inspired by the MIFF logo.
Siti Nurul Diana Sukri of UMK was named Best Mentor, winning RM2,000, while UiTM Melaka Campus in Alor Gajah was recognised as Best Institution.
MIFF FDC received 203 entries from over 30 design institutions and firms.
The judges chose 20 for the final round, and their works were exhibited at MIFF.
Chief judge Dr Eric Leong, who headed the seven-member jury, said, “The judges were pleasantly surprised by the designs which were very contemporary and a true celebration of creativity.
“I must thank the mentors for guiding their charges well. I could see the participants were confident in making their presentations before the judges.”
On the trade floor, Johann & Joann Concept picked up the Best Presentation Award for their creative and eye-catching booth and display.
In second place was Florence Bed, while Luxury Sleep Products came third.
For the Furniture Excellence Award for household furniture, the platinum award went to Infab Classics Industries and the gold award recipient was Sinhuiwan.
The silver award went to TMH Furniture Industries Sdn Bhd.
In the office furniture category, Oasis Furniture Industries was winner of the platinum award, while the gold was given to Zenith Projects Technology and the silver handed to Foshan Yizhong Furniture.
The Judges’ Commendation Award was presented to Yun Ming Wood Industries.
MIFF general manager Kelie Lim said, “We have always been devoted to supporting creative excellence and inspiring exhibitors to stay fresh in their design and innovation.
“The awards will also raise the visibility of winning companies to generate good business prospects.
“MIFF is investing in the designers of tomorrow for the furniture industry.”
