Wong with her MIFF 2025 award recognising the Leviosa Chair seen in the background. — ART CHEN/The Star
IN an industry where young designers often struggle to find their footing, Wong LiLie, 24, from Ipoh in Perak, has demonstrated that it pays to persevere.
A finalist at Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) Furniture Design Competition (FDC) last year, she emerged top of the pack for the 2025 edition.
“Some of my seniors moved away from furniture design because they felt it was hard to survive in Malaysia’s market.
“But I still believe there’s a future in it.
“I tried finding a furniture-focused internship but it was difficult and the allowance was often very low.
“So I ended up doing product and packaging design,” said the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) final-year student.
Wong placed first in fashion-inspired furniture design with the Leviosa Chair, a fusion of Malaysian heritage and luxury fashion.
“My inspiration came from Bottega Veneta, which is famous for weaving leather, so I thought about weaving with Malaysian materials,” she said.
To ground her design in local identity, she turned to the kelarai weave from Kedah – a traditional craft she learned directly from a local artisan as part of her final-year project.
The result was a visually striking and lightweight chair.
“I named my design ‘Leviosa’ after the Harry Potter spell that makes objects float, because I’m using lightweight materials like bamboo, rattan and plywood.”
Winning first prize and RM5,000 at MIFF was a validation of Wong’s belief in the future of Malaysian furniture design.
She is also open to collaborations with manufacturers.
“I own the rights to this design and I would love to produce a full-scale version.
“Leviosa represents more than just a chair – it’s a statement that local crafts like kelarai can blend beautifully with contemporary design,” she added.
Other young designers also impressed judges.
Ong Jing Rou from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) secured second place with Loome, a cabinet designed for adaptability and transformation.
In third place, Putera Muhammad Afiq Maizurin from Universiti Teknologi Mara captivated judges with the Monroe Breeze Chair, inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s iconic flowing dress.
In other categories, Dr Siti Suhaily Surip from USM received the Best Mentor Award, while APU was named Best Institution for its efforts in developing young design talents.
MIFF also celebrated excellence in booth presentation and furniture craftsmanship.
Among the Best Presentation Award winners was first-placed Chuanheng Furniture Products, recognised for its well-structured stand with clear traffic flow and inviting lighting.
Zhejiang Runda Kehong Furniture took second place for maximising its small booth space, while Taizhou Framer Office Furniture took third for creating an engaging setup.
Platinum, Gold and Silver Furniture Excellence Awards recognising outstanding craftsmanship went to Inspiwood Furniture, Yun Ming Wood Industries and Sundesk Venture respectively.
Despite growing recognition of young talents, industry leaders like MIFF chairman Datuk Dr Tan Chin Huat said, “Many manufacturers still do not hire dedicated furniture or industrial designers.
“Often, owners or managers themselves handle design decisions.”
With over 355 entries – the highest in 15 years – this year’s fashion-inspired theme saw many young designers blending traditional craftsmanship with modern concepts.
“We’re trying to connect young designers with the industry, so they can work here after graduation instead of moving to another field,” said Tan.
MIFF FDC chief judge Prof Dr Eric Leong, who is a design veteran, said good design could save costs in the long run.
He also highlighted the need for Malaysia’s furniture industry to evolve beyond competing on price alone.
“When a buyer comes to Malaysia, it’s often because our prices are competitive.
“But if another country goes cheaper, we lose our edge, unless we distinguish ourselves with design.
“That’s where these new, young designers come in.”
