The Malaysian International Furniture Fair organisers anticipate further growth with the 2026 show after this year’s event attracted over 19,000 visitors. — Filepic
OVER 700 furniture manufacturers and exporters will participate in next year’s Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF 2026).
Organised by Informa Markets, the South-East Asia’s largest export-oriented furniture trade show will be held across two venues, the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) and World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) from March 4 to 7, 2026.
The fair will be anchored by three flagship initiatives – the MIFF Furniture Design Competition (MIFF FDC 2026), MIFF FDC Club and xOrdinary Design Exhibition 2026.
It will highlight Malaysia’s ambition to nurture young design talent and strengthen its reputation in global furniture innovation.
MIFF general manager Kelie Lim said the latest theme of “Playful. Practical. Purposeful: Furniture for Generation Alpha” theme reflected how the event continued to evolve beyond trade into a complete design ecosystem.
“This theme focuses on furniture for children aged three to 15, designed to suit the lifestyles of Generation Alpha and their Millennial parents.”
Starting as a trade show, Lim said MIFF had grown in the last three decades.
“We bring people together, help young designers grow and build a better future for the furniture business,” said Lim at the press conference at Mitec to announce the event.
Also present were MIFF founder Datuk Dr Tan Chin Huat and Muar Furniture Association president Steve Ong.
Since its inception in 2010, the MIFF FDC has served as a flagship platform for discovering and nurturing Malaysian design talent under 40.
Standing from left: Lim, Tan, Ong and Leong at the launch of MIFF FDC 2026, MIFF FDC Club and xOrdinary showcase. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
Winners of the 2026 competition will receive RM12,000 in cash prizes, trophies and recognition, including awards for Best Mentor and Best Institution.
The 2025 edition attracted 335 entries from 30 institutions and private firms, underscoring the competition’s growing influence in the industry.
MIFF FDC 2026 submissions close Dec 1.
Chief judge Dr Eric Leong said the competition encourages designers to think about the future consumer.
“This is about designing for children who will shape tomorrow’s lifestyles.
“MIFF FDC encourages ideas that not only respond to how children live and learn today, but also enhance Malaysia’s design reputation globally,” he said.
As part of its new initiatives, MIFF launched the MIFF FDC Club – a year-round platform connecting designers with manufacturers through three strategic pillars: Connect (networking), Select (curated collaborations) and Edit (content development).
Through this network, MIFF had facilitated partnerships between five young designers and local manufacturers whose new products will debut at MIFF 2026.
MIFF 2026 will also feature the fifth edition of the xOrdinary Design Exhibition, themed “Happiness”.
The showcase celebrates independent creativity, empowering designers to present unconventional ideas and joyful everyday living lifestyle concepts.
MIFF 2026 aligns with the National Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, supporting Malaysia’s shift from original equipment manufacturer to original design manufacturer and original brand manufacturer while driving innovation in the export furniture sector.
