BUNK beds are typically built in a rectangular frame, with one bed stacked above another.
That concept has been reimagined through Jessica Antonius’s vision for children’s furniture.
The 20-year-old industrial design student at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) envisioned the design not merely as a bunk bed, but as a holistic living environment that adapts to a child’s evolving needs.
Her design concept, titled ROEL, recently won her first prize at the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) Furniture Design Competition (FDC) 2026.
“Winning MIFF means a lot to me because it represents growth and pushing beyond what I once thought was impossible.
“The journey wasn’t smooth, but through hard work, constant iteration and the support of many people - especially my mentor at APU’s School of Media, Arts and Design (SoMAD) - I was able to reach this milestone. I see this win as a starting point for even bigger opportunities ahead,” she said in an April 6 press release.
Designed for the emerging Gen Alpha, the concept integrates functionality, flexibility and spatial design, allowing the furniture to transform alongside the developmental journey of its young user.
With its modular configuration, ROEL can be reconfigured to suit a child’s rapid physical growth, changing lifestyle needs, as well as different spatial arrangements and household settings.
This adaptability allows the furniture to evolve over time, transforming from a simple sleeping structure into a multifunctional living space that supports play, study and rest, the press release read.
Jessica’s first prize, along with a cash award of RM5,000, was one of APU’s highlights at the MIFF FDC Awards 2026, where the varsity secured a triple win, also clinching the Best Institution Award - for the second consecutive year - and the Best Mentor Award. The achievement builds on last year’s showing, when the varsity secured Second Prize alongside the Best Institution Award.
SoMAD lecturer Eekang Ooi, a Certified Industrial Designer and past winner of the MIFF FDC award, received the Best Mentor Award of RM2,000 in recognition of his guidance in shaping the next generation of design innovators.
“I am proud of Jessica and her design, especially given the judges’ comment that ROEL embarks on a bold architectural adventure, moving away from the traditional rectangular silhouette of conventional bunk beds,” he said.
SoMAD head Debbie Liew Pooi Kuan expressed pride in the accomplishments of her students and faculty.
“This triple win is a proud moment for SoMAD and for APU as a whole. Seeing our students’ ideas recognised on a national stage is incredibly rewarding. It reflects the passion, resilience and creativity that our students bring to their work, as well as the dedication of our lecturers who guide them throughout their design journey.
“We are excited to see our industrial design students continue shaping the future of furniture and product design, both in Malaysia and beyond,” she said.
Beyond the triple victory, APU also gained recognition with two additional projects from SoMAD — “Loom & Nook” by Tuleushova Anel and “Lio” by Ang Qiao Ning — which were named among the Top 10 finalists.
The varsity’s creative presence also extended to the exhibition floor, with Liew Yong Kian, a practitioner artist and academic at SoMAD, showcasing his artwork under xOrdinary, a collective of emerging designers.
Held as part of the 32nd MIFF - South-East Asia’s largest furniture exhibition - the MIFF FDC 2026 took place from March 4 to 7 in Kuala Lumpur, and garnered 138 entries from 37 design institutions and private firms.
