KUALA LUMPUR: The highly anticipated Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) has returned, featuring a line up of more than 740 exhibitors from around the globe.
Spanning across the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre and World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, the 31st edition of the fair began yesterday and will last until Tuesday.
It offers a variety of furniture products from key players across Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, India, United Arab Emirates and the United States.
Visitors also stand to gain valuable networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities via seminars led by industry experts.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said MIFF played a pivotal role in shaping and elevating Malaysia’s furniture industry.
“MIFF has rightfully earned its place among the world’s top ten furniture trade shows, and proudly stands as South-East Asia’s largest and longest-running furniture fair,” Johari said in his speech at the opening ceremony yesterday.
He said Malaysia’s wooden furniture exports recorded a total of RM9.9bil last year, an 8.4% increase from the previous year.
Having a look: Chan Foong Hin (fourth from left) during a walkabout at the MIFF. With him are (from left) Malaysian Timber Industry Board chairman Datuk Larry Sng, Informa Markets Malaysia country general manager Gerard Leeuwenburgh and Tan. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
“This is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our local manufacturers who have consistently upheld high-quality standards to meet international market demands,” he said in his speech that was read out by his deputy, Datuk Chan Foong Hin.
Speaking to reporters, Chan said wooden furniture made up almost half of Malaysia’s timber-related product exports last year, which came in at RM22.9bil.
He was hopeful for wooden furniture exports to exceed RM10bil this year.
“This industry always has the potential to grow. The public and private partnership is very important to bring the timber and furniture industry to the next phase,” said Chan.
MIFF founder and chairman Datuk Tan Chin Huat said they are targeting a 5% increase in sales compared to last year’s edition, which reached US$1.28bil in on-site sales with participation from 714 exhibitors.
“It’s a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures creativity and innovation in the industry,” he said.
Among the highlights this year, Tan said, is the Panasonic Housing Solutions showcase.
Here, leading Malaysian manufacturers transform oil palm trunks into regenerated wood board, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing.
Tan stressed MIFF’s dedication in nurturing the next generation of designers while connecting them with industry players.
“This unique blend of commerce and creativity makes MIFF an essential catalyst for innovation in the furniture industry,” he said.
Also present were Star Media Group (SMG) group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt and SMG chief operating officer Lydia Wang.
Some 20,000 visitors across 140 countries are expected to attend the 31st MIFF, South-East Asia’s largest and leading export-oriented furniture trade show that showcases the widest selection of Malaysian-made wooden, home and office furniture.
Since 1995, MIFF has been a one-stop platform connecting a wider community of more than 20,000 buyers from across 140 countries and regions.
MIFF is organised by Informa Markets Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a part of Informa PLC.
With the Muar Furniture Association as its strategic partner, MIFF is endorsed by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, Plantation and Commodities Ministry, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) and the Malaysian Timber Council.
It is supported by the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau and approved by the UFI, the Global Association of Exhibition Industry.
Star Media Group is the official media partner of the event that opens daily at 9.30am until 6pm until next Monday, and until 5pm on Tuesday.
For more information, visit www.miff.com.my or follow Furnish Now by MIFF on Facebook.
