Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) Attracts Over 19,000 Visitors

Furniture World News Desk on 4/11/2014

The Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) reported that it  drew more buyers and record orders at its 20th anniversary edition held from March 4 to 8.

The five-day show extended another solid year with estimated sales of US$892 million and a 6% jump in attendees to 19,472 visitors including 6,171 international buyers from 141 countries and regions.

The outcome underscores the continued strength and relevance of MIFF as the leading and most business results-focused global furniture trade show in Southeast Asia. It is demonstrative of the growing interest from global buyers, distributors and planners recognising the value and versatility of Malaysian- produced furniture for commercial and retail use.

The turnout of the international and local buyers has created more business opportunities to the 503 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions who packed the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) and Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre (MECC) with their latest range and wide-variety of products.

In 2013, the fair attracted total 18,397 visitors from 140 countries and regions with sales of US$854 million.

MIFF 2014 was officially opened by Malaysia’s International Trade and Industry Ministry Deputy Secretary-General Mr Mohd Ridzal Sheriff on behalf of his Minister, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

Visitors to the 80,000 gross square metres event included a first-time delegation from Belgium Furniture Manufacturers Association as well as trade groups from South Korea and Japan, among them was Ms Chie Kikuchi, Managing Director of Hikari Global Trading Co, one of Japan’s biggest furniture importers. (Watch Ms Chie Kikuchi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JKycdyr2vI/?CID=release_postshow_itl)

“We have seen an increase in prices from China, so we are seeking new markets for Japanese customers. We are looking for companies in Malaysia and other Asean countries. Japan and Malaysia can collaborate in terms of design and the manufacturing of the furniture that cater to the Japanese market which is competitive and consumers are sensitive of market trends,” said Ms Kikuchi.

MIFF 2014 also hosted the 5th rendition of the MIFF Furniture Design Competition (MIFF FDC), a platform designed exclusively by MIFF to engender more creative yet commercially attractive furniture concepts to sustain future generations of Malaysian manufacturers and the industry.

The design prototypes from 10 finalists, culled from over 200 submissions, were produced with the help of MIFF exhibitors and sponsors and showcased in a specially design area at MECC, a culmination of six exciting months for the young talents who were rewarded with real-life experience and a platform to see their designs materialise in form, as well as interest from manufacturers and international buyers.

Gaining the most accolade in terms of design and marketability, the top prize was awarded to young industrial designer Francis Lye Aik Theng with XSR, a stylish light bar stool constructed from stainless steel, a mountain bike spring absorber and a thermoplastic seat. (Highlights of MIFF FDC 2014: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRub1wgzqfE/?CID=release_postshow_itl)

Datuk Dr Tan Chin Huat, Chairman of MIFF: “Within the global furniture trade network, MIFF is commonly known for our type of ‘home-style service and atmosphere meets serious furniture buyers.’ The entire team is pleased that our 20th anniversary event continued to embody our philosophy of serving our customers and industry well and with style. Of course, we are equally delighted by the speedy rebooking of exhibition space for next year’s show which takes place March 3 to 7.”

Mr Enrico G. Cleva, Architect, EC&Co. , Milan, Italy: “MIFF is one of the greatest events for business I have visited in the last few years around the world. There is a terrific energy here and the strength of the fair is the focus on trade, sales and business, this is something that is lacking in our fairs in Europe. MIFF is an excellent place for companies to do business and for buyers to source products. It will be the best gate to enter the booming Malaysian and ASEAN markets for European companies. The incredible potential of this event is in its thriving numbers, in its roots in the South East
Asian economies, in the portfolio of thousands of buyers from all over the world, and finally in 20 years of success."

Mr Helmut Merkel, Chief Judge, Furniture Excellence Award (FEA) for exhibitors: “While in the past, many exhibitors were relying on the design of successful products from the past, now we could find companies which really are looking for new paths and are on a good track. Their designs are following more the international trends.”

Mr Bernard Deheegher, Export Director, Belgium Furniture Manufacturers Association: “Malaysia has the potential, its traditional and contemporary designs can be adapted for the Belgium market. Our aim here is to discover new growing markets and Malaysia has a very good reputation.”
Ms Shelly Whitehead, Gladstone City Central Apartment Hotel, Australia: “I think MIFF 2014 is fantastic. There are a great variety of products. We operate a hotel chain in Australia and we are looking for furniture in our apartments. Furniture is so much affordable here and this is why we came.”

Mr K.S. Min, Sales and Marketing Manager, Sung Yong Co Ltd, South Korea: “I’ve been visiting MIFF for the last six years but this is the first time I am an exhibitor. It’s really nice here. I have already registered for a bigger booth next year and we also would like to participate in the MIFF design awards.”

Mr Raymond Gillmore Landon, CIC Saber Vivir, Chile: “We buy a lot of products from MIFF every year. We are a well-known retail and wholesale business in Chile. In terms of pricing, I see a combination of reasonable pricing and quality. I see some furniture providers here that offer innovative designs with out-of-the-box creativity.”

Mr Mohamed Akif Arif, Al-Haditha Furniture, Saudi Arabia: “We find MIFF a great place for buyers like us where we can find such a huge variety. There are great options here that are budget-friendly as well. The efficient organization of such a huge show is impressive. They have made everything easy for us.”

Visit www.miff.com.my for updates on MIFF 2015 which takes place from March 3 to 7, and to keep track of the industry and opportunities. 

About MIFF (www.miff.com.my): Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) is an export-oriented furniture trade show held annually in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is also a global leading trade show approved by UFI, The Global Association for Exhibition Industry. Since 1995, MIFF has nurtured invaluable partnerships between thousands of buyers and furniture makers across the globe.

About UBM Asia (www.ubmasia.com) Owned by UBM plc listed on the London Stock Exchange, UBM Asia is Asia's leading exhibition organiser and the biggest commercial organiser in mainland China, India and Malaysia. Established with its headquarters in Hong Kong and subsidiary companies across Asia and in the US, UBM Asia has a strong global network of 30 offices and over 1,400 staff in 25 major cities. We operate in 21 market sectors with 160 exhibitions, 75 conferences, 28 trade publications, 18 vertical portals and virtual event services for over 1,000,000 quality exhibitors, visitors, conference delegates, advertisers and subscribers from all over the world.