Marking 30 years in the global furniture trade, and fresh from its strongest-ever growth in 2023, the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) is set to return from 1st-4th March next year.
The 2024 edition promises to introduce a new chapter for the show, which has risen from humble beginnings to be a globally recognised event, and the largest furniture show in South-east Asia, attracting buyers from 140 countries and regions.
With exhibition space poised to sell out yet again, visitor registration has opened for the event, which will span a combined 100,000 sqm of the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) and World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL).
The anniversary edition takes place after MIFF’s best performance to date, with a peak of 673 exhibitors and record US$1.21bi in sales orders placed in 2023. It drew close to 20,000 attendees, including 26% internationals from 136 countries and regions.
Over 650 local and foreign exhibitors will be present in 2024, with a wide range of the latest trends, designs and products from diverse furniture sectors.
The trade floor will be anchored by an array of Malaysia’s biggest exporters, joined by suppliers from China, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.
Major Malaysian names confirmed, among others, are Ecomate, Wegmans, Poh Huat, Favourite Design, WA Furniture, Sin Wee Seng Industries, Ivorie, Isella Sofa, LB Furniture, Merryfair Chair, Oasis Furniture, Kinheng Furniture, Seow Buck Sen and Luxury Sleep.
“Interest in MIFF has surged after the Covid pandemic, which impacted supply chains," says Kelie Lim, MIFF's GM. "The industry is looking at MIFF as a resilient source to future-proof their business.
"In 2023, there were many high-purchasing buyers. We are confident that 2024 will further cement MIFF’s position as the preferred sourcing destination for global furniture businesses. The overwhelming response from exhibitors taking up space, noticeably from foreign companies, is another clear positive indicator of the strong buying power converging at MIFF. We are ready to welcome the world back.”
The anniversary festivities begin in December this year with a gala dinner to recognise loyal exhibitors and the support of key stakeholders and the Malaysian furniture industry.
With more first-timers coming to the show – as much as 40% in 2023 – MIFF has extended its Valued Visitor Programme to include complimentary hotel accommodation for new international buyers, on a first-come-first-served basis.
MIFF has become a go-to show for retailers to stock up at the start of the Asian buying season and to select from the latest and largest collection of wooden furniture from Malaysia and office furniture showroom in South-east Asia.
The displays, across 17 halls at the two venues, are set to enhance the procurement experience with an extensive choice of contemporary home furnishings, office and hospitality furniture, in addition to accessories, decor, components and materials.
The “1 Fair, 2 Venues” concept will see top Malaysian manufacturers display in MITEC, at the high-profile designRena Hall at level 2, and the Muar Hall, co-ordinated by the Muar Furniture Association (MFA), a strategic partner of MIFF, on level 1. The MIFF Office segment is located at WTCKL, a short shuttle ride away from MITEC.
Other curated areas making for easier navigation include the International Hall, Sofa Hall, and the young designer zone – featuring the xOrdinary showcase and MIFF Furniture Design Competition's (FDC) top entries.
Two international juries will be touring the trade floor to scout for eye-catching creative displays and innovative furniture, and picking the winners of the two exhibitor prizes - Best Presentation Award and Furniture Excellence Award.
Another highlight is the FDC, an initiative established by MIFF in 2010 to nurture design talent and help sustain the Malaysian furniture industry. Young designers have been challenged to address the theme, 'Chair-Volution: Celebrating 30 Years of Innovation and Design,' this time for a modern twist to the most basic furniture piece.
All award winners will be announced on the third day of the show.
“2024 is truly a milestone for MIFF and the Malaysian furniture industry at large," says Steve Ong, president, MFA. "Our heartfelt congratulations to MIFF on its 30th anniversary. The MFA-MIFF strategic partnership has significantly boosted international exposure for our members, bringing in increased export opportunities and collaboration with international partners. The establishment of the Muar Hall by MFA at the MIFF show has increased our brand worldwide recognition.”
