The Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF), South-east Asia’s leading industry show, has posted yet record sales of US$854m, an increase of US$24m from last year, after five days of trade in March in Kuala Lumpur.
The 2013 fair reportedly attracted 18,401 trade visitors, including 6054 international buyers from 140 countries, with a good turnout of buyers from emerging regions and the strong traditional markets of Australia, the US and Japan.
MIFF 2013, which was 25% bigger than last year, featured 504 exhibitors and covered over 80,000 sqm.
Datuk Dr Tan Chin Huat, chairman of MIFF, said: “We are delighted at the sales record because MIFF has delivered yet again despite the global economic uncertainties. This underscores the continuing appeal of MIFF and how it remains relevant in the global furniture market. Another important point I must make is that we are getting more high quality buyers from all over the world. We have very good feedback from the exhibitors who are pleased with their strong order books. This is definitely a big boost for MIFF going into our 20th anniversary next year.”
The improvement in quality and the bigger variety in designs were singled out by international judges of the Furniture Excellence Award, which picked Spain’s Resinas Olot and Malaysia’s Oasis Furniture Industries for the platinum awards in household furniture and office furniture categories respectively.
The MIFF Furniture Design Competition (FDC), held in conjunction with the show, saw an international jury awarding two first prizes to college design students, Kok Wen Yee for a versatile wall-mounted storage panel, and Emmy Kong Pek Kei for a minimalist coffee table made with rattan, steel and glass.
Immediately after the show, 70% of exhibitors confirmed their participation again for the next edition, scheduled for 4-8th March, 2014. MIFF’s organiser UBM will also launch import/export event SEAFIE, which will take place between 13-16th September this year.
Read the editor's MIFF blog here.
