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Approximately 20,000 visitors visited the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) 2010 from March 2 to 6 at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) and the MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Centre (MECC). Out of the 20,000 visitors, 6,823 were international buyers.
The fair showcased a wide array of interesting designs, creativity and innovations and the ‘green’ theme was one of the key highlights. There were 571 exhibitors at MIFF 2010 and ID Trends (a new show-segment at MECC). Visitors from 140 countries, together with trade delegations from numerous countries were the first few to witness exciting new trends and material at the fair. Among the ground-breaking designs and material shown was the Firefly Folding Table from TAZ Open Systems, which is made out of a revolutionary new MDF material that is recyclable and has the potential to change the industry. The Firefly Folding Table won the Gold Award in the MIFF Furniture Excellence Award.
Another notable product is Kitapanel Wood Product’s Binary Stool which used waste MDF-board material for their kitchen cabinets, winning them the Occasional Category in the Furniture Excellence Award. Other ‘green’ materials showcased at MIFF 2010 included parallel oil palm strands (POPS), which was developed by Blue Mountain Resources in collaboration with the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM).
Meanwhile, the new segment titled ID Trends in conjunction with MIFF 2010 at MECC, brought unexpected surprises for both its exhibitors and buyers. Many ID Trends exhibitors managed to secure export deals for the first time, as international buyers were very receptive of some new and interesting products, and proceeded to place their orders at the fair itself.
Good exposure for manufacturers
With 16 years of experience under its belt, the organiser of MIFF once again held a successful show, much to the satisfaction of exhibitors and buyers. An exhibitor, Gary Wong of Ferco Seating, Malaysia, remarked, “The MIFF provides really good exposure for manufacturers. It gives them a chance to touch base with their regular customers and meet new ones. As one of the world’s top 10 furniture fairs, MIFF is a must-participate for all furniture makers. The organisation is fantastic, well laid-out with information and labeled signs.”
Among the highlights at MIFF 2010 were the three competitions held – Furniture Excellence Award, Best Presentation Award and The Ideation Award. A panel of local and international judges was elected to sift through numerous entries and reward deserving winners who showed innovativeness and creativity in product designs and booth displays. In addition, seminar speakers Dr Tan Yu Eng, Jennifer Curtis and Dr Jegatheswaran Ratnasingam, gave interesting insights to industry players on various topics including defining ‘green’ furniture and how maximising this ‘green’ trend can benefit all furniture manufacturers.
Comfort and convenience
International buyers had a great night of fun at the legendary Buyers’ Night. With the theme ‘Year of The Tiger,” guests ushered in the night with ‘Yee Sang,’ a dish which signifies prosperity in the lunar new year. Despite the limited seats, it was a night of excitement which attracted buyers from more than 60 countries. Comfort and convenience of buyers’ was a top priority for the organiser, and non-stop shuttles between venues and the International Buyers’ Lounge was available for them to take a break or hold discussions. Many visitors commented on the excellent arrangement of the MIFF series, which was not only convenient, but also non-time wasting.
Abdul Aziz Mahamad who came from Mozambique gave recognition to the organiser when he said, “Thumbs up to the organiser for their efficiency in planning an event of this scale! I received my invitation in late December. A month ago, my delegate pass was delivered to me ahead of the exhibition, ensuring that registration would be a breeze. The MIFF is a great hunting ground for office furniture.”
MIFF 2011
MIFF is a member of UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, and MIFF 2010 was endorsed by various governmental bodies and councils such as Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (KPPK), Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB), Malaysian Timber Council (MTC), Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia) and Malaysian Furniture Promotion Council (MFPC).
MIFF continues to be one of the top ten furniture fairs in the world, and its organiser takes great care in the selection of its exhibitors so that only the best designs, quality and fair prices are offered at the fair. Over the years, this has become a strong point for the MIFF series as worldwide quality buyers wait in anticipation for the fair every year - to source, be exposed to the latest trends and purchase furniture.
MIFF will be back next year and it will take place from March 1 to March 5 2011 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. For information, call +603-9282 2888, e-mail info@miff.com.my or visit www.miff.com.my
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