Explore local talents, interior design firms told

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian interior design companies should explore talents available in the country, said interior and furniture designer, Lim Bo Qiang.

“They should welcome the younger generation who are creative and innovative to improve their competitiveness, whether for the domestic or international markets,” he told Bernama.

Lim emerged as the top prize winner in the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) 2016 Furniture Design Competition (FDC) with his entry, ‘Muk Sofa’ inspired by human daily movements.

The design, which won Lim RM10,000, comes with an attached drawer and a side-table, which uses rubber-wood and fabric cushion.

Lim, taking part in the competition for the second time, named his design after the Chinese word for wood while his second entry was named ‘Dudoo’, an easy chair, which also qualified for the final round of FDC.

The 27-year-old from Batu Pahat, who recently opened his own interior design business, said he has been working in the industry for some time and always observed human behaviour.

“I noticed that there were many modular movements and interactions with the furniture used in limited spaces such as homes and private spaces. People nowadays are living in smaller apartments, which means they need to have more compact furniture and mobility to help them move around,” Lim said.

FDC, which is now in its seventh year of MIFF 2016, saw 100 entries, with 10 finalists shortlisted and their prototypes put on display at Matrade Exhibition & Convention Centre. MIFF 2016 is held from March 1-5, 2016. — Bernama