The Star Malaysia

Global furniture fair nails it again

Record number of 715 exhibitors, nearly 20,000 attendees lead to Us$1.28bil in orders

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Buyers looking for quality furniture and suppliers for household and commercial products were able to choose from a large variety that were on display at Malaysian Internatio­nal Furniture Fair (MIFF).

Held at two venues in the capital – Malaysia Internatio­nal Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) and World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) – the annual fair showcased a variety of products from local and global suppliers.

A record number of 715 exhibitors from 15 countries including Malaysia were able to generate business leads during the event, a media release said.

There was a 6% increase of internatio­nal attendees from 120 countries and regions, it said, adding that of these attendees, 68% were from the fast-growing Asia market.

Many also came from North America, Europe and Oceania, while nearly half of the 19,213 attendees were first-time visitors.

According to the statement, the 30th edition of MIFF led to product orders amounting to us$1.28bil (rm6.13bil).

Exhibitors at this largest of South-east Asia’s furniture trade shows included producers and sellers from China, India, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Turkiye, Vietnam, united Arab Emirates and the united States.

The fair proved once again to be the biggest export platform for Malaysian wooden furniture products.

To drive the business mood on the trade floors, event organiser Informa Markets Malaysia provided visitors with a MIFF Furniverse app to navigate the show floor, explore exhibitor

booths and stay updated on latest event happenings.

For the first time, visitors also participat­ed in a virtual treeplanti­ng campaign, where MIFF pledged to plant a real tree for every six virtual trees planted.

Back at MIFF for its 15th year was Malaysian manufactur­er Spring Art Industries.

Company representa­tive Terence Tee said, “We’re consistent­ly satisfied with the results as, unlike other platforms, MIFF

has proven to generate revenues and sales for us.”

For Oasis Furniture Industries, also a Malaysian producer, MIFF was an excellent business platform because it drew serious buyers.

“The attendees are genuinely interested in making purchases, said Oasis Furniture co-founder

nd and managing director ralph Ong.

“They specifical­ly seek out products made in Malaysia,

making this event ideal for us.

“This is our 13th year here and, looking ahead, I hope MIFF continues to grow for the next 30 years,” he added.

Delighted first-time visitors included Mathilde Le Villain from the united Kingdom and Jeffrey Matloff from the us.

“I have seen some really impressive things and it’s been a great experience so far,” said Le Villain.

“The suppliers have been incredibly welcoming, friendly and open,” she added.

Matloff decided to make the trip to Malaysia after hearing of MIFF from a colleague.

He spoke of positive experience­s: “I’ve met some good vendors.

“Overall, I find the quality of the products are good and the people have been very helpful.”

Muhammed Shaheer from India was all smiles checking out the designs and variety of modern recliners.

This led him to exchange business contact details for further discussion­s.

regular buyer Soufian Omar from Algeria found MIFF fascinatin­g and competitiv­e in terms of quality and value.

“The competitio­n is tough but we feel confident and comfortabl­e coming to MIFF every year.

“The hospitalit­y provided by MIFF is always excellent, which adds to our positive experience,” said Soufian.

“This year’s show continues to highlight the fundamenta­l role of MIFF in providing the internatio­nal furniture industry with exceptiona­l opportunit­ies to do business and build valuable connection­s,” said MIFF general manager Kelie Lim.

“Our new MIFF Furniverse app has elevated the participan­ts’ experience because they are able to move faster and effectivel­y through the show.

“We are thrilled to have received very strong rebookings for MIFF 2025, highlighti­ng the importance of MIFF for exhibitors and buyers.”

Next year’s MIFF will be held from March 1 to 4 at the same venues.

For details, visit www.miff. com.my

 ?? ?? MIFF 2024 team including organisers, project staff and crew as well as Informa Markets representa­tives.
MIFF 2024 team including organisers, project staff and crew as well as Informa Markets representa­tives.

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