Accolades Galore At The Malaysia Good Design Award 2023/2024

PUTRAJAYA, June 12 (Bernama) -- A total of 35 products from 13 companies received recognition at the Malaysia Good Design Award (MGDA) 2023/2024, here today.

The winners were selected for their success in meeting innovative design evaluation standards, comparable to international designs.

Trophies and certificates were presented by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) deputy secretary-general (Management and Investment) Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil, who represented MITI Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.

Tengku Zafrul, in his speech read by Bahria, said that through MGDA, the products produced by local designers are not only innovative but also have high commercial value through the integration of attractive design and the latest technology that suits the needs of the market.

“In the design sector, artificial intelligence (AI) applications have transformed the way designers work. It is now used to automate repetitive design tasks or produce complex visual innovations.

“This technology allows designers to study various design options more efficiently, perform usage simulations and provide solutions to customer problems more accurately, saving time and increasing productivity,” he said.

Among those present at MGDA were MITI deputy secretary-general (Trade) Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, Malaysian Design Council (MRM) chairman Junady Nawawi and SIRIM group chief operating officer Sabarina Harun.

Junady, in his speech, said programmes like MGDA have been used in developed countries in the past, such as Japan, which is famous for its G-Mark initiative and Germany for its Red Dot.

“Both of these programmes have the same objective, which is to improve the country’s industrial design capabilities.

“MGDA is not just an award, but it is a benchmark of product design quality for participating companies.

“Recognition at this ceremony not only brings a positive reputation to the company but also increases its credibility in the eyes of industry partners as well as stakeholders and investors,” he said.

A total of 122 products from 59 local and international companies vied for the top awards at the MGDA 2023/2024.

The products fall in 13 categories, among them are Architectural and Environmental Products, Trade and Trade Shows, Crafts, Industrial, Jewellery, Fashion and Accessories and Packaging.

The products were evaluated by an evaluation committee, with the help of eight professional designers from various related specialities.

The evaluation criteria is based on the level of innovation, functionality, symbolic features that evoke emotions, description of distinctive qualities, manufacturing quality, ergonomics, durability and ecological features.

Established in 1994, MRM is an agency under MITI, responsible for leading and coordinating design activities in Malaysia to be comparable on a global scale.

 The MGDA is the highest design recognition from the Malaysian government. Receiving this recognition helps build a good reputation for the company, instilling trust and assurance in business, and fostering long-term product confidence among consumers.

-- BERNAMA