MIFF 2025: Paving The Way For Innovation And Design To Boost Malaysia's Furniture Industry

KUALA LUMPUR, March 3 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) 2025’s enduring commitment to fostering design and innovation is essential for the sustainability of the Malaysian furniture industry, which significantly contributes to the country’s export earnings and growth.

Ministry of Plantation and Commodities deputy secretary-general (Plantation and Commodities) Datuk Razali Mohamad said this commitment aligns with the government’s efforts towards the development of the national timber and timber product market.

The goal is to enhance the commercialisation of “Made in Malaysia” brands for the international market, particularly for high-value-added products.

“As consumer preferences evolve, innovative and sustainable design is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity.

“Through thoughtful design, we create solutions that not only improve living spaces but also contribute to economic growth and environmental responsibility,” he said during his speech at the MIFF 2025 awards ceremony here today.

Razali highlighted that the Malaysian furniture industry continues to thrive, with timber product exports rising 4.9 per cent, reaching RM22.9 billion in 2024, and wooden furniture exports valued at RM9.9 billion,  growing 8.4 per cent from the previous year.

He said this success is driven by high-quality, sustainable products that are in demand globally.

“Under the National Agricommodity Policy 2030, Malaysia remains committed to sustainability, innovation, and global competitiveness, supported by certifications like the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS), endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).

Meanwhile, MIFF general manager Kelie Lim said by supporting both emerging and established talents, MIFF continues to bridge Asian design ingenuity with international markets.

“The creativity we have seen reaffirms our commitments to fostering designs that enhance the way people live, work, and connect with their environments,” she said.

Today’s awards recognise outstanding achievements with three categories, namely the MIFF Furniture Design Competition (MIFF FDC) for emerging designers, the Best Presentation Award, and the Furniture Excellence Award.

MIFF FDC-themed “The Fashion Inspired Furniture” uncovered exceptional young talent, with a record-breaking 335 entries from 30 design institutions and private firms across Malaysia.

Wong Lilie from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) claimed the champion title with her reimagined rattan craftsmanship called “Leviosa Chair”.

Ong Jing Rou from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation secured second place with a cabinet design called “Loome”, and Putera Muhammad Afiq Maizurin from Universiti Teknologi Mara came in third place with the “Monroe Breeze Chair”.

MIFF 2025, which runs from March 1-4, is showcasing cutting-edge design, innovation, and sustainability, featuring 742 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions.

The event is expected to attract 20,000 visitors from over 140 countries.

Spanning 100,000 square metres across MITEC and World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), MIFF hosts key industry players from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, India, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.

-- BERNAMA