Recap: Export Furniture Exhibition 2023
Furniture World News Desk on
3/22/2023
“It is a great honor to welcome you once again to the Export Furniture Exhibition (EFE) one of the most anticipated international furniture shows in its sixteenth year”. That was the excerpt from EFE Chairman, Mr Chua Chun Chai’s message to visitors in early 2020. Little did he or anyone around the world at that time realised it will take a full 3 years before they are able to graze the 16th edition of EFE due to a mixture of unanticipated events since December 2019.
From March 7 – 10, 2023, that greeting has finally turned into a reality when EFE returned to its 16th edition overall. “Bigger and Better” is the motto for the event over the years and the company takes this very seriously despite going through some internal alteration since Covid-19 hit.
The exhibition was held at its traditional ‘home’ venue of Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre or KLCC. Compared to the 2019 version, EFE 2023 is 28.0% larger by occupying 45,000 sqm, consisting of 8 exhibition halls.
Due to pent-up demand for a physical exhibition, approximately 400 exhibitors decided to participate in the event with a larger booth such as Getha Bedding (M) Sdn Bhd, Novel Furniture Sdn Bhd, Zolano Design Sdn Bhd, Lii Hen Group, Dynamic Furniture Industries, all well-known furniture manufacturers.
A myriad of products such as dining tables, kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, office furniture, bedroom sets and sofas were displayed on-site for exhibition patrons to sample and test prior to making their purchasing decision.
Furthermore, for the very first time, a hall specifically designated for office furniture (Hall 6) was introduced due to the new working nature following Covid-19 and this has drawn 20 exhibitors to ply their participation including Versalink Group, Wysen Industry Sdn Bhd, Benithem Sdn Bhd, Nexus Office System Sdn Bhd, Apex Office Furniture Exporter Sdn Bhd to name a few.
Another occasion which makes EFE 2023 a momentous event in recent history was attributed to the guest of honours attending our opening ceremony. Numerous foreign representatives from around the world appeared at the Plenary Hall on March 7, 2023 to witness the ceremony. Among them are personals from the Japanese Embassy, traditionally our top-5 export destination, the Italian embassy as well as developing and potential markets such as the Saudi, Egypt, Kuwait and Kenya embassy.
As for locals, representatives from government agencies like MTIB, MTC and MATRADE were present to render their support and commitment in assisting the furniture industry.
The icing on the cake however was Deputy Prime Minister cum Minister of Plantation and Commodities, YAB Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Yusof whom attended and officiated the ceremony. This is the maiden time for a sitting Deputy Prime Minister to attend EFE since its inception in 2005.
In his speech, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed that the timber industry is one of the sectors which played an important role in the development of the country as it has recorded an export value of RM 25.21 billion in 2022, a 10.6% rise from 2021’s RM 22.74 billion.
“Malaysian furniture is very popular and wooden furniture is highly sought after by many from all over the world. To achieve continued excellence, collaborative efforts between the industry and the relevant Government agencies must be developed further” said YAB Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah.
Nevertheless, he stressed that a production overhaul is needed in adopting Industry Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0) technologies and increase the quality and standardisation of furniture products. This will ensure the development of the national timber products are strengthened by commercialising ‘Made in Malaysia’ brands especially for high-value-added products.
New designs, New Innovation equals endless possibilities
Just as other industries are constantly changing, the furniture industry has been continuously evolving to suit the demands of the new generation of consumer. The Covid-19 pandemic has conceived a new trend of lifestyle where Working-From-Home has become a cornerstone of surviving through the virus.
Hence, the TIMB3R Design Incubator Programme or better known as DIP was introduced to assist the Malaysian timber and furniture industry to grow and upgrade in terms of design and brand value chain. The programme, in its second version made its debut at EFE 2023 under the purview of the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) alongside MFC and the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID).
Located at Hall 6, MTC has exhibited 26 featured designs involving 23 designers and 19 manufacturers attracting many curious onlookers. From dining tables to sofas, DIP 2.0 also serves as a perfect platform for aspiring young designers to make a breakthrough whilst upgrading the business models from OEM to OBM eventually for our industry players.
With new design and innovation, the new products displayed seeks to provide endless opportunities for the Malaysian furniture industry to spread its wings.
Free Stay Program - A complimentary gift to international buyers
Being a part of the Malaysian society, it is essential for the furniture industry to do its part by ensuring its signature event will be able to benefit a wider range of the Malaysian economy. As the tourism industry has been severely battered by the pandemic, EFE has then introduced the ‘Free Stay Programme’, a complimentary stay for registered international buyers at selected accommodation.
Buyers are eligible to claim a maximum of RM 900 (2 nights) from EFE 2023 with the submission of their hotel receipt and identification copy for reimbursement purposes.
This program serves a dual purpose by attracting international buyers to EFE 2023 while at the same time enabling them to visit famous tourist attractions around the country in line with the ‘Cuti-Cuti Malaysia’ campaign by the government.
It is hopeful that this incentive will ensure buyers to have a memorable occasion at EFE 2023 while supporting our tourism industry comrades in the process.
While the official attendance figure is still being tabulated by the organisers, it’s a widespread knowledge that the organisers has managed to ensure EFE 2023 returns with a loud bang with visitors having a good and enjoyable time during event. Nevertheless, the EFE team remains committed and determined to make improvements to ensure EFE 2024 aligns with its motto ‘Bigger and Better’!