Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Furniture Show: 4 April 2002

Furniture World Magazine

I'll be putting MIFF into my calendar of furniture events to visit next year!" is exactly how many international buyers felt about the Malaysian International Furniture Fair 2002 (MIFF 2002), held recently from 5 - 9 March 2002 at the Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur. Despite the global economic downturn and pessimistic outlook in the last quarter of 2001, the MIFF 2002 was, in general, celebrated as a successful show with positive increases in international buyer visitorship, exhibitors and size of the event. As a full member of the Union des Foires Internationales (UFI), the leading authority on international trade exhibitions in the world, its Organiser, MIFF Sdn Bhd, had to abide with stringent accountability guidelines before releasing the externally audited MIFF 2002 Official Post Show Report. Organising Chairman Mr. Tan Chin Huat was exhilarated when results were released today. "Although other recent international furniture shows have recorded a decline in their statistics, we are delighted that MIFF 2002 had shown an overall increase in all aspects," said Tan. "With the prevailing economic situation as it is, we are happy with the results." Official results recorded that a total number of 6,115 international visitors from 116 countries had especially come to visit the 5-day exhibition. This interprets as a 1.4% increase from last year. MIFF 2002 had also recorded 365 exhibitors (including from Government and related trade), representing a 4.9% increase. Altogether, MIFF 2002 had occupied a total of nine (9) exhibition halls while the exhibition size was confirmed at 50,000 square metres, an increase of 10% or approximately 5,000 square metres as compared to last year. Another achievement by MIFF 2002 was the confirmation of RM 2.04 billion (US$ 537 million) worth of sales generated from the fair, an increase of 5.7% higher than MIFF 2001. "Sales generated from the MIFF series normally accounts for up to 35 -40% of Malaysia's annual furniture exports," Tan said. For many, time literally flew by during the exhibition, as large crowds thronged the exhibition halls to witness for themselves the diverse range of products on display. With such a large exhibition area to visit, many were not able to cover the entire show in just one day although this was not a reason to complain, as most were content to spend more time divulging in the warm hospitality received at the fair. Not only was the fair a 'look and buy' show but an interactive session for many as well. Numerous international buyers were gathered in small discussion groups, equipped with calculators in hand, in intense negotiation with exhibitors. MIFF 2002 is definitely more international than before, making it a truly Asian show. The fair included prominent furniture manufacturers from all over Asia, representing about 90% of furniture exported from Asia to the world. Visitors to the MIFF 2002 shared positive feedback and comments, as they viewed the different product categories and quality furniture range from all over Malaysia and Asia, including China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. International buyers continue to visit the MIFF series because they know that only in Malaysia, are they able to complete their sourcing for a vast range of furniture from all over the Asian continent for the needs of their respective countries. By allowing buyers to complete their shopping at just one show, coupled with the high quality of exhibitors and diverse product range to suit different tastes, the MIFF series had earned its reputation as the largest furniture trade exhibition in Asia. It has also become the world's favorite international furniture buying stop in all of Asia and is now a trade show that many have promised to return. The range of furniture had truly wowed many as exhibitors have proven once again to be apt in keeping up with global trends. Visitors to the fair were privileged to see the latest models. Various materials and resources were fused together to bring about a unique range of furniture, much to the delight of international buyers who were amazed at the creativity of exhibitors and their innovative versatility. Concepts and design were more outstanding this year. Some exhibitors chose to display more contemporary and sophisticated models yet built with practicality in mind. The use of traditional designs, however, were not completely abandoned as some displayed their original craftsmanship in the creation of products using a classic yet everlasting approach. The MIFF series is set to further its horizons and goals in the coming years. A familiar name in the international calendar of furniture trade events to take place from the first Tuesday to Saturday of March every year, MIFF 2003 will be held from 4 - 8 March 2003 once again at the Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur. Almost 100% of the exhibitors at MIFF 2002 had showed a keen interest in participating at MIFF 2003, with a large majority already having confirming their spots. Expansions will be made to suit the heightened interests and the show will Incorporate an increasing Asian flavor, with the addition of renowned furniture manufacturers from Asia. The MIFF series is supported by the Malaysian Furniture Industry Council (MFIC) and is endorsed by the Ministry of Primary Industries, Malaysian Timber Industry Board, Malaysian Timber Council, Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation, Forest Research Institute Malaysia and the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board.