Furnish Now 2011 show news - Day 4

Day 4

1 – 5 March | 9.30 am – 6 pmPWTC & KLCC

The official show news of the Malaysian International Furniture Fair

4 M A R C H 2 0 1 1

Everyone’s a winner at the Ideation awards… or are they?A prototype tweak here and a crank there, and finally, the search is over for new additions to the talent pool.

It was a battle for the Best Presentation awards. Find out who takes home the coveted titles for best booths. And the winner is…

We dared you to go and you took us on! The result: there’s no ‘masquerading’ how much fun buyers can be when they take their masks off at Buyers’ Night.

A proud son of Malaysia’s Furniture Town—MIECO—muses its growing-up experience with MIFF.

Take a break from the grindstone for an insider’s look at the mechanics of a successful business: Master Sofa.

A Japanese furniture czar breaks ranks to fall in love with Malaysia’s instead.

Get your daily dose of choice products from some of the best manufacturers in the region.

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HeveaPac-2010Ad(277x80mm)-OL.pdf 1/12/11 6:19:40 PM

HotShot

What'sNews

MIFF gets a little hot under the collar at Masquerade Night…or more like just above the collar, as this man finds out. Note to the gentleman’s potential partners: it was all an act, on stage. Don’t kill the poor guy! Turn to page 12 for more great gala pics.

Specia lReport

NAME OF COMPANY:

Taz Corporation Sdn Bhd.

BOOTH NO. 2C28 MODEL NAME: Banda

NAME OF DESIGNER:

Daniel Korb

NAME OF COMPANY:

New Pk Furniture Decor Sdn Bhd.

BOOTH NO. 333 MODEL NAME: Peroba Wood

& Soft Grey Collection

NAME OF DESIGNER:

Sequoia P.Madam

NAME OF COMPANY:

Shibasaki Inc.

BOOTH NO. K517 MODEL NAME: Allula

NAME OF DESIGNER:

Tomoyuk Matsuoka

NAME OF COMPANY:

Woodview Products Sdn Bhd.

BOOTH NO. 326 MODEL NAME: Hugo

NAME OF DESIGNER:

Mr. Kh Lim

NAME OF COMPANY:

Taz Corporation Sdn Bhd.

BOOTH NO. 2C28 MODEL NAME: Banda

NAME OF DESIGNER:

Daniel Korb

NAME OF COMPANY:

BJ Cabinet Enterprise.

BOOTH NO. 1 19 MODEL NAME: Gordon

NAME OF DESIGNER:

Peggy Chua

NAME OF COMPANY:

New Pk Furniture Decor Sdn Bhd.

BOOTH NO. 333 MODEL NAME: Peroba Wood

& Soft Grey Collection

NAME OF DESIGNER:

Sequoia P.Madam

NAME OF COMPANY:

Nrt Cascadia Home Product

Sdn Bhd.

BOOTH NO. 142 MODEL NAME: Prince

NAME OF DESIGNER:

Mr. Wan Chen How

NAME OF COMPANY:

Kokuyo (M) Sdn Bhd.

BOOTH NO. 2B09 MODEL NAME: Ephiphy

NAME OF DESIGNER:

Kazutaka Ooki

& Junichi Sakaguchi

The Prize Presentation Ceremony revealed an interesting facet

about MIFF yesterday: the show connects right-thinking people with the right people.

In coming up with Banda, his winning entry in the Sofa category, Swiss architect and designer Daniel Korb cited his amazing collaboration with Taz Corporation Sdn. Bhd.

“It took me twenty years to learn and get the right principles, but just nine months to execute it,” Mr. Korb said. “With the right partners, you can do it faster.”

Tan Ay Zing, managing director of Taz Corporation, elaborated: “MIFF has proven to be a great platform for networking. It was at MIFF 2009 that

we got to know and subsequently established a partnership with Daniel.”

At least three other winners from the seven categories–which include Dining, Bedroom and Bedding, Sofa, Office, Outdoor, Occasional and Children—benefited from powerful collaborations.

Kazutaka Ooki and Junichi Sakaguchi shared design credits for Ephiphy, Kokuyo (M) Sdn. Bhd’s. winning entry in the Office category. Satoshi Shibasaki, creative mind of Shibasaki Inc.’s eco-friendly Alula chair, winner of the Dining Category category, drew inspiration from the personal motto of his father, company President Toshihiro Shibasaki: “The

Two Rights Make a Winner

Continued on page 2

DNININGDINNINGDINNING SOFASOFASOFA OFFICEOFFICEOFFICEBEDROOM &BEDDING

BEDROOM &BEDDING

BEDROOM &BEDDING

CHILDRENCHILDRENCHILDREN

OCCASIONALOCCASIONALOCCASIONAL

OUTDOOROUTDOOROUTDOOR


BEDROOM &BEDDING

BEDROOM &BEDDING





BEDROOM &BEDDING

BEDROOM &BEDDING





BEDROOM &BEDDING

BEDROOM &BEDDING





BEDROOM &BEDDING

BEDROOM &BEDDING





BEDROOM &BEDDING

BEDROOM &BEDDING



OUTDOOROUTDOOROUTDOORDNININGDINNINGDINNING SOFASOFASOFA OFFICEOFFICEOFFICEBEDROOM &BEDDING

BEDROOM &BEDDING

BEDROOM &BEDDING




By Alexandra Wong and Mohd RashdanFurnish Now writers

GOLDAWARD

GOLDAWARD

GOLDAWARD

BRONZEAWARDBRONZEAWARDBRONZEAWARD

MERITAWARDMERIT

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AWARDSILVERAWARDSILVERAWARDSILVERAWARD

1stPRIZE

Samarata

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MOSTDESERVINGDESIGNER



BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

GOLDAWARD

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MERITAWARDMERIT

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1stPRIZE

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2ndPRIZEClone

2ndPRIZEClone

3rdPRIZEBungaRaya

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3rdPRIZEBungaRaya




BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

SPECIAL COMMENDATION AWARD

NAME OF COMPANY:

Benithem Sdn Bhd.

BOOTH NO. 2B35 MODEL NAME: Trendy

NAME OF DESIGNER:

Ben TeoDNININGDINNINGDINNING SOFASOFASOFA OFFICEOFFICEOFFICEBEDROOM &BEDDING

BEDROOM &BEDDING

BEDROOM &BEDDING




Day 4 | 4 March 2011PWTC & KLCC

02 The official show news of the Malaysian International Furniture Fair

Day 2

International Local Total

Total

Visitor Count

1,443

1,142

5,046

1,778

1,766

5,393

3,221

2,908

10,439

Day 3

Trophy Room

Day 1 2,461 1,849 4,310

The word ‘Ideation’ is meant to inspire.

Coming from a combination of two words—Idea and generation—the word “Ideation” refers to the creative process of young people creating, developing and actualizing an idea into something concrete.

That was how the MIFF Ideation Award came about in 2010, when two youths at heart—Ian Howard Davies, later to become chief judge of the Ideation Award, and MIFF founder Dato’ Dr. Tan Chin Huat—discussed the declining levels of good design among local furniture manufacturers. With better designs and innovations in the neighbouring region, buyers had been making a beeline to Thailand

and Singapore for their import needs. Mr. Davies, who is lecturer and

examiner at several renowned design schools, said he sees a lot of good work in design schools. However, there is a chasm between manufacturers and designers, and they are not meeting to bring good work to the market.

Thus, the Ideation Award was born in 2010. Showcasing the talents of young designers in Malaysia, the competition is open to all students studying design or architecture at a recognized Malaysian educational institution.

This year’s competition which is themed ‘The New Urbanism, Creativity and Sustainability’ received 220 entries from 13 design schools, almost three times higher than the previous year. Mr. Davies noted that

the standard of entries was also higher, possibly because it involved a series of workshops on design development and prototyping as well as technical advice from participating manufacturers who produced prototypes of 11 contest finalists.

“In a way, all 11 finalists are ‘winners’ because they are all exceptional designs, many with immediate commercial potential,” Mr. Davies said. “All of these young designers are very talented, with a great future ahead of them. Great furniture design is a marriage between manufacturers and designers. The Ideation awards have demonstrated that we have students with the design skills that the furniture industry needs, here in Malaysia.”

A Generation of Ideas Set to Improve Malaysia’s Furniture ExportsBy Chan Li JinFurnish Now writer

DESIGNER:

Quah Paik Choo Bernadette,

Interior Architecture & Design

Student

PROTOTYPE:

Lanouva (Sin Lian Manufacturing

Sdn. Bhd.)

And the Winners of the MIFF 2011Ideation Award Are:

DESIGNER:

Can Yong Chen Choong,

Interior Design Student

PROTOTYPE:

Jemaramas Jaya Sdn. Bhd.

DESIGNER:

Nurul Aini Binti Abdul Jalil,

Industrial Design Student

PROTOTYPE:

Oasis Furniture Industries

Sdn. Bhd.

DESIGNER:

Angie Ng Yong Hui,

Industrial Design Student

PROTOTYPE:

BJ Cabinet Enterprise Sdn. Bhd.

COMPANY NAME:

Jemaramas Jaya Sdn Bhd

PROTOTYPE:

Clone, Artdeco Table, Lamination

For Nerd

GOLDAWARD

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MERITAWARDMERIT

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1stPRIZE

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1stPRIZE

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2ndPRIZEClone

2ndPRIZEClone

2ndPRIZEClone

3rdPRIZEBungaRaya

3rdPRIZEBungaRaya

3rdPRIZEBungaRaya




BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

GOLDAWARD

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BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

GOLDAWARD

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MERITAWARDMERIT

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1stPRIZE

Samarata

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1stPRIZE

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2ndPRIZEClone

2ndPRIZEClone

2ndPRIZEClone

3rdPRIZEBungaRaya

3rdPRIZEBungaRaya

3rdPRIZEBungaRaya




BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

GOLDAWARD

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MERITAWARDMERIT

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BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

GOLDAWARD

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MERITAWARDMERIT

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1stPRIZE

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2ndPRIZEClone

2ndPRIZEClone

3rdPRIZEBungaRaya

3rdPRIZEBungaRaya

3rdPRIZEBungaRaya




BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

If putting on a tie and blazer—or even a bowtie—create a professional, lasting impression, more than a few MIFF

exhibit booths put on the equivalent of blue jeans this year. Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) 2011

exhibition booth presentations could have been a lot better.During his four years as a member of the MIFF Best

Presentation Award’s panel of judges, chief judge Ahmad Asmadi Mohammad said booth presentation standards have been static.

“Too many companies, but too little surprises,” Mr. Asmadi said.

In the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) industry, it’s commonplace to find an award that honours delegates in some form, but exceedingly rare to find an award that honours booth design itself. This is a testament to MIFF’s enthusiasm toward raising the marketing standards of Malaysia’s furniture industry, but it’s high time for exhibitors to step up to the plate and play along.

Mr. Asmadi feels that exhibitors should take this chance to be more creative.

“Creativity—that is, design—translates into quality as perceived by the visitors,” Mr. Asmadi said. “Exhibitors should see the bigger picture. Creative booth presentation attracts visitors. And that could translate into more sales. That is marketing.”

Too Few Surprises in Booth DesignBy Li Shian YeoFurnish Now writer

Two Gold Winners; Both Deserved ItContinued from page 1

harmonious co-existence of nature and human being.” New PK Furniture Décor Sdn. Bhd’s. Tan Yoong Kuan and

Tan Siew Guan collaborated to transform reclaimed Brazilian hardwood into the Peroba Wood & Soft Grey Collection, the Bedroom and Bedding Category winner.

In delivering his Chief Judge’s report, Ian Davies praised participating companies for demonstrating the use of sustainable materials and manufacturing processes in their products.

On the other hand, the overall standard of entries was no higher than last year.

While the use of innovative new timbers and recycled materials from FRIM and SIRIM was “commendable”, he said they were “lacking in design appeal.”

Despite the sobering insights, the award ceremony ended on an optimistic note.

Both Taz Corporation and New PK Furniture Décor were declared joint winners of the prestigious Gold Award because the judges felt they “both deserved the recognition.”

But the buying jury is still out; whether import countries from A to Z agree with the victors’ design, functionality and brand appeal will yield the ultimate verdict.


03The official show news of the Malaysian International Furniture Fair

NAME OF COMPANY

MASTER SOFA INDUSTRIES SDN BHD

BOOTH NO. K406

NAME OF COMPANY OMEGA SOFA (M) SDN BHD

BOOTH NO. K210

Trophy Room

WINNERS OF MIFF 2011 BEST PRESENTATION AWARD

NAME OF COMPANY EURO CHAIRS MANUFACTURER (M) SDN BHD

BOOTH NO. 2B03

NAME OF COMPANY

BJ CABINET ENTERPRISE

SDN BHD BOOTH NO. 1 19

NAME OF COMPANY

KUEK BROTHERS FURNITURE SDN BHD

BOOTH NO. 101

NAME OF COMPANY

SWEET DREAM INDUSTRIAL

CORPORATION SDN BHDBOOTH NO. 4B20

CATEGORY 1 : 101 SQM AND ABOVE

CATEGORY 2 : 51-100 SQM

NAME OF COMPANY SJI INDUSTRIES SDN BHD

BOOTH NO. 335

NAME OF COMPANY

SAFARI OFFICE SYSTEM

SDN BHDBOOTH NO. 2B05

NAME OF COMPANY MAXLY LANDSCAPE SDN BHD

BOOTH NO. K116

NAME OF COMPANY

EURO STEEL SYSTEM SDN BHD

BOOTH NO. 2C10

NAME OF COMPANY CASA SALOTTI DESIGN MANUFACTURER SDN BHD

BOOTH NO. K415

NAME OF COMPANY

VS OFFICE FURNITURE

INDUSTRIES SDN BHDBOOTH NO. 2B26

NAME OF COMPANY BENITHEM SDN BHD

BOOTH NO. 2B35

NAME OF COMPANY

TAZ CORPORATION SDN BHD

BOOTH NO. 2B50

NAME OF COMPANY PROCASA INDUSTRIES SDN BHD

BOOTH NO. 2C27

NAME OF COMPANY GREEN PANEL PRODUCTS (M) SDN BHD

BOOTH NO. 4B09

NAME OF COMPANY

MEDLEY HALLMARK SDN BHD

BOOTH NO. K120

NAME OF COMPANY CREATIVE HOME (HK) LTD

BOOTH NO. K206

NAME OF COMPANY NATURE ARK SDN BHD

BOOTH NO. K403A

NAME OF COMPANY

WOLCLASS SDN BHD

BOOTH NO. K410

NAME OF COMPANY

FERCO SEATING SYSTEMS (M) SDN BHD

BOOTH NO. 2D12

NAME OF COMPANY

TAZ CORPORATION SDN BHD

BOOTH NO. 2C28

NAME OF COMPANY

AM - OFFICE GROUP

INDUSTRIES SDN BHDBOOTH NO. 2B31

CATEGORY 3 : 50 SQM AND BELOW

GOLDAWARD

GOLDAWARD

GOLDAWARD


MERITAWARDMERIT

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AWARDMERIT

AWARDMERIT


1stPRIZE

Samarata

1stPRIZE

Samarata

1stPRIZE

Samarata

2ndPRIZEClone

2ndPRIZEClone

2ndPRIZEClone

3rdPRIZEBungaRaya

3rdPRIZEBungaRaya

3rdPRIZEBungaRaya




BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

GOLDAWARD

GOLDAWARD

GOLDAWARD


MERITAWARDMERIT

AWARDMERIT

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AWARDMERIT


1stPRIZE

Samarata

1stPRIZE

Samarata

1stPRIZE

Samarata

2ndPRIZEClone

2ndPRIZEClone

2ndPRIZEClone

3rdPRIZEBungaRaya

3rdPRIZEBungaRaya

3rdPRIZEBungaRaya




BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

GOLDAWARD

GOLDAWARD

GOLDAWARD


MERITAWARDMERIT

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1stPRIZE

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1stPRIZE

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2ndPRIZEClone

2ndPRIZEClone

2ndPRIZEClone

3rdPRIZEBungaRaya

3rdPRIZEBungaRaya

3rdPRIZEBungaRaya




BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

GOLDAWARD

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MERITAWARDMERIT

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2ndPRIZEClone

2ndPRIZEClone

2ndPRIZEClone

3rdPRIZEBungaRaya

3rdPRIZEBungaRaya

3rdPRIZEBungaRaya




BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

GOLDAWARD

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MERITAWARDMERIT

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1stPRIZE

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2ndPRIZEClone

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3rdPRIZEBungaRaya

3rdPRIZEBungaRaya

3rdPRIZEBungaRaya




BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

GOLDAWARD

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1stPRIZE

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3rdPRIZEBungaRaya

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BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

GOLDAWARD

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BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

GOLDAWARD

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BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

GOLDAWARD

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2ndPRIZEClone

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3rdPRIZEBungaRaya

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BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

GOLDAWARD

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BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

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BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

GOLDAWARD

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BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

GOLDAWARD

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BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

BESTPROTOTYPE

MAKERJemaramas Jaya

Sdn. Bhd.

GOLDAWARD

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w w w . y e u h o n g . c o m

Malaysia International Furniture Fair 2011

PWTC ,Hall 2 ,Booth No.211

Lot 4090, Kawasan Perindustrian Parit Jamil , 84150 Muar , Johor Darul Takzim , Malaysia .Tel : + 606 987 2200Fax : + 606 987 2211Email : [email protected] : www.yeuhong.com

YEU HONG FURNITURE INDUSTRIES SDN. BHD. ( 113568-V)

Please visit us @

A.M .Buzz!

It was almost like Brazilian Carnival.

As day two of the Malaysian International Furniture

Fair (MIFF) 2011 came to a close, invited international buyers

gathered at the Grand Ballroom of the Legend Hotel for the

kind of public, masked circus-like celebration that Brazilians

are famous for.

As the clock ticked half past seven, the buyers gradually

took to their seats in the dimly lit ballroom, only to be

pleasantly surprised with splashes of pyrotechnics as two

belly dancers danced their way to the spot-lit stage (See

plenty of pics on page 12!).

Meanwhile, the 700 guests enjoyed a sumptuous

nine-course Chinese ceremonial dinner and more

Ara Torosyan

It doesn’t take a Russian trade rep to see immense potential in expanding the commercial relationship between Malaysia and Russia—or does it?

Mr. Torosyan, who heads the chamber’s representative

office–Trade House of Malaysia (THM), based in Johor–will

elaborate on this during his talk, “Business Opportunity in

Russia,” held this Saturday at 11 a.m. in Perhentian room,

Level 3, PWTC, during the Malaysian International Furniture

Fair 2011.

One of the reasons for this lack of commercial exchange,

said Mr. Torosyan, is that Malaysian companies have been

focusing too much effort on investment and exports to

countries in the West like the U.S., and in the Middle East,

and not enough attention has been given to Russia.

“This can be overcome if more promotions–like trade

shows and product exhibitions–are organised by both

countries,” he emphasized, adding that Malaysia and Russia

collectively stand to lose big, economically, if the existing

state of affairs is allowed to persist.

To show Russia’s continuing commitment to the

enhancement of the trade relationship, THM has set up a

booth at MIFF 2011 to promote market development in the

Brazil in Malaysia: CoolInternational visitor jetlag was no match for MIFF’s Buyers’ Night gala, resembling Brazil’s best-known celebration: Carnival. By Mohd RashdanFurnish Now writer

lively entertainment at “Masquerade Night,” the

organiser’s theme for this year’s Buyers’ Night gala.

On hand were Middle Eastern belly, local traditional

Malay and Western dance routines; a magic show;

and a live concert by Australian entertainer Donna Daniels.

Happy faces were seen all around as people mingled

and unwound with free-flow of beverages and wine.

Soon enough, the master of ceremonies took to the

microphone to warmly welcome guests, and subsequently

called upon MIFF 2011 Organising Chairman, Dato’ Dr. Tan

Chin Huat, to deliver his address.

Dato’ Tan graciously thanked the exhibitors for their

involvement in this year’s fair and expressed his hopes that

the Malaysian fair would again prove to be a fruitful trip and

worthwhile investment for foreign participants.

In appreciation of Malaysia’s commitment to the fair

for 17 years in the running, the Japanese delegation’s

representative, Kawasaki Atsumasa, presented a memento

to Dato’ Tan.

During intermission, Dato’ Tan set the centre stage

for the preview launching of MIFF 2012, which will run

from March 6 to 10. Accompanied with splashes of

pyrotechnics and fireworks, next year’s MIFF logo was

unveiled at the dinner.

Prizes were given out to dinner guests in four lucky

draws, with products ranging from Mont Blanc pens to

Canon and Nikon digital cameras. Eight unique paintings

brought in from China also were presented by the art donor

Wang Zhou to the winners.

The event came to a close with a final dance routine after

lucky draw grand prizes of Apple iPads and MacBooks were

presented by the wife of Dato’ Tan. The MacBook went to

an Australian buyer whilst five other prizes went to Indian

and Sri Lankan participants.

Talk About a Niche: Few M’sian Companies in Russia

Inadequate information and promotion of Malaysia in

Russia, and vice versa, are why the trade relationship

between the two has been lagging, said Ara Torosyan,

the Chairman for the Commission for Trade & Economic

Cooperation with Malaysia, a division of the Moscow

Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

According to him, there are only a handful of Malaysian

companies presently investing and operating in Russia.

Ten, for a country that spans two continents.

country to interested Malaysian companies.

With 10 years of experience participating in similar

exhibitions in Moscow, THM now has a base clientele

and partners of about 500 companies in Russia and in

the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), like

Ukraine and Kazakhstan. Some of these world-renowned

companies include Shatura, Farengate, Family Room and

Akson.

THM’s services range from liaising with various

manufacturers to consolidating goods. Its Malaysian

counterpart, Evergreen Smart, helps THM in terms of

legislation and business dealings.

It has also set up a specific website for Malaysia: www.

thmal.com, and publishes its own trade magazine where

Malaysian companies can advertise their services and

products.

For more information, visit THM’s booth at MIFF 2011 at

Booth 4A34, Hall 4A, PWTC, and come to Mr. Torosyan’s talk

at 11 a.m. this Saturday at Perhentian room, Level 3, PWTC.

By Mohd RashdanFurnish Now writer


05The official show news of the Malaysian International Furniture Fair

Which brings us to the million-dollar question: where

can MIFF improve?

Without missing a beat, he said, “The only handicap

is the venue. If the venue improves to a better exhibition

hall, the organiser can take the fair to another level and put

Malaysia on the map as the go-to furniture show. Without

that, they can’t do very much except for enhancing the

services, which they are already doing.”

The Malaysian government could lend a hand to further

industry and show development, which it intends to do.

At MIFF’s Opening Ceremony, YB Senator Tan Sri Dr. Koh

Tsu Koon, Minister in charge of Performance Management

and Delivery Unit (PEMANDU) of the Prime Minister’s

Department, sent out a strong message:

“Within the government, the furniture industry has

first to draw upon the ministry of natural resource and

environment; the plantation and primary commodity

industry to be in charge of the management of forestry

and plantation; MOSTI driving innovation; MITI of which

MATRADE is responsible to promote trade, Malaysia, and

the Malaysian brand; and the ministry of higher education.

It is the combined efforts of the various ministries and

agencies, the private and public sector’s cooperation and

collaboration which will make this reality happen.”

He added, “Let MIFF 2011 be the beginning of a new era

of growth in the furniture industry and exhibition industry

of Malaysia.”

Our sentiments exactly, Tan Sri.

we got last year. The show itself was a good avenue for us

to exhibit our range of products, and we didn’t have much

opportunity previously to do so on the local scene—in a

bigger way, that is.”

Dato’ Yong continued: “Over the years, the organiser

has done a fantastic job promoting the show overseas.

They have succeeded in bringing in many quality buyers,

even chain stores.”

He stressed that the true value of MIFF neither begins

nor ends with “direct sales alone”.

“This is a venue where we meet a lot of our partners in

one area over a short span of time,” Dato’ Yong said.

In addition to displaying new products, Dato’ Yong

appreciates the opportunity to meet up with his industry

peers to exchange information.

“My [manufacturing] peers from other countries say

they should be displaying here,” he laughed. “Looking at

the volume and quality of the buyers, this is the market

they’re targeting. Then not so good for me because it’s

another choice for buyers,” he joked.

Sobering up, he agreed that the competition is “good

for the country and industry.”

In his opinion, MIFF has almost reached its full potential.

“Over the years, MIFF has done a fantastic job from all

aspects of organisation compared to other exhibitions,”

Dato’ Yong said. “Well, I cannot comment [further] unless I

am in the exhibition business.”

Specia lReport: the M IFF Story

By Alexandra WongFurnish Now writer

If there’s one person who appreciates the impact of MIFF

as much as the indefatigable Dato’ Dr. Tan Chin Huat, it’s

probably Dato’ Yong Seng Yeow, the affable managing

director of local but publicly listed chipboard-maker Mieco

Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd.

The red-and-white Mieco logo is such a familiar sight in

the MIFF landscape that it’s probably no exaggeration to

say that MIFF would not be the same without Mieco. The

reverse might hold true too.

To explain why, first a quick history lesson.

The Malaysian mega furniture industry as we know it

today—commanding an export market of more than 160

countries and known globally for its expertise in wood

and office niches—was just a cottage-sized version of its

current self two decades back.

“It started with a handful of furniture makers in Muar,”

Dato’ Yong said, referring to a sleepy small town in the

nation’s most southern state.

According to the Muar Furniture Association’s website:

“The yore of Muar Furniture industry was very much family

orientated with many scattered around the rural area of

Parit Bakar. Links with each other were rarely made and

each of them ran their businesses in their own way and

approach. Hence the market was then only restricted to

the Muar region without much scope for expansion and

advancement.”

What jumpstarted the Muar industry was the advent of

Taiwanese furniture players.

“In the wake of rising real estate prices, many Taiwanese

companies shifted their focus to Malaysia–some [Taiwanese

companies] are still around,” the website continues. "The

Taiwanese spearheaded our industry. They came and

introduced a lot of mechanisation, [paving the way] to

manufacture furniture in bigger volumes.”

As mechanisation and automation seeped into local

furniture-makers’ production ethos, rapid industrialisation

followed, resulting in dramatic improvements in quality

and reliability.

Today, Muar is as famous for otak-otak—a traditional

delicacy made of fish and coconut milk wrapped inside

banana leaf and roasted—as it is for being the hub of

prominent furniture makers like Aik Chee Furniture, AFA

Furniture, and First Flames, many of which are exhibiting

at MIFF 2011. Unsurprisingly, Muar is dubbed the nation’s

Furniture Town.

In Mieco’s case, furniture exports jumped in a big way

after 1994, a year before MIFF came into being.

On all counts, few, including Mieco, would have

foreseen the phenomenal growth of the fair.

“It started out very small,” Dato’ Yong recalls. “We

received good support from government agencies like

the Malaysian Timber Council. At the beginning, we had

international buyers, but much lesser than the 7,000 or so

Hand-in-hand, MIFF and Meico Have Grown Together

Dato’ Yong Seng Yeow


06 The official show news of the Malaysian International Furniture FairCozyChat

By Shantini HarrietFurnish Now writer

Forget school.At the end of the day, business has to be learned the

hard way: by doing it. And if you’re doing it, then keep your nose to the

industry grindstone, keep your eyes peeled and your ears ready to hear the murmurings of your peers.

If you’re in the furniture industry, there’s one particular peer worth hearing: Terence C.S. Teo, business development manager of Master Sofa Industries Sdn. Bhd., a well-established Malaysian upholstery sofa manufacturer. Mr. Teo was up for an impromptu chat to give us insight into the workings of a successful furniture business. Listen up, then get back to the grind.

Q: What were the early days of Master Sofa like?

Teo: The founders of Master Sofa were already experienced in making sofas since they were very young. So when we started, the first market we penetrated was Japan to gain experience and knowledge. Then we slowly increased the volume according to what they want until we expanded the business to Europe, Australia and the rest of the world.

Q: How do you market your business or products?

Teo: Of course exhibitions are one of the main avenues. Main ones on the exhibitions circuit include MIFF; one in Cologne, Germany; one in Singapore and maybe one in Shanghai in September. At these shows, everyone will see you, get to know you and your products. We also conduct some research on the customer base we want to penetrate. From there we will approach the buyers we want to see and fly to Japan or Europe, for example, to see them.

Q: It is our understanding that the business is mostly reliant on repeat customers. How do you ensure customer loyalty?

Teo: Quality is very important, as is pricing. But quality and customer service are the first things that customers look at, even though our prices are slightly higher than others. Building our relationship with customers is very important so subsequently keeping the relationship healthy gives us more chances than others.

Q: What are some of the marketing or business practices at Master Sofa that have been effective?

Teo: We try to visit each customer regularly over the years, and also introduce promotional items or prices for a certain period of time or deals. Of course, design is one of the important elements we have to ensure.

As exporters, we don’t need to come up with aggressive advertising since our customers are mainly repeat buyers unlike retailers who rely on new customers all the time.

Q: What kind of research is needed if you want to break into new markets?

Teo: I think the product itself is important. If you have the right products it would be easier to penetrate the market. Also look into some local retailers. These days that is much easier. Just Google it. And from there, you get an idea about what is needed by the end user in their countries to make it easier to get your foot in the door.

Q: What horrors do you face in your line of business?

Teo: I would say the regulations and different standards that we need to adhere to from our export destinations are challenges. The quality and chemical contents of commodities need to be tested, as well as the mechanism, especially if you are in business with big companies.

The regulations and standards vary from country to country, and certain parts of them can be revised yearly so we have to be on top of them and comply or products will be rejected. I remember there was a DMF—a kind of skin allergy caused by chemicals—scare a few years ago in Europe from a supplier in China. It was quite serious, and since then customers are more careful about leather content and we need to provide a lot of certificates to prove that the leather you are using does not contain any skin allergic chemicals.

Q: What are some of the challenges currently affecting the industry?

Teo: At the moment, as a manufacturer, the rising costs of raw materials are a concern. For example, with leather or foam or fibres, these are commodities and there is no way for us to control supply availability or price fluctuation. The problem is that when the price increases, it affects the manufacturers first, and we have to pass it on to the customer. Most customers don’t understand this because in their business as retailers or importers, raw materials aren’t something they need to think about. This can cause us to lose customers to our competitors from other countries like China, Vietnam and Indonesia that have cheaper costs. So we find that we can’t immediately pass these increases onto our customers.

Also funnily, as the Malaysian ringgit strengthens, though it is good for the country overall, it isn’t good for ex-porters. Combined with the price increase of commodities, it is like a double-headed serpent rearing its ugly head.

Visit Master Sofa at Booth No. K406, Hall K4, KLCC

What One M’sian Furniture Retailer Learned the Hard Way


07The official show news of the Malaysian International Furniture FairFood forThought

By Chan Li JinFurnish Now writer

When Furnish Now caught up with

Tham Sing Khow, deputy CEO of the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) at the Kuala Lumpur C o n v e n t i o n C e n t r e , he was about to meet KLCC officials to discuss the 2nd Malaysia Global Woodmart 2012 (MGW 2012), a biannual event which began in 2010.

We gasped, and asked whether it will pose competition to MIFF. He was quick to reassure us that it is not meant to.

“The MGW is a showcase of wood products but not furniture,” Mr. Tham said. “It’s to bring together all the suppliers of raw materials like wooden doors, sawn timber and plywood. We hope to work together with MIFF because this is where manufacturers from MIFF can come to source for material suppliers.”

With such stiff competition in the furniture world, it is understandably easy to get defensive whenever another furniture-related event pops up. This defensiveness does

By Li Shian YeoFurnish Now writer

During his first trip to Malaysia by taxi from Singapore 15 to 20 years ago, Kawasaki Atsumasa also thought

it would be one of his last trips—or at least a very infrequent one.

It fact, it has turned out to be a lifetime of frequent business visits to Malaysia.

Mr. Kawasaki, chairman of SH Association, a non-profit organisation composed of the largest furniture retailers in Japan, has made it a point to often attend the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF).

His presence this year with a 23-member delegation of mainly furniture industry leaders was again welcomed by MIFF’s founder, Dato’ Dr. Tan Chin Huat.

According to Mr. Kawasaki, at the time of the interview, he had already placed an order of over 35 containers of products, mainly couches and sofas from local manufacturers. Not sourcing for any particular item this time, he however expressed strong interest in purchasing a variety of products as Malaysian manufacturers have a ‘perfect package’ to offer, he said.

Band Together, Malaysia Timber Council Top Gun Urgesnot augur well for the industry, with the many challenges faced by furniture manufacturers.

“In furniture, availability of materials is always the top consideration,” Mr. Tham said. “Supply must be abundant, suitable for furniture, easy to use, appearance-wise attractive and price must also be right,” he said, adding that up to 80 percent of all Malaysian furniture is made from rubberwood because it fulfils these criteria.

One industry challenge is that buyers are getting more environmental-conscious.

“They are now asking whether the wood is coming from sustainable sources,” said Mr. Tham.

The Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC), which is responsible for the certification of sustainable forestry, has certification processes for natural forests, where raw materials for outdoor furniture are derived.

According to Mr. Tham, buyers in the U.K., Germany and Holland are now requesting certification for indoor furniture too. As such, it will only be a matter of time before Malaysia is faced with the dilemma of having some furniture rejected because rubberwood, mainly used for indoor furniture, does not have certification for sustainable forestry practices.

“It is not easy to get sustainability certification for rubber plantations because they are owned by smallholders, ” Mr. Tham said. “MTCC is now trying to develop the

regulatory processes to get this certification in place.”Another uphill battle is the shortage of labour. “The immediate solution to this is to pressure the

government to loosen the foreign labour regulations just for the furniture industry,” Mr. Tham said. “But this is only short-term. No matter what, manufacturers must start looking at other long-term solutions like increasing automation. If not, they will not be able to meet demand if they get a lot of orders from buyers during MIFF!”

Ultimately, all stakeholders need to work together to make things work for the industry, Mr. Tham stressed.

“Furniture associations and councils are already having dialogues with MTC, MTCC and the Ministry of International Trade & Industry [MITI] to come up with solutions that will help the industry move forward,” he added.

MTC previously has conducted overseas study trips to furniture factories and machinery producers in Europe for manufacturers to see how automation can help their business. There also were trips to Africa, Latin America, Papua New Guinea and Canada for raw materials sourcing.

“We are now talking to NGOs to raise environmental awareness because they often accuse furniture people of destroying forests,” Mr. Tham said. “They don’t know that we are actually helping to preserve the environment by having better management of our forests.”

Japan’s Furniture Czar Loves M’sian Wares, Seeks Second Home Here

“Quality products, remarkable craftsmanship with impressive designs in any colour and size are reasons for our repeat order,” Mr. Kawasaki said. “And most importantly, I get to buy at half the price,” said Mr. Kawasaki gleefully during an interview with Furnish Now.

Citing Malaysia as a potential future industry leader in the global marketplace, the 86-year-old is confident that the country will continue to strive and become the Top 5 furniture producer in the world. He feels that Malaysia has set a good example in Asia by beating neighbouring countries such as Vietnam and Thailand by successfully earning international buyers’ trust and confidence.

He also extends his heartfelt gratitude to two important individuals who made his MIFF tours possible over the years: Dato’ Tan and Izuko Abeno, president of Toyo Furniture Research Co. Ltd., Japan.

“Thanks to Dato’ Tan especially because without him, SH Group will not be ‘rewarded’ with so many great products to be introduced to our end users in Japan,” Mr. Kawasaki said.

Mr. Kawasaki, who arrived at MIFF on February 28, also revealed that apart from his intention to continuously

support Malaysian furniture products, he hopes to make Malaysia his second home if he ever retires one day.

“Nothing near retirement yet,” Mr. Kawasaki said. “But if I ever do, no doubt, I definitely will get a house here because I get younger and younger every time I return to Malaysia. Malaysians are beautiful, friendly and lively people.”

Tham Sing Khow

Mr Kawasaki Atsumasa (left) with Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon


08 The official show news of the Malaysian International Furniture FairFabu lous Fu rn i tu re

A Brighter Future with LEDs

The Japanese are synonymous with innovation. Just check out MIFF first-timer Shibasaki Inc., a 60-year-old Japanese company that began as a lumber company before making a foray into

furniture. This bright little booth is wowing crowds with Alfacto, its range of innovative, fully-functional furniture and accessories that equally enhance homes or commercial outlets.

Check out Happaya Garden, a clever plant cultivation device that replicates photosynthesis so your plants can flourish even on dark rainy days.

Behold the ingenuity of Down Light (it resembles a discreet, miniature spotlight). We predict it’d be a sure-fire hit with retail outlets, galleries and shopping malls that want to portray their display items in the most flattering light. Its High CRI of Ra92 brings out the most vibrant and realistic colours of the items it illuminates!

Check out the ALULA chair, a snazzy-looking painted aluminium chair that won the Good Design award at the Japanese Small and Medium Enterprise Agency’s Director-General Special Prize 2005.

Booth No: K517, Hall K5, KLCCContact: Mr. Akira MatsumuraTel: 81 494 62 4223Email: [email protected]: www.shibasaki-inc.jpExport markets: Currently Japan market. Open to overseas wholesaler and distributor.

Cloud-like Comfort

JG Nino Corporation Sdn. Bhd. is so confident in its products that the company gives customers 29 days to decide to keep them or bring

them back to their store for exchange.And why not? Judging

by its portfolio of state-of-the-art mattresses, few can match its advanced technology.

It’s among the first companies to incorporate technologies like pocket springs, bonnel springs and air-tech foam–the company’s latest pride and joy—which is a revolutionary material with full side-venting airflow padding that helps remove excess body heat.

“With air-tech foam, a mattress is cooler and more comfortable to sleep on. The sensation is almost akin to reclining on clouds!” said George Ho, CEO of JG Nino.

Booth no: K401A, Hall 4, KLCCContact: James LohTel: +606 233 2339Email: [email protected]: www.jgnino.comExport markets: Australia, Malaysia and Europe

The Wicker and Aluminium Specialist

With over ten years of producing aluminium and wicker furniture, J&R Household Co.

Ltd. has become a leading manufacturer of outdoor patio furniture products in China.

Choose from small-scaled wicker chairs for your porch, larger comfy chairs for your sunroom or outdoor sun loungers that withstand all weather conditions. Outdoor sun loungers feature solid tube and coating systems and are made of UV-protected materials to prolong lifespan.

As a result of its focus on quality and efficiency, the company was ISO9001 certified.

Through dealing with major international importers and retailers, J&R Household clearly understands customers’ stringent requirements and offers great value in terms of price and quality.

Booth No: K513, Hall K5, KLCCContact: Mr. WilliamTel: 86 21 51070101Website: www.jrsh.cnExport markets: Europe and U.S.

A Dash of Italian Panache

Crafted from soft, supple, luxurious leather, Lanouva sofas add a dash of sophisticated Italian panache to your contemporary home

or apartment. For better resistance and comfort, elastic weft belts are used on the

seats and back rests, with steel spring used for some solid models. For added sturdiness, meranti hard wood is used to produce the sturdy frame structure, while seat backs and cushions are enhanced with padding to maintain the volume and softness over time.

Buyers should keep an eye out for the company’s newest sofa bed addition, Day Night, said Sharon Wong, director at Sin Lian Lee Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. (the company responsible for manufacturing and distributing the Lanouva line).

“As versatile as it is stylish, it is generously proportioned, yet can be transformed into a shape to suit living rooms of different sizes or moods.”

Booth no: K407, Hall K4, KLCCContact: Mr. Alan LowTel: +603 7846 8777Email: [email protected]: www.lanouva.comExport markets: Europe, US

The Best of Sofa Beds

Designed for the home owner who values

comfort but demands style, Best Store Corporation Sdn. Bhd.’s products combine precisely defined forms and organic lines in a space. Curves meet and turn into completely new lines of design, with the capacity to serve multiple functions.

Best Store started as a tube and steel bed manufacturer in 1999, but shifted production to sofa beds using tubes in 2000, and a year later, went into leather and composite sofas.

With a big team dedicated to design, research and development, and sample making, Best Store offers the perfect formula of Italian design and Japanese technology with the competitiveness of being made in Malaysia.

Booth no: K502, Hall K5, KLCCContact: Mr. Stephen TehTel: +605 891 1228Email: [email protected]: www.beststore.com.myExport markets: Middle East, Europe


09The official show news of the Malaysian International Furniture FairFabu lous Fu rn i tu re

One-Stop-Shop for Furniture Makers

Kintex (KL) Sdn. Bhd., an award-winning company established since 1975, was a hive of activity during MIFF 2011 and for good reason: it

has most everything under one roof for furniture makers. Every available wall was draped with fabrics of all kinds for cloth

furniture, while cutesy little cushions of various designs were lined up along the wall ridges to demonstrate how they look when being turned into furniture. A quick look at the company brochure shows it produces everything from tarpaulin canvasses to PU/PVC leather to machinery and everything in between.

Outside the booth, curious passersby stopped to look at Kintex’s latest offering: the K-Delco Decorative Design Software, which allows designers and manufacturers to graphically produce furniture or interior design with selected colours and fabric designs.

“We developed the K-Delco because we’ve had manufacturers who face problems with their foreign workers,” said Koh Dat Toon, general manager of Kintex. “The workers cannot understand English well, so sometimes they get the colour or design wrong. With this software, you can print out the design and staple it to the job order. One of our clients who used to have high production errors later had zero error after using K-Delco.”

Another innovation which is capturing a lot of interest is sun proof, their weather-proof textile range for outdoor furniture, which is soil and stain resistant as well as water repellent.

Booth: K412, Hall K4, KLCCContact: Koh Dat Toon, General ManagerTel: +603 6275 8899Email: [email protected]: www.kintex.com.myExport markets: India, Vietnam, Australia

Fancy a Centipede Ride?

Some furniture is so eye-catching you can’t help but stop to look. WOLCLASS Sdn. Bhd.’s Centipede Folding Table set is one clear example: you cannot help

but marvel by how versatile and convenient it must be for high-traffic places such as school canteens, food courts and restaurants.

“We got this idea from our customers, who asked us to create something that can be folded up to save space, is easy to clean and is beautiful,” said Daniel Goh, managing director of WOLCLASS. “Our Centipede is so light that it can be handled by ladies, and because the tops are made of fibreglass, it is easy to wash and keep hygienic.”

The company has been specializing in furniture for educational institutions for the last twenty years, producing high-quality items such as desks, lab tables, work benches, cabinets and more.

Booth: K410, Hall K4, KLCCContact: Daniel Goh, managing directorTel: +603 3291 5036, +603 3291 5037, +603 3291 6102Email: [email protected]: www.wolclass.comExport markets: Middle East, Singapore

All Website Designer Applications: REJECTED

First-time enquirers at Yution Enterprise Sdn. Bhd. are always surprised when they hear

that this family-run business specializing in wooden bunk beds does not have a website.

But once customers start working with Yution, they soon come to appreciate this dinosaur practice of not having web presence.

“We do OEM business and our clients are very particular,” said Eng Tian Hock, Yution’s general manager. “They don’t want the same design that everyone also has. So we prefer not to have a website because if everyone can see it, they can change a little bit, then they will say it’s a new design.”

The company focuses on building relationships with clients, promising each client that their design is country-exclusive.

“We know our clients trust us when they give us their own design, because we won’t be sharing their design with others,” Mr. Eng said.

All company materials from the wood right down to the bolts and nuts are 100 percent Malaysian because Yution has had previous bad experience with imported materials from China. Customers pay a bit more but they don’t mind because the quality is guaranteed.

“I always tell them: cheap thing no good, good thing no cheap!” quipped Mr. Eng confidently.

Booth: K402A, Hall 4, KLCCContact: Eng Tian Hock, General Manager

Tel: +609 538 2922Email: [email protected]

Export markets: Australia, New Zealand, India, USA, Middle East

Affordable Designer Pieces for Every Home

Furniture is a business for most industry players, but for China-born Joe Tey, general manager of Zeppelin Furniture Manufacturing Co.

Ltd., furniture is a passion. With a strong interest in furniture and interior design for the last 20

years, his eyes light up and he spins into animated chatter when talking about his company’s latest showcase, the Helena chair.

“I always hear people saying they’d love having beautiful furniture in their homes, but the good designs are always so expensive,” Mr. Tey said. “I want to make show pieces that everyone can afford.”

The Helena chair, which had taken a year to design, has a unique inverted L-shape that can be flipped over to fit people of different leg lengths.

“Single people can buy just one first. When they have a partner, they can buy another and turn it into a sofa set or day bed,” he said.

Mr. Tey hopes Helena will win an award because it will motivate company designers to be more creative. Even if it doesn’t win, he is also happy because it has attracted a lot of enquiries during MIFF.

“I’m already working on next year’s design,” Mr. Tey said.

Booth: K212, Hall K2, KLCCContact: Joe Tey, General Manager/ Eddy Lau, Executive DirectorTel: +86 512 5723 0698 (China)/ +603 8075 9585 (Malaysia)Email: [email protected] (China), [email protected] (Malaysia)Website: www.zeppelin.en.alibaba.com, www.lgglobal.com.myExport markets: UK, Australia, Portugal, USA

When Is a Banana Not a Banana?

When it’s a chair designed by NRT Cascadia Home Products Sdn. Bhd., of course—or a whole living room set to be more precise.

The Gaya range is composed of two single-seaters, a three-seater and a coffee table and is made from mahogany and natural wash banana rope. Banana rope is a product extracted from the humble but versatile banana tree bark after it is stripped, dried, single-treated and then braided.

The natural tone of the fibre lends an air of stylish elegance that enhances any timber used with it for a truly breathtaking visual effect. The Gaya range brings subtle sweeping lines to high arms and solid square wooden feet. The comfortable fibre-filled cushion adds a touch of class to this contemporary design.

Booth: 142, Hall 1, PWTC Contact: Sandra HoTel: +603-9010 5311Email: [email protected]: www.nrt-cascadia.comExport Markets: Europe and Middle East



Phew…More Fans than Haters Out ThereAttendees approve of MIFF 2011—for the most part. Furnish Now won’t take MIFF’s word for it. We had to ask. How was the show, really, for attendees? Here’s what you had to say:

The BUYERS’ ReportQ: Did you find what you were looking for?

“We just got here yesterday so we’re going around to different places and we are finding some good things. Everything was the way we expected. We’re just

looking for new trends that may be here at this market in casual dining. MIFF’s service is very good; it’s complete as far as getting us from Point A to Point B and the different buildings. They are very well organized. We are very pleased.”

- Dave WoodburnPort-of-Fino Furniture, Canada

“I’m still looking but I like some sofa and bed designs, though in the area of product innovation a lot more needs to be done.”

- Firoz NagreeThe Maple Leaf, India

“We’re still looking; hopefully we find some good deals though prices have gone higher probably because the market is getting more competitive. I think inflation is like,

literally, worldwide. But the service is excellent as always and I especially enjoy Buyers’ Night.”

-Mehtab TazimInteriors2 Suit, United Kingdom

Did you find anything you weren’t looking for?

“We did not find everything, but most of it, and also something I was not looking for. I’m looking for outdoor furniture but I found a new material, it is a mix of plastic and

wood together. It is first time I see it. “-Ahmed Ali

Elbashair Furniture, Sudan

The EXHIBITORS’ Report

Be honest, how was MIFF?

“MIFF was quite good this year for us – the visitors, the customers. More customers this time, old and new customers. “

-Andry SonwellyPT Arjuna Maha Sentosa Furniture Industries, Indonesia

“My market is mainly targeting the Middle East and Africa, but because of the situation there, my business has dropped quite significantly from there. On the

other hand, enquiries from other countries, especially India, have increased a lot. An exhibition doesn’t necessarily mean orders, but contact is very important to us and the quality of visitors is always there. Also this year we are very happy with our booth contractor. We’ve been with the show for 15 years and we have been in the same spot for the last 10 years. It is like our second home somehow. ”

-Lau Cheng ChuanChernyen Industries Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia

“I found more than I was looking for, a lot of nice companies to work with and I learned about Malaysia more. It is my first time in Malaysia. I wasn’t looking for them but I found lock

safes and I’m planning on buying a container load. The organizing is very good and I like the Buyers’ Night because it is a good way to bring people together to socialize and do networking. And so it is very nice what MIFF has done.”

-Viresh BaldewJumbo International, Suriname

How was MIFF 2011 from a service point of view?

“We are from a very small country but it is not our first visit to a Malaysia exhibition. We work already with Malaysian companies. I look for items that we know but

items were new, and that is good. MIFF is very good. For example, when we received the information letter about the exhibition, hotels and Buyers’ Night, it came six months ahead of time and in our own language, not in English. It is very nice. I think it has one of the best services anywhere because I’ve been to exhibitions in Milan, Cologne, Moscow and China, but MIFF’s service is much better.”

-Yuri PurikovsFirma “Lans”, Latvia

“As a first-timer to MIFF, I’m more than impressed. Kudos for the excellent transportation, entertainment and facilities. There is a wide range of furniture we don’t

see in China, especially wood furniture. After going around the booths, my group and I are now interested in exploring territories like Johor, which I hear is a great furniture hub.”

-Power ChenShenzhen Kingstar Shipping Co., China

“We have joined the Fair more than seven years. No new customers yet but we are still hopeful. But we had our regular customers from Australia, U.S. and U.K. coming in.”

-Kok Huei MinTake Export Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia

“The sales people from MIFF are very helpful and very kind. Every time we bring up any issues or problems, they will help settle with a smile. Traffic is better than last year too. “

-Eisten LaiSun Safes Mfg. Co., Korea/Malaysia

So Far So Good


11The official show news of the Malaysian International Furniture FairPost- i tNotes

MIFF 2011 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

HALL 2

CARPARK

HALL 2CHALL 2B

HALL 2A

HALL 4DHALL 4C

HALL 4BHALL 4A

HALL 5

HALL 1M

HALL 1

MEZZANINE FLOOR

HALL 3

GROUND FLOOR

LEVEL 5

LEVEL 4

LEVEL 3

LEVEL 2

LEVEL 1

Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) Main Registration Counter – Main Entrance (Level 2) Organiser’s Office – Behind Main Registration Counter (Level 2) Luggage & Travel Information Counter – Main Registration Counter (Level 2) Tourist Information Centre – Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Level 2) Exhibitors Service Counter – Hall 2 Entrance (Level 1) & Hall 3 Sabah Room (Level 3)

Available services: PC, Internet, printer, photocopy and fax MIFF Media Centre – World Trade Centre Club (Level 2)

Exclusively for media to relax whilst accessing available facilities: PC, Internet, printer, scanner, lockers, and photocopy services

HALL PLAN

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) Registration Counter – Hall 2 (Ground Floor) Fairground Shuttle Transfer – Main Entrance (Ground Floor) Business Centre – Hall 2 (Level 1) Exhibitors Service Counter – Hall 4 (Ground Floor) Information Counter – Hall 4 (Ground Floor)

MAINENTRANCE

HALL 6

HALL 1

HALL 2

HALL 5

HALL 4

HALL 3

REGISTRATION COUNTER

GROUND LEVEL

KLCC

INTERNATIONAL BUYERS’ LOUNGEInternational buyers are welcome to enjoy some refreshments in the lounge and use the facilities available there including PC, Internet, photocopy and fax.Level 3, PWTC

FOOD & BEVERAGEPWTCi) Riverside Restaurant (Opposite Hall 2A, Level 2)ii) Garden Restaurant (Hall 4B, Level 4)iii) Hall 1 Cafe (Hall 1, Level 1)iv) Hall 2 Cafe (Hall 2 Entrance)v) Hall 2B Savoury Counter (Hall 2B Entrance, Level 2)vi) Hall 3 Savoury Counter (Linkway from Hall 3 to Hall 2, Level 3)KLCCi) Catering kiosk (Exhibition Hall 2 & 4)ii) Park View Deck Cafe (Level 2)iii) Food Court (Concourse Level)

FAIRGROUND SHUTTLE TRANSFER

EVENING HOTEL TRANSFER Complimentary daily evening transfer between PWTC and KLCC to MIFF 2011 Official Hotels, for the convenience of MIFF guests, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. March 1 through March 5, 2011. Transfer Points : PWTC – Main Entrance, Level 2 (Bus Bay) KLCC – Main Entrance, Ground Floor (Jalan Pinang)

Complimentary non-stop shuttle transfer between PWTC and KLCC specially arranged for all MIFF visitors from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. March 1 through March 5, 2011. Transfer Points : PWTC – Main Entrance, Level 2 (Bus Bay) KLCC – Main Entrance, Ground Floor (Jalan Pinang)

• Dorsett Regency Hotel Kuala Lumpur• JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur• Prince Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur

• The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur• Vistana Hotel Kuala Lumpur

From PWTC only:

• Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur• The Impiana KLCC Hotel

From KLCC only:

• Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur• The Legend Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Transfer from both PWTC & KLCC to:



MIFF Sdn Bhd disclaims any liability for errors or omissions and responsibility for the reliability or legality of the materials provided on this publication.

Tel : +603-9282 2888Fax: +603-9286 1551Email: [email protected]: www.miff.com.my

EDITORIAL TEAMEditor & Publisher : Matt YoungProject Manager : Hannah NguyenDesigners : Winson Chua, Gan Wei Kiat, Rachel TangWriters : Shantini Harriet, Alexandra Wong, Chan Li Jin, Li Shian Yeo, Mohd Rashdan

MIFF Sdn Bhd (Co. No.: 408079-X)

99-1, Villa Shoplex Pudu Impian III,

Jalan Pudu Ulu, Cheras,

56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Published by:

Media MICE Pte. Ltd. Phone: +60 16 778 9871Fax: +60 7224 6404E-mail: [email protected]: www.mediamice.com

Pola ro ids

Fun and creative seatings for architect and interior designers

Modernize office environment and jazz up office space

By Oasis

OASIS FURNITURE INDUSTRIES SDN. BHD1 – 5 March @ PWTC

HALL 2B : Booth No2B22

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The official show news of the Malaysian International Furniture Fair

Get ready for more MIFF! The 2012 show--introduced

here--runs from March 6 to 10 next year.

Furnish Now 2011 show news - Day 4

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