The Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) turned 25 years old in 2019, and the industry’s largest marketplace in Southeast Asia continues to bring international buyers and designers furniture of excellent quality and competitive pricing from a talented and growing local design scene.
At MIFF an interesting mix of locally manufactured and designed pieces, created by Malaysian emerging talents, appear alongside products made by Malaysian and internationally established companies interested in growing their export to a consistent global buyer community who visits the show yearly. And this edition showed real growth in that area: not only are sales over $1 billion for the first time, with an international buyers increase of four per cent, but the quality and design of the products are getting better year by year.
Due to fantastic Malaysian hospitality, MIFF is not only a show, it is an experience. Buyers love this event as they are driven through two venues and multiple events by an outstanding organization, enriched in the last two years by the addition of Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), a modern and comfortable new venue, this year at full capacity.
For the second year, a group of Canadian interior designers led by IDC were invited as guest buyers to visit the show and source new products. The mission was a success and will be surely replicated in 2020 for the third time, to build a durable business exchange between the two countries.
Mogoo collection│Merryfair
A semi-sitting stool specially designed to promote dynamic and active seating. The support surface and rounded base allows the user to tilt and swivel in all directions while sitting. Designed for use in spaces such as classrooms, studios and waiting areas, Mogoo users range from kids to fun-loving adults, with four different sizes accommodating all those in between. The structure is available in pure white and grey, with cushion colours in many different combinations.
Rover collection│Merryfair
Rover is the tool that will cross boundaries of “immobile” classrooms, enabling educators to provide a modern and effective arena for learning. Designed to be mobile and adaptable in limited spaces and dense classrooms, the injection-moulded polypropylene chair and seats shells are fully recyclable, and can be paired with square or tripod bases and two different pad sizes for complete customization.
Anya collection│Basicology
This natural rattan collection derives its name from the Malay word ‘anyaman’ which means weaving. Inspired by the Malaysian traditional lifestyle where people are accustomed to using straw mats in their daily lives, Anya is handcrafted in Kuala Lumpur.
BSCL collection: Isle │Basicology
Designed by Zi Wei, Isle is a bench-style relaxed seating solution that has a soft organic shape. The seating islands can be used separately or in a modular arrangement making them a flexible option that adapts to any environment, and the two sizes can be combined to create seating atolls.
BSCL collection: Peobble│Basicology
Designed to give a soft touch to a modern urban interior with their relaxed shape and inspired by nature, the smooth pebble-like shape designed by Zi Wei exudes a sense of soothing comfort. The lounge chairs are soft yet well-defined thanks to the quality of the foam material.
Kid2Youth ergo workstation│TCT Nanotec
A professional office for kids could be frightening: youngsters do not work! But they often have to sit: be for creative drawing or simply do their homework. Those activities surely deserve good seating. Taiwanese company Kid2Youth has over 30 years of experience in the field of kid’s ergonomic furniture, and this set protects “working” kids from side effects associated with long sitting and incorrect postures.
Tulip Stool│Chair Meister
This stool features a patented wave tilt spring system that allows for a 360° movement with minimal effort while maintaining stability. With its playful shape and colours, it fits well in a workplace, school or home environment. The curved seat cushion adapts itself to the user’s body and allows it to be used as a saddle chair for added comfort. Made in Korea, it will soon be available on international markets.
Daybed│Kian Swee Seng
Sarah Moi created this daybed with a Scandinavian-inspired minimalist urban living space in mind, where spaces are limited and furniture has to be smart and flexible. A platinum winner in the Household Furniture category at MIFF, the simple shape lets the materials and colours take center stage with wood being the main actor.
