Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) has played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing Malaysia’s furniture industry, according to Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MIFF serves as a crucial platform for businesses to showcase craftsmanship, cultivate partnerships, and explore design and manufacturing trends. “The Malaysian furniture industry has demonstrated remarkable growth and resilience,” Johari said, highlighting that timber product exports reached RM22.9 billion in 2024, marking a 4.9 percent increase. This milestone positions the timber industry as the third-largest contributor to Malaysia’s commodity exports, with wooden furniture exports reaching RM9.9 billion, an 8.4 percent increase from the previous year.
Johari emphasized that the growth underscores local manufacturers’ commitment to high-quality standards and meeting international market demands. Malaysia’s furniture exports are highly sought after across the Americas, Asia, and Europe, supporting the RM28 billion timber export target by 2025 under the National Agricommodity Policy 2030.
MIFF chairman and founder Datuk Dr Tan Chin Huat noted that MIFF nurtures young furniture designers by connecting them with industry players, fostering creativity and business opportunities. “This blend of commerce and creativity makes MIFF a driving force for innovation,” he said. “MIFF is more than just a furniture trade platform; it’s a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures creativity and innovation in the furniture industry.”
Organized by Informa Markets Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the four-day MIFF 2025 features 742 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions, and is expected to attract over 20,000 visitors from more than 140 countries. Spanning 100,000 square meters at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) and World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), MIFF showcases key industry players from Malaysia and several other countries.
A key sustainability highlight is Japan’s Palm Loop technology by Panasonic Housing Solutions, which allows the use of high-quality furniture materials from oil palm trunks. Leading exhibitors incorporating this technology include Shantawood, Panelbase System Industries, and others.
MIFF 2025 introduces innovative platforms like the xOrdinary Showcase, themed ‘Play,’ and the inaugural KL iDesign Week in collaboration with Guangzhou Design Week to elevate Asian design globally. At WTCKL, the MIFF-MIFD International Luxury Residence Design Showcase and MIFF OFFICE, Southeast Asia’s largest office furniture exhibition, offer further attractions.
On March 3, the MIFF Awards Ceremony will honor industry excellence with accolades such as the Best Presentation Award and Furniture Excellence Award. Beyond exhibitions, MIFF 2025 provides networking and knowledge-sharing sessions with industry experts, while events like Buyers’ Night facilitate business connections.
With continued collaboration with the Muar Furniture Association, MIFF strengthens Malaysia’s global export presence. Enhancing the visitor experience, MIFF 2025 introduces the upgraded MIFF Furniverse App 2.0 for seamless navigation, exhibitor details, and real-time updates.