Day
4
4 M A RC H 2 011
1 – 5 March | 9.30 am – 6 pm PWTC & KLCC
The official sho w news of the Malaysian International Furniture Fair
Two Rights Make a Winner
What'sN e ws
By Alexandra Wong and Mohd Rashdan Furnish Now writers
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.
T
Page 2 It was a battle for the Best Presentation awards. Find out who takes home the coveted titles for best booths. And the winner is…
Bhd. ecor Sdn rniture D New Pk Fu Wood ba ro Pe : ME MODEL NA . 33 3 BOOTH NO ion rey Collect & Sof t G
Bhd. ration Sdn Taz Corpo : Banda ME MODEL NA . 2C28 BOOTH NO
MPANY: NAME OF CO
SIGNER: NAME OF DE
Page 3
rb Daniel Ko
MPANY: NAME OF CO
GOLD AWARD
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.
SILVER BRONZEGOLD SIGNER: NAME OF DE amAWARD AWARD AWARD uoia P. Mad S eq
he Prize Presentation Ceremony we got to know and subsequently revealed an interesting facet established a partnership with about MIFF yesterday: the show Daniel.” connects right-thinking people with At least three other winners from the right people. the seven categories–which include In coming up with Banda, his Dining, Bedroom and Bedding, Sofa, winning entry in the Sofa category, Office, Outdoor, Occasional and Swiss architect and designer Daniel Children—benefited from powerful Korb cited his amazing collaboration collaborations. with Taz Corporation Sdn. Bhd. Kazutaka Ooki and Junichi “It took me twenty years to learn Sakaguchi shared design credits and get the right principles, but just for Ephiphy, Kokuyo (M) Sdn. Bhd’s. nine months to execute it,” Mr. Korb winning entry in the Office category. said. “With the right partners, you MERIT SILVER MERIT BRONZE MERIT Satoshi Shibasaki, MERIT creative mind of AWARD AWARD AWARD AWARDShibasaki AWARD AWARD can do it faster.” Inc.’s eco-friendly Alula Tan Ay Zing, managing director chair, winner of the Dining Category of Taz Corporation, elaborated: “MIFF category, drew inspiration from the has proven to be a great platform for personal motto of his father, company networking. It was at MIFF 2009 that President Toshihiro Shibasaki: “The Continued on page 2
1st
Page 4
S p e c i a l Re p o r t A proud son of Malaysia’s Furniture Town—MIECO— muses its growing-up experience with MIFF.
Inc. Shibasaki Allula DEL NAME: K5 17 MO BOOTH NO.
Page 5
ER:
Matsuoka Tomo yuk
IGN NAME OF DES
DINNING DNINING
Take a break from the grindstone for an insider’s look at the mechanics of a successful business: Master Sofa.
PRIZE Bunga Samarata Raya
PRIZE Clone
OUTDOOR
PANY: NAME OF COM
3rd 1st PRIZE
2nd
PRIZE Samarata
OUTDOOR
d. cor Sdn Bh rniture De ood New Pk Fu Peroba W DEL NAME: MO 3 33 BOOTH NO. ion ey Collect & Soft Gr
PANY: NAME OF COM
DESIGNER:
NAME OF& BEDROOM Madam DINNING DNINING BEDDING Sequoia P.
BEDROOM & SOFA DINNING DNINING BEDDING
CHILDREN OUTDOOR
2nd
MOST DESERVING PRIZE DESIGNER
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CHILDREN OUTDOOR
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PANY: NAME OF COM
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Page 7
Get your daily dose ua Pegg y Ch of choice products OUTDOOR from some of the best manufacturers in the region. HeveaPac-2010Ad(277x80mm)-OL.pdf 1/12/11 6:19:40
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Page 6 A Japanese furniture czar breaks ranks to fall in love with Malaysia’s instead.
CHILDREN
) Sdn Bhd. Kokuyo (M Ephiphy DEL NAME: 2B09 MO BOOTH NO.
Da BEDROOM & BEDROOM & OCCASIONAL SOFA SOFA OFFICE OFFICE DINNING DNINING BEDDING BEDDING
SPECIAL COMMENDATION AWARD
Bunga Raya
Jemaramas Jaya Sdn. Bhd.
PANY: NAME OF COM
ER:
IGN NAME OF DES
3rd
BEST PROTOTYPEPRIZE MAKER
OCCASIONAL
MOST DESERVING DESIGNER
BEST PROTOTYPE MAKER Jemaramas Jaya Sdn. Bhd.
CHILDREN
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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.
OCCASIONAL
Day 4 | 4 March 2011 PWTC & KLCC
Tro p hy Roo m
02
The official sho w news of the Malaysian International Furniture Fair
A Generation of Ideas Set to Improve Too Few Surprises Malaysia’s Furniture Exports in Booth Design By Chan Li Jin Furnish Now writer
T
he 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
GOLD AWARD
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.”
SILVER GOLD BRONZESILVERGOLD MERIT BRONZE SILVER MERIT MERIT BRONZE AWARD AWARD AWARDAWARD AWARD AWARD AWARDAWARDAWARD AWARD AWARD
MERIT MERIT AWARD AWARD
And the Winners of the MIFF 2011
Ideation Award Are: 1st
2nd
PRIZE Samarata
PRIZE Clone
GOLD AWARD
BEST 3rd 2nd 1st MOST 3rd 3rd 2ndPROTOTYPE MOST PRIZE PRIZE PRIZE DESERVING PRIZE DESERVING
1st
PRIZE Samarata
Bunga Raya
GOLD SILVER AWARD AWARD
PRIZE DESIGNER CloneSamarata
SILVER BRONZE AWARD AWARD
adette, Choo Bern Quah Paik hitecture & Design rc A r io Inter Student ring E: PROTOTYP anufactu in Lian M Lanouva (S ) Sdn. Bhd.
PRIZE Samarata
12stnd
PRIZE PRIZE Samarata Clone
BRONZE MERIT AWARD AWARD
MAKER
Jemaramas Jaya Sdn. Bhd.
DESIGNER Bunga
MERIT MERIT AWARD AWARD
Jemaramas
MOST PRIZE DESERVING Bunga DESIGNER Raya
Visitor Count
PRIZEPRIZE Clone Bunga Raya
International
Local
Total
Day 1
2,461
1,849
4,310
Day 2
1,443
1,778
3,221
Day 3
1,142
1,766
2,908
Total
5,046
5,393
10,439
MERIT AWARD
BEST MOST PROTOTYPE DESERVING MAKER DESIGNER Jemaramas Jaya Sdn. Bhd.
Two Gold Winners; Both Deserved It Continued from page 1
Sdn. Bhd. Enterprise BJ Cabinet
ul Jalil, i Binti Abd dent Nurul Ain tu S n ig es lD Industria E: PROTOTYP ndustries rniture I Oasis Fu d. Bh . Sdn
DESIGNER:
Jemaramas Jaya Sdn. Bhd.
E: PROTOTYP
Bhd. Ja ya Sdn.
3rd
2nd3rd
Sdn. Bhd.
BEST PROTOTYPE MAKER
Yong Hui, Angie Ng tudent l Design S ia tr Indus
DESIGNER:
E: PROTOTYP
Raya
BEST MOST PROTOTYPE DESERVING MAKER DESIGNER Jemaramas Jaya
I
f 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. MERIT Mr. Asmadi feels that exhibitors should take this chance AWARD 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.”
DESIGNER:
ong, Chen Cho nt Can Yong Stude n ig es D r Interio
DESIGNER:
1st
PRIZE Bunga RayaClone
By Li Shian Yeo Furnish Now writer
BEST PROTOTYPE MAKER Jemaramas Jaya Sdn. Bhd.
NAME: COMPANY
Jemaramas
Bhd Ja ya Sdn
io e, Laminat deco Tabl Clone, Art For Nerd
E: PROTOTYP
n
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.
Day 4 | 4 March 2011 PWTC & KLCC
Tro p hy Roo m
03
The official sho w news of the Malaysian International Furniture Fair
WINNERS OF MIFF 2011 BEST PRESENTATION AWARD CATEGORY 1 : 101 SQM AND ABOVE
GOLD AWARD
SILVER AWARD
BRONZE AWARD
MERIT AWARD GOLD AWARD
CATEGORY 3 : 50 SQM AND BELOW
MERIT AWARD SILVER AWARD
GOLD AWARD MERIT AWARD
BRONZE AWARD
BRONZE AWARD
MERIT AWARD
MERIT AWARD
SDN BH D
EURO CHAIRS MANUFACTURER (M) SDN BHD
UP ICE GRO D AM - OFF ES S DN BHBOOTH NO. 2B31 I R ST IN DU 3rd
MPANY NAME OF CO
BOOTH NO. 335
1st
2nd
PRIZE Samarata
PRIZE Bunga Raya
PRIZE Clone
1st
MOST DESERVING DESIGNER
PRIZE Samarata
NAME OF COMPAN Y
GOLD AWARD
BOOTH NO. 2B03
BEST PROTOTYPE MAKER
2nd
1st
3rd
Jemaramas Jaya Sdn. Bhd.
PRIZE Bunga Raya
PRIZE Clone
3rd
2nd BEST
PRIZE MOST Samarata DESERVING DESIGNER
Jemaramas Jaya Sdn. Bhd.
GREEN PANEL PR MERITODUCTS (M)
MERIT SDN AWARD BH D
BRONZE AWARD
1st
2nd
BRONZE AWARD
3rd
MOST DESERVING DESIGNER
PRIZE Bunga Raya
PRIZE Clone
GOLD AWARD
SILVER AWARD
1st
2nd
MERIT AWARD
BRONZE AWARD
MERIT AWARD
PRIZE Bunga Raya
PRIZE Clone
PRIZE Samarata
BEST PROTOTYPE MAKER
MOST DESERVING DESIGNER
3rd
PRIZE Bunga Raya
PRIZE Clone
MOST DESERVING DESIGNER
Jemaramas Jaya Sdn. Bhd.
NAME OF COMPANY
BRONZE AWARD
GOLD MERIT AWARD AWARD
MERIT AWARD
RPRISE NE T EN TE BJ CABI . 119 D BOOTH NO BH S DN
1st
3rd
2nd
GOLD MERIT AWARD AWARD
MERIT AWARD
1stBEST
3rd
2nd
PROTOTYPE PRIZE MAKER Samarata
BRONZE AWARD
MERIT AWARD
MERIT AWARD
RIAL SWEE T DREAM INDUST BHD CORPORATION SDN
BOOTH NO. 4B20
BOOTH NO. 101
BEST 1st PROTOTYPE
MOST DESERVING DESIGNER
PRIZE Bunga Raya
PRIZE Clone
Jemaramas Jaya Sdn. Bhd.
SILVER AWARD
PROCASA INDUSTRIES SDN BHD
BH D ON S DN PORAT I TAZ COR 50
MPANY NAME OF CO
BOOTH NO. 2C27
. 2B BOOTH NO
NAME OF COMPANY
KUEK BROTHERS FURNITURE SDN BHD
MOST DESERVING DESIGNER
PRIZE Bunga Raya
PRIZE Clone
BRONZE AWARD
NAME OF COMPANY
MPANY NAME OF CO
PRIZE Samarata
SILVER AWARD
3rd
2nd
PRIZEMAKER Samarata Jemaramas Jaya
MOST DESERVING DESIGNER
PRIZE Bunga Raya
PRIZE Clone
Sdn. Bhd.
GOLD AWARD BEST
SILVER AWARD
BRONZE AWARD
2nd
3rd
MERIT AWARD
GOLD AWARD MERIT AWARD
PRIZE Samarata
BRONZE AWARD
MERIT AWARD
GOLD AWARD
MERIT AWARD
MERIT AWARD
3rd
PRIZE Bunga Raya
PRIZE Clone
3rd
2nd
PRIZE Samarata
BEST PROTOTYPE MAKER
MOST DESERVING DESIGNER
Jemaramas Jaya Sdn. Bhd.
GOLD AWARD
CATEGORY 2 : 51-100 SQM Jemaramas Jaya Sdn. Bhd.
SILVER AWARD
1st
SILVER AWARD
NAME OF COMPAN Y
BENI THEM SD N BH D
BRONZE AWARD
GOLD MERIT AWARD AWARD
SILVER MERIT AWARD AWARD
1st
PRIZE Samarata
PRIZE Clone
3rd
PRIZE Bunga Raya
1st
MOST PRIZE DESERVING Samarata DESIGNER
1st
3rd
PRIZE MOST DESERVING Samarata
PRIZE Bunga Raya
PRIZE MAKER Clone Jemaramas Jaya Sdn. Bhd.
DESIGNER
3rd
SILVER MERIT AWARD AWARD
BRONZE AWARD
MERIT AWARD
BRONZE AWARD
MERIT AWARD
GOLD MERIT AWARD AWARD
SILVER AWARD
BRONZE AWARD
MERIT AWARD
MAXLY LANDSC APE SDN BH D
3rd
2nd BEST PROTOTYPE
PRIZE Bunga Raya
PRIZE MAKER Clone
Jemaramas Jaya Sdn. Bhd.
MOST GOLD DESERVING AWARD DESIGNER
1st
PRIZE Samarata
2nd PRIZE Clone
3rd
PRIZE Bunga Raya
MOST DESERVING DESIGNER
SDN BHD EURO STEEL SYSTEM
1BEST st
PRIZE PROTOTYPE MAKER Samarata Jemaramas Jaya Sdn. Bhd.
2nd PRIZE Clone
3rd
PRIZE Bunga Raya
MOST DESERVING DESIGNER
BRONZE AWARD
MERIT AWARD
MERIT AWARD
CASA SALOTTI DESIGN MANUFACTURER SDN BHD
BOOTH NO. 2C10
1st
Jemaramas Jaya Sdn. Bhd.
2nd PRIZE Clone
MEDLE Y
3rd
PRIZE Bunga Raya
MERIT AWARD
BEST PROTOTYPE MAKER
COMPANY
NAME OF MERIT SS AWARD WOLCLA
GOLD AWARD
SILVER AWARD
1st
2nd
PRIZE Samarata
Jemaramas Jaya Sdn. Bhd.
S DN BH D
D R K S DN BH HALLMA
. K12 BOOTH NO
0
PRIZE Clone
BRONZE AWARD
3rd
PRIZE Bunga Raya
MERIT AWARD
MOST DESERVING DESIGNER
MERIT AWARD
BEST PROTOTYPE MAKER Jemaramas Jaya Sdn. Bhd.
NAME OF COMPANY
NATURE ARK SDN BHD
. K4 10 BOOTH NO
BEST
PROTOTYPE SILVER MAKER AWARD Jemaramas Jaya
BRONZE AWARD
MERIT AWARD
2nd PRIZE Clone
3rd
MOST DESERVING DESIGNER
PRIZE Bunga Raya
NAME OF COMPANY
FERCO SEATING SYSTEMS (M) SDN BHD
BOOTH NO. 2D12
BOOTH NO. K415
BEST PROTOTYPE MAKER
PRIZE Samarata
Jemaramas Jaya Sdn. Bhd.
Jemaramas Jaya Sdn. Bhd.
MPANY NAME OF CO
Sdn. Bhd.
NAME OF COMPANY
NAME OF COMPANY
BOOTH NO. K116
SILVER AWARD
BEST PROTOTYPE MAKER
MOST DESERVING DESIGNER
05 BOOTH NO. 2B
MERIT AWARD GOLD AWARD
NAME OF COMPAN Y
PRIZE Bunga Raya
PRIZE Clone
BOOTH NO. K403A
1st
SILVER AWARD
3rd
2nd
SYSTEM
PRIZE Samarata
GOLD AWARD
MERIT AWARD
MOST DESERVING DESIGNER
PRIZE Bunga Raya
PRIZE Clone
FICE SAFARI OF SDN BH D
BEST 2PROTOTYPE nd
BRONZE AWARD
2nd
Y NAME OF COMPAN
TURE CE FURNI VS OFFI BH D RIES S DN BOOTH NO. 2B26 IN DUST
2nd
GOLD MERIT AWARD AWARD
BRONZE AWARD
MPANY NAME OF CO
BOOTH NO. 2B3 5
PROTOTYPE MAKER
BEST PROTOTYPE MAKER
MOST DESERVING DESIGNER
PRIZE Bunga Raya
PRIZE Clone
MERIT AWARD
BOOTH NO. K20 6
PRIZE Samarata
GOLD AWARD
PRIZE Samarata BEST
CREATI VE HO ME (HK) LT D
BOOTH NO. K406
1st
MERIT AWARD
MERIT AWARD
MASTER SOFA INDUSTRIES SDN BHD
BOOTH NO. K210
2nd
PRIZE Bunga Raya
PRIZE Clone
MOST DESERVING DESIGNER
NAME OF COMPAN Y
NAME OF COMPANY
1st
BRONZE AWARD
NAME OF COMPANY
OMEGA SOFA (M) SDN BHD
PRIZE Samarata
SILVER AWARD
BRONZE AWARD
Jemaramas Jaya Sdn. Bhd.
1st
SILVER AWARD
SILVER AWARD
PROTOTYPE MAKER
1st
GOLD AWARD
MOST DESERVING DESIGNER
Jemarama Sdn. Bh
M A
BOOTH NO. 4B0 9
3rd
2nd
PRIZE Samarata
SILVER AWARD
BES PROTOT MAKE
Jemaramas Jaya Sdn. Bhd.
1st
GOLD AWARD
MER AWA
AWARD
BEST PROTOTYPE MAKER
MOST DESERVING DESIGNER
PRIZE Bunga Raya
PRIZE PROTOTYPE CloneMAKER
SILVER AWARD
SILVER AWARD
PRIZE Samarata
NAME OF COMPANY
NAME OF COMPAN Y
SJI IN DUST RIES
SILVER AWARD MERIT AWARD
GOLD AWARD
BEST PROTOTYPE MAKER Jemaramas Jaya Sdn. Bhd.
MERIT GOLD AWARD AWARD
BEST PROTOTYPE MAKER
1st
PRIZE
Jemaramas Jaya Samarata Sdn. Bhd.
SILVER AWARD
2nd PRIZE Clone
BRONZE AWARD
3rd
PRIZE Bunga Raya
MERIT AWARD
MOST DESERVING DESIGNER
NAME OF COMPANY
TAZ CORPORATION SDN BHD BOOTH NO. 2C28
MERIT AWARD
BEST PROTOTYPE MAKER Jemaramas Jaya Sdn. Bhd.
PRO M
Jem
A . M . Buzz !
04
Day 4 | 4 March 2011 PWTC & KLCC
Brazil in Malaysia: Cool International visitor jetlag was no match for MIFF’s Buyers’ Night gala, resembling Brazil’s best-known celebration: Carnival. By Mohd Rashdan Furnish Now writer
I
lively
entertainment
at
“Masquerade
The official sho w news of the Malaysian International Furniture Fair
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
t was almost like Brazilian Carnival. As day two of the Malaysian International Furniture
involvement in this year’s fair and expressed his hopes that
Fair (MIFF) 2011 came to a close, invited international buyers
the Malaysian fair would again prove to be a fruitful trip and
gathered at the Grand Ballroom of the Legend Hotel for the
worthwhile investment for foreign participants.
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
Prizes were given out to dinner guests in four lucky
In appreciation of Malaysia’s commitment to the fair
draws, with products ranging from Mont Blanc pens to
for 17 years in the running, the Japanese delegation’s
Canon and Nikon digital cameras. Eight unique paintings
representative, Kawasaki Atsumasa, presented a memento
brought in from China also were presented by the art donor
to Dato’ Tan.
Wang Zhou to the winners.
pleasantly surprised with splashes of pyrotechnics as two
During intermission, Dato’ Tan set the centre stage
The event came to a close with a final dance routine after
belly dancers danced their way to the spot-lit stage (See
for the preview launching of MIFF 2012, which will run
lucky draw grand prizes of Apple iPads and MacBooks were
plenty of pics on page 12!).
from March 6 to 10. Accompanied with splashes of
presented by the wife of Dato’ Tan. The MacBook went to
pyrotechnics and fireworks, next year’s MIFF logo was
an Australian buyer whilst five other prizes went to Indian
unveiled at the dinner.
and Sri Lankan participants.
Meanwhile, the 700 guests enjoyed a sumptuous nine-course
Chinese
ceremonial
dinner
and
more
Talk About a Niche: Few M’sian Companies in Russia 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
Ara Torosyan
country to interested Malaysian companies.
office–Trade House of Malaysia (THM), based in Johor–will
With 10 years of experience participating in similar
elaborate on this during his talk, “Business Opportunity in
exhibitions in Moscow, THM now has a base clientele
Russia,” held this Saturday at 11 a.m. in Perhentian room,
and partners of about 500 companies in Russia and in
Level 3, PWTC, during the Malaysian International Furniture
the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), like
Fair 2011.
Ukraine and Kazakhstan. Some of these world-renowned
One of the reasons for this lack of commercial exchange,
companies include Shatura, Farengate, Family Room and
By Mohd Rashdan Furnish Now writer
said Mr. Torosyan, is that Malaysian companies have been focusing too much effort on investment and exports to
THM’s services range from liaising with various
I
countries in the West like the U.S., and in the Middle East,
manufacturers to consolidating goods. Its Malaysian
and not enough attention has been given to Russia.
counterpart, Evergreen Smart, helps THM in terms of
nadequate 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.
“This can be overcome if more promotions–like trade
Akson.
legislation and business dealings.
shows and product exhibitions–are organised by both
It has also set up a specific website for Malaysia: www.
countries,” he emphasized, adding that Malaysia and Russia
thmal.com, and publishes its own trade magazine where
collectively stand to lose big, economically, if the existing
Malaysian companies can advertise their services and
state of affairs is allowed to persist.
products.
According to him, there are only a handful of Malaysian
To show Russia’s continuing commitment to the
For more information, visit THM’s booth at MIFF 2011 at
companies presently investing and operating in Russia.
enhancement of the trade relationship, THM has set up a
Booth 4A34, Hall 4A, PWTC, and come to Mr. Torosyan’s talk
Ten, for a country that spans two continents.
booth at MIFF 2011 to promote market development in the
at 11 a.m. this Saturday at Perhentian room, Level 3, PWTC.
Please visit us @ PWTC , Hall 2 , Booth No.211 Malaysia International Furniture Fair 2011
Lot 4090, Kawasan Perindustrian Parit Jamil , 84150 Muar , Johor Darul Takzim , Malaysia . Tel : + 606 987 2200 Fax : + 606 987 2211 Email : yeuhong@yeuhong.com URL : www.yeuhong.com
YEU HONG FURNITURE INDUSTRIES SDN. BHD. ( 113568-V)
www.yeuhong.com
Speci a l R e po rt : th e M I FF Sto r y
Day 4 | 4 March 2011 PWTC & KLCC
05
The official sho w news of the Malaysian International Furniture Fair
Hand-in-hand, MIFF and Meico Have Grown Together By Alexandra Wong Furnish Now writer
we got last year. The show itself was a good avenue for us
I
opportunity previously to do so on the local scene—in a
f 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
to exhibit our range of products, and we didn’t have much bigger way, that is.”
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
Dato’ Yong continued: “Over the years, the organiser
hall, the organiser can take the fair to another level and put
has done a fantastic job promoting the show overseas.
Malaysia on the map as the go-to furniture show. Without
They have succeeded in bringing in many quality buyers,
that, they can’t do very much except for enhancing the
even chain stores.”
services, which they are already doing.”
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.”
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
orientated with many scattered around the rural area of
In his opinion, MIFF has almost reached its full potential.
Parit Bakar. Links with each other were rarely made and
“Over the years, MIFF has done a fantastic job from all
He added, “Let MIFF 2011 be the beginning of a new era
each of them ran their businesses in their own way and
aspects of organisation compared to other exhibitions,”
of growth in the furniture industry and exhibition industry
approach. Hence the market was then only restricted to
Dato’ Yong said. “Well, I cannot comment [further] unless I
of Malaysia.”
the Muar region without much scope for expansion and
am in the exhibition business.”
collaboration which will make this reality happen.”
Our sentiments exactly, Tan Sri.
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
Dato’ Yong Seng Yeow
CozyCh a t
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Day 4 | 4 March 2011 PWTC & KLCC
What One M’sian Furniture Retailer Learned the Hard Way
The official sho w news of the Malaysian International Furniture Fair
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?
By Shantini Harriet Furnish Now writer
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orget 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.
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 exporters. 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
Food fo rTh o u g h t
Day 4 | 4 March 2011 PWTC & KLCC
The official sho w news of the Malaysian International Furniture Fair
Band Together, Malaysia Timber Council Top Gun Urges By Chan Li Jin Furnish Now writer
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hen Furnish Now caught up with Tham Sing Khow, deputy CEO of the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, he was about to meet KLCC officials to discuss the 2nd Malaysia Global Woodmart 2012 (MGW 2012), a biannual event Tham Sing Khow 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
not 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 shortterm. 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 By Li Shian Yeo Furnish Now writer
D
uring 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.
“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
Mr Kawasaki Atsumasa (left) with Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon
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.”
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The official sho w news of the Malaysian International Furniture Fair
A Brighter Future with LEDs
T
he 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 G Nino Corporation Sdn. Bhd. is so confident in its products that the spotlight). We predict it’d be a sure-fire hit with retail outlets, galleries and company gives customers 29 days to decide to keep them or bring shopping malls that want to portray their display items in the most flattering them back to their store for exchange. light. Its High CRI of Ra92 brings out the most vibrant and realistic colours of And why not? Judging the items it illuminates! by its portfolio of stateCheck out the ALULA chair, a snazzy-looking painted aluminium chair of-the-art mattresses, few that won the Good Design award at the Japanese Small and Medium Enterprise can match its advanced Agency’s Director-General Special Prize 2005. technology.
Cloud-like Comfort
J
Booth No: K517, Hall K5, KLCC Contact: Mr. Akira Matsumura Tel: 81 494 62 4223 Email: matsumura@alfacto.com Website: www.shibasaki-inc.jp Export markets: Currently Japan market. Open to overseas wholesaler and distributor.
The Wicker and Aluminium Specialist
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ith 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, KLCC Contact: Mr. William Tel: 86 21 51070101 Website: www.jrsh.cn Export markets: Europe and U.S.
The Best of Sofa Beds
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esigned 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, KLCC Contact: Mr. Stephen Teh Tel: +605 891 1228 Email: marketing@bestscollection.com.my Website: www.beststore.com.my Export markets: Middle East, Europe
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, KLCC Contact: James Loh Tel: +606 233 2339 Email: jgnino@gmail.com Website: www.jgnino.com Export markets: Australia, Malaysia and Europe
A Dash of Italian Panache
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rafted 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, KLCC Contact: Mr. Alan Low Tel: +603 7846 8777 Email: sll@lanouva.com Website: www.lanouva.com Export markets: Europe, US
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Day 4 | 4 March 2011 PWTC & KLCC
The official sho w news of the Malaysian International Furniture Fair
One-Stop-Shop for Furniture Makers
Fancy a Centipede Ride?
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S
intex (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.
ome 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, KLCC Contact: Daniel Goh, managing director Tel: +603 3291 5036, +603 3291 5037, +603 3291 6102 Email: info@wolclass.com Website: www.wolclass.com Export markets: Middle East, Singapore
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, KLCC Contact: Koh Dat Toon, General Manager Tel: +603 6275 8899 Email: sunproof@kintex.com.my Website: www.kintex.com.my Export markets: India, Vietnam, Australia
Affordable Designer Pieces for Every Home
All Website Designer Applications: REJECTED
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irst-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, KLCC Contact: Eng Tian Hock, General Manager Tel: +609 538 2922 Email: yutionent@hotmail.com Export markets: Australia, New Zealand, India, USA, Middle East
F
urniture 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, KLCC Contact: Joe Tey, General Manager/ Eddy Lau, Executive Director Tel: +86 512 5723 0698 (China)/ +603 8075 9585 (Malaysia) Email: zeppelin_joetey@163.com (China), eddy@lgglobal.com.my (Malaysia) Website: www.zeppelin.en.alibaba.com, www.lgglobal.com.my Export markets: UK, Australia, Portugal, USA
When Is a Banana Not a Banana?
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hen 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 Ho Tel: +603-9010 5311 Email: nrt@nrt-cascadia.com Website: www.nrt-cascadia.com Export Markets: Europe and Middle East
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So Fa r 10
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Day 4 | 4 March 2011 PWTC & KLCC
The official sho w news of the Malaysian International Furniture Fair
Phew…More Fans than Haters Out There Attendees 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’ Report Q: 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 Woodburn Port-of-Fino Furniture, Canada
“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 Baldew Jumbo International, Suriname
How was MIFF 2011 from a service point of view? “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 Nagree The 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 Tazim Interiors2 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
“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 Purikovs Firma “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 Chen Shenzhen Kingstar Shipping Co., China
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 Sonwelly PT Arjuna Maha Sentosa Furniture Industries, Indonesia
“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 Min Take Export Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia
“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 Chuan Chernyen Industries 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 Lai Sun Safes Mfg. Co., Korea/Malaysia
Post- i tN o t e s
Day 4 | 4 March 2011 PWTC & KLCC
The official sho w news of the Malaysian International Furniture Fair
FOOD & BEVERAGE HALL PLAN LEVEL 5 LEVEL 4
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Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC)
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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 1
PWTC i) Riverside Restaurant ii) Garden Restaurant iii) Hall 1 Cafe iv) Hall 2 Cafe v) Hall 2B Savoury Counter vi) Hall 3 Savoury Counter KLCC i) Catering kiosk ii) Park View Deck Cafe iii) Food Court
(Opposite Hall 2A, Level 2) (Hall 4B, Level 4) (Hall 1, Level 1) (Hall 2 Entrance) (Hall 2B Entrance, Level 2) (Linkway from Hall 3 to Hall 2, Level 3) (Exhibition Hall 2 & 4) (Level 2) (Concourse Level)
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KLCC
FAIRGROUND SHUTTLE TRANSFER
GROUND LEVEL
HALL 3
HA
LL
L2
L
HA L1
L HA
ER NT OU
NC IO AT
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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)
INTERNATIONAL BUYERS’ LOUNGE International 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
MIFF 2011 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
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)
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) Transfer from both PWTC & KLCC to: • Dorsett Regency Hotel Kuala Lumpur • The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur • JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur • Vistana Hotel Kuala Lumpur • Prince Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur From PWTC only:
From KLCC only:
• Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur • The Impiana KLCC Hotel
• Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur • The Legend Hotel Kuala Lumpur
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Po l a ro i d s
Day 4 | 4 March 2011 PWTC & KLCC
The official sho w news of the Malaysian International Furniture Fair
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MIFF Sdn Bhd (Co. No.: 408079-X) 99-1, Villa Shoplex Pudu Impian III, Jalan Pudu Ulu, Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tel : +603-9282 2888 Fax: +603-9286 1551 Email: info@miff.com.my Website: www.miff.com.my
MIFF Sdn Bhd disclaims any liability for errors or omissions and responsibility for the reliability or legality of the materials provided on this publication.
Published by: The official sho w news of the Malaysian International Furniture Fair
EDITORIAL TEAM Editor & Publisher : Project Manager : Designers : Writers :
Matt Young Hannah Nguyen Winson Chua, Gan Wei Kiat, Rachel Tang Shantini Harriet, Alexandra Wong, Chan Li Jin, Li Shian Yeo, Mohd Rashdan
Media MICE Pte. Ltd. Phone: +60 16 778 9871 Fax: +60 7224 6404 E-mail: enquiry@mediamice.com Web: www.mediamice.com
See Us @ OASIS FURNITURE INDUSTRIES SDN. BHD 1 – 5 March @ PWTC HALL 2B : Booth No2B22
By Oasis
Fun and creative seatings for architect and interior designers Modernize office environment and jazz up office space