KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, March 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The 23^rd Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF), Southeast Asia's biggest industry event, opened on Wednesday very upbeat, welcoming a record 543 exhibitors ahead of a bigger show next year.

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The huge turnout of local and overseas companies – a 12 % increase over 2016 –with their latest products and vast array of furniture, furnishings and fittings cover 80,000 square metres of the Putra World Trade Centre and Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre.

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Malaysia's Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong was the guest-of-honour at the opening ceremony.

As the leading global furniture sourcing hub in the region, MIFF draws 20,000 visitors from as many as 140 countries and regions seeking variety, quality and good value. It is also the biggest platform to source for Malaysia's wood furniture.

"MIFF will continue to enhance its position as the leading and most important furniture industry event in Southeast Asia. As a global sourcing centre, the trade show is always changing to remain relevant in the market," said MIFF Chairman Datuk Dr Tan Chin Huat in his welcome speech.

"Our exhibitors are also moving with the times. They are investing more and more in R&D to come up with their own design and new products, creating more value for their business and potential customers. MIFF welcomes this positive approach to stand out in the competition. It brings more variety and adds value to the trade show."

Next year's MIFF will be co-held at the bigger and new Malaysia International and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) and PWTC.

The 2017 highlights include Muar Hall by MIFF strategic partner Muar Furniture Association, China Hall, Taiwan Hall and MIFF Office, the largest office furniture showroom in Southeast Asia with 100 companies from Malaysia, China, Taiwan, Korea and Indonesia.

Malaysia's biggest industry exporters are back again in full force this year. They are joined by a large group of first time exhibitors who are eyeing MIFF as the springboard to global markets including Southeast Asia.

Buyers from Southeast Asia and other emerging markets are expected to crowd the show given the visitor traffic trend in recent years, comprising mostly wholesalers, importers, independent retailers, new furniture businesses and e-commerce start-ups seeking basic to upper mid-range products.  

Several overseas delegations including from Japan, Italy, Belgium, India and Germany are attending MIFF 2017.

In conjunction with the show, MIFF is hosting the 20^th anniversary celebration of International Alliance of Furnishing Publications (IAFP). Over 30 members of the overseas trade media from 22 countries, including IAFP members, are covering MIFF.

The show industry seminar kicks off Thursday featuring designers from Asia and Europe with experience working in cross-culture environments discussing trends, design quality and impact on communities.

Over 200 young talents are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the MIFF Furniture Design Competition 2017(FDC) to be announced at the MIFF prize presentation ceremony on Friday. The winners of the Best Presentation Award for the most outstanding booth and Furniture Excellence Award for exhibitors will also be revealed.  The prototypes of the FDC finalists are showcased at MECC during the trade show.

For more information about MIFF 2017 and free subscription to the MIFF e-newsletter, click on www.miff.com.my.

Notes to Editors

About MIFF (www.miff.com.my)

Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) is an export-oriented furniture trade    show held annually in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is also a global leading trade show approved by UFI, The Global Association for Exhibition Industry. Since 1995, MIFF has nurtured invaluable partnerships between thousands of buyers and furniture makers across the globe.

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SOURCE UBM Asia (Malaysia)