KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia International Furniture Fair (MIFF) has reported a six per cent increase in its number of visitors this year, highlighting the event's growing prominence in the industry.
With 714 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions, including Malaysia and several top furniture-producing countries in Asia, MIFF continues to attract a diverse range of participants and showcase a wide array of furniture offerings.
MIFF founder and chairman Datuk Tan Chin Huat said with a six per cent increase of exhibitors, will attract more international buyers and spur another round of robust business following last year's 19 per cent jump in sales to US$1.21 billion and a high of 673 exhibitors.
In addition to Malaysia, Tan said this year's show is joined by companies from Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Türkiye, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates and the United States.
"Over the next four days, we expect to welcome 20,000 visitors from all over the world over four days from March 1 to 4," he said at the official launch of MIFF here, today.
This year's show features 17 halls, two more than previously, across a combined space of 100,000 square meter.
Since the show returned in-person two years ago, the show has registered a bigger number of big buyers and new buyers.Among the Malaysian exhibitors are well-known industry names such as Ecomate, Evergreen Fibreboard, Favourite Design, Heveaboard, Isella Sofa, Ivorie, Johann & Joann, Kinheng Furniture, LB Furniture, Luxury Sleep, Merryfair Chair, Oasis Furniture, Poh Huat, Seow Buck Sen, Sin Wee Seng Industries, Wegmans and WA Furniture, etc.
With so much to see in two big venues, Tan said this year MIFF has created its new MIFF Furniverse App to make it very easy for buyers to find suppliers and choose products.
He said a new MIFF Furniverse app offers attendees and exhibitors a more interactive and customised experience in finding each other and exploring new business prospects.
The all-in-one tool also provides real-time updates of essential information and networking events.
"Off the trading floor, attendees will continue to enjoy MIFF hospitality and more networking at the International Buyers Lounge, Buyers Night gala dinner and industry seminar that will examine what furniture manufacturers need to know about carbon footprint, what's in and what's out in design and furniture testing for the U.S. market, among others," he added.