The Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF), Southeast Asia’s largest export-oriented furniture trade show, is set to revolutionise Malaysia’s furniture industry with the launch of an integrated design ecosystem. This initiative, anchored by the MIFF Furniture Design Competition (MIFF FDC) 2026 and the MIFF FDC CLUB, aims to nurture young talent and foster collaboration amongst designers and manufacturers.
The MIFF FDC 2026, themed “Playful, Practical, Purposeful Furniture for Generation Alpha,” challenges designers under 40 to create innovative bedroom furniture for children aged five to nine. Chief Judge Eric Leong emphasised the competition’s focus on future consumers, stating, “This is about designing for the future consumer.” Winners will receive cash prizes totalling $2,550 (RM12,000), trophies, and recognition, with submissions closing on 1 December 2025.
Building on the competition’s success, the MIFF FDC CLUB offers a year-round platform for collaboration, operating through networking, curated collaborations, and content development. This club connects young designers with established manufacturers, providing opportunities such as facility tours and prototype development. Recent collaborations include partnerships between past competition winners and local manufacturers, set to debut at MIFF 2026.
Additionally, the xOrdinary Design Exhibition, themed “Happiness First,” will showcase unconventional design ideas. Together, these initiatives form a comprehensive ecosystem supporting Malaysia’s shift from Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) and Original Brand Manufacturer (OBM) manufacturing, aligning with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030.
MIFF 2026 will be held from 4 to 7 March 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre and World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.
