MIFF Furniture Design Competition 2023 (FDC) winners in a group photograph at MIFF 2023
KUALA LUMPUR: Amid the bustle of its biggest show ever, Malaysian International Furniture Fair 2023 recently announced the winners of the 2023 MIFF Furniture Design Competition (FDC) and Best Presentation Award for exhibitors.
Aric Neo Yong Yea, a 23-year-old student from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, won the judges over with “MOD” a modular seating concept to beat over 250 competitors for the top prize of RM5,000 in the MIFF FDC challenge themed “Post-pandemic Workspace Furniture”.
Yasmin Hanie Mohamad Zamri, 22, of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Puncak Alam took second prize for S’hook Chair described as the office-on-the-go while Bryan Lim Li Quan of Southern University College was third with Mount, also a seating concept that can convert into a small table with two stools.
UiTM Puncak Alam had plenty to celebrate, sweeping the Best Institution Award and all three Best Mentor Awards through Sarah Rahman, Nur Adilla Abd Rahman and Zainullah Zainal Abidin.
The winners received their prizes from Abdul Hadi Omar, deputy secretary-general (strategic planning and management) at the Plantation and Commodities Ministry.
An international jury of five industry experts led by Malaysia’s well-known Dr Eric Leong selected 20 finalists from 269 submissions from 24 design institutions and six from the private sector.
Entries were evaluated based on aesthetics, functionality and marketability with the judges looking out for sustainable elements and the incorporation of technology in design.
The works of the FDC winners and remaining finalists were exhibited in the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) before an estimated 20,000 strong international audience at MIFF 2023.
MIFF 2023 Best Presentation Award.
Adding to the excitement was the top exhibitor prize for Best Presentation Award which went to Muar-based Vistawood Industries Sdn Bhd, a children furniture specialist, standing out from the array of creative and innovative booth designs by a record attendance of 671 companies this year.
Coming in second was Johann & Joann Concept Sdn Bhd and third was Hin Lim Furniture Manufacturer Sdn Bhd.
Merit awards were presented to five companies -- Alustil Sdn Bhd, Eastern Decorator Sdn Bhd, Step Furniture Manufacturer Sdn Bhd, Wintech Metal Processing Sdn Bhd and Zhejiang Runda Kehong Furniture Co Ltd.
The booths were judged on design, creativity, construction and product presentation by an international jury led by chief judge Zilahi Imre, the editor-in-chief of Magmob publication from Romania.
MIFF general manager Kelie Lim said, "It is important to recognise and celebrate the efforts of young designers and our exhibitors to inspire them to push the boundaries of innovation.
“As demonstrated at MIFF, it is very exciting to see how creativity can enhance business growth.
“We want to keep nurturing the spirit and also, we want to put young designers in the spotlight to help them start and build a successful career in the industry.”
Lim added: “I want to thank the judges for all their patience and hard work, they have done a tremendous job in going through a lot of entries.
“Our appreciation goes out to our long-time partner, FRIM, for supporting BPA with furniture tests for all the winners.”
Visit the MIFF website (www.miff.com.my) to learn more about exhibitors and products. To get latest news and insights, follow Furnish Now by MIFF (FB). To contact the MIFF team, email: info@miff.com.my.
