KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Exhibitors are already raring for the next edition of the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) with 80 percent of the exhibition space already booked out with still six months left.

MIFF 2013 is set from March 5 to 9, 2013, in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, the host city of the annual trade show since its inception in 1995.

The five-day fair will cover 75,000 sq metres of display halls at the downtown Putra World Trade Centre and nearby Matrade Exhibition & Convention Centre.

The strong response from exhibitors comes on the heels of the resounding success of MIFF 2012 in raking in record sales of US$830 million despite the uncertain global economic outlook.

"MIFF remains outstanding as one-stop source centre for furniture buyers and importers from all over the world. It has proven itself over and over again as the place that offers more value and wide selection with top quality," said MIFF Chairman Dato' Tan Chin Huat.

"In fact, 40 percent of the space for 2013 was locked in by exhibitors by the last day of MIFF 2012. I am delighted at the continued confidence and staunch support that further bolsters MIFF's standing as a global top 10 and number one furniture fair in Southeast Asia."

Overall, Tan expects to maintain a steady turnout of 500 Malaysian and international exhibitors and 20,000 trade visitors including 7,000 international buyers from 140 countries.

"These have been our numbers in the last few years, we are very comfortable with it given a show of our size and capacity. The bigger challenge, as always, is providing buyers with more variety and new products to get them to increase orders," he said.

Trends at MIFF indicate that exhibitors, the majority comprising Malaysian manufacturers, are hiring local and foreign designers to unveil new innovative products every year in the form of new collections or to enhance their existing ranges.

Rubberwood furniture, office and home furniture are top sellers at MIFF.

Fair organisers are seeking to draw more industry names from Asean countries like Indonesia, Vietnam and Myanmar to exhibit in 2013 to offer buyers even more choices and to boost intra-trade in Southeast Asia.

Tan said the biggest group of international buyers at MIFF currently was from Asean countries followed by strong growing numbers from Japan and South Korea.

(Asean is the acronym for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations comprising Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.)

Malaysian top manufacturers and exporters will be coming out in force again at MIFF 2013.

Among those confirmed are Hin Lim Furniture Manufacturer, Poh Huat Furniture Industries, Euro Chairs Manufacturer, SHH Furniture Industries, BJ Cabinet Enterprise, Oasis Furniture Industries, Green River Wood & Lumber Manufacturing, LY Furniture, Latitude Tree Furniture, Hup Chong Furniture and Sin Lian Lee Manufacturing.

MIFF is owned by UBM Asia, the largest fair organiser in Asia, to complement its series of trade shows in the region that includes Furniture China in Shanghai, Index fairs in India and UK Interiors.

OTHER SHOW HIGHLIGHTS AT MIFF 2013:

Opening Ceremony

Graced by a government ministerial-level Guest-of-Honour followed by VIP tour of the trade show on Mar 5, 2013

Buyers' Night

Gala dinner for buyers and invited guests to unwind and enjoy a dazzling entertainment treat on Mar 6, 2013

Prize Presentation Ceremony

A much anticipated affair to announce winners of Best Presentation Award, Furniture Excellence Award and Furniture Design Competition on Mar 7, 2013

Best Presentation Award

Best designed booth to encourage creative strategies to pull in the crowd, co-organised by MIFF and Malaysian Timber Council

Furniture Excellence Award

Most creative furniture design to recognise product innovation and quality

MIFF Furniture Design Competition

New contest to seek innovative furniture inspired by the shapes and colours of Malaysia. It has two categories i.e. Open and Students.

Industry Seminars

Keep up with the latest trends by attending seminars with international industry experts as speakers.

REGISTRATION

Free admission for buyers who pre-register online (www.miff.com.my) before Jan 31, 2013

TRANSPORT: Convenient and free non-stop shuttle bus between PWTC and MECC for trade visitors

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

Book rooms via www.miff.com.my at special rates for Seri Pacific, Sunway Putra, Dorsett Regency, JW Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Vistana, Renaissance, Sheraton Imperial

Source: UBM Asia (Malaysia)