KUALA LUMPUR: Local furniture makers can progress further by improving on quality and minimising waste through design development and innovative products, said International Trade and Industry Ministry secretary-general Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat. He said the industry should be aware of the trends in the global market and carry out new approaches and directions to expand its market share.

“I’m confident with the intensive promotion and good marketing strategies, the industry can penetrate the high-end markets and secure larger sales,” he said in his speech at the prize presentation ceremony for three awards under the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF 2010) yesterday.

In line with the Government’s policy to encourage domestic investment, Abdul Rahman said the furniture industry should also consider more diversification projects in the country.

Taz Open Systems director of sales Brad De Bruyne (centre)receiving the Gold Award for the MIFF 2010 Furniture Excellence Award from Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat (left). With them is Malaysian Furniture Promotion Council chief executive officer Au Leck Chai.

“The industry should also continue to organise interactive dialogue and other information-sharing sessions with the various stakeholders.

“I believe such effort can contribute more ideas to help the industry improve on design quality and meet market requirements,” he said.

MIFF 2010 is held from March 2-6 at the Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre.

MIFF Sdn Bhd is the organiser of the fair, with The Star as the official media partner.

Three awards were presented in conjunction with MIFF 2010 – The Furniture Excellence Award, Best Presentation Award and The Ideation Award.

The Furniture Excellence Award was jointly organised by the Malaysian Furniture Promotion Council and MIFF. It is aimed at lifting the furniture design standards in Malaysia.

The Best Presentation Award was jointly organised by the Malaysian Timber Council and MIFF. This award encouraged exhibitors to show creativity in product display and booth designs.

Meanwhile, The Ideation Award offers a platform for students to showcase their talent and innovativeness in furniture design. It is being held for the first time and is open to those studying design or architecture at a recognised Malaysian institution.

The Gold Award for the Furniture Excellence Award was presented to Taz Open Systems Sdn Bhd. Meanwhile, the winner for the Gold Award of the 101 square metres and above category under the Best Presentation Award was Kitapanel Wood Product Sdn Bhd.

The first prize for The Ideation Award was presented to Chia Yao Qing from Universiti Malaya.

--The Star