Official Launch and Unveiling of New Floor Plan for Malaysia Furniture Export Exhibition (MAFEX 2002)

Furniture World Magazine

MAFEX 2002 was launched at the Malaysia International Exhibition & Convention Centre by Dato' Fu Ah Kiow, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). Jointly organised by the Malaysia International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC) and Muar Furniture Association (WA) for the fourth consecutive year, MAFEX has seen tremendous growth ever since its inception in 1998. Due to the overwhelming response from existing and potential exhibitors, the organisers have drafted a new exhibition floor plan that will include 4 halls, increasing the total floor space by 20% to 13,399.75sqm. This new floor plan was revealed during the launch to the applause of happy exhibitors. Exhibitors are pleased that the organisers take into consideration the needs and requirements of the exhibitors. They commended the committee's efforts in expanding the halls and also their promotional campaign in attracting buyers from all comers of the world. 90% of the past exhibitors have indicated interest to be part of MAFEX 2002 again. Prominent exhibitors such as THS Industries, SJY, Even Sofa and many more are particularly pleased with the results of MAFEX 2001. They mentioned that they had the opportunity to meet many new potential buyers, and with the conducive environment set up by the organisers, they were able to enter into several many long term contracts. The MAFEX Organising Chairman and President of Muar Furniture Association, Mr Liau Cham Hong mentioned that MAFEX presents Malaysian furniture manufacturers an avenue to market their products to the international furniture market as well as new and non-conventional markets. This is especially crucial at this point in time as the industry was recently hit by the recession in the United States. Also, there is the competition created by other Asian countries like China, Thailand and Vietnam within the international furniture arena. Dato' Fu Ah Kiow, noted that the Malaysian furniture industry is worth approximately 5 billion each year and he was pleased that MAFEX contributes significantly to the growth of the industry. He praised the efforts of the organisers of introducing Malaysian furniture to the international arena and encouraged all sectors to follow suit. Dato' Fu believes that the Malaysian furniture industry is not only resilient and hardy, but also adaptable to the fast changing requirements of today's world. With the country developing in leaps and bounds and the growth of information technology in the country, Malaysia is still a step ahead of other countries in the region. MAFEX is promoted in many countries including the United States, Japan, Australia, France, South Africa, India, Turkey, Lebanon and many, many more. The promotion attracts buyers from all over the world to Malaysia, making MAFEX the perfect business meeting point for buyers and entrepreneurs in the Malaysian furniture industry. MAFEX aims to explore non-conventional markets to tap the potential and present new opportunities to Malaysian furniture manufacturers. The ultimate goal of MAFEX is to mark its spot on the map of the international furniture arena. For more information on the MAFEX 2002, please do not hesitate to contact the following: The Organisers - MAFEX2002 Events Department, Level 2, Malaysia International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC) Jalan Dulang, The MINES Resort City, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia, Tel: 03-8949 5566, Fax: 03-8949 5567, 03-8945 2155, E-mail: eddie-teh@mines.com.my, events@mines.com.my, Website: www.mafex.net.