MIFF 2026: Southeast Asia’s Leading Furniture Fair Returns

15 January 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF), Southeast Asia’s largest furniture trade show, continues to set new standards as a longstanding business platform that delivers tangible results and serves as a launchpad for the region’s top furniture makers to showcase their world-class craftsmanship and design.

Now in its 32nd edition, this unique event will take place from 4–7 March 2026 at two venues in the capital: the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) and the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL). With its signature ‘1 Fair, 2 Venues, 17 Halls’ concept, the exhibition spans a total of 100,000 square metres.

Under the theme ‘Source. Connect. Trade.’, MIFF 2026 will bring together over 700 exhibitors and 20,000 buyers from 140 countries and regions, further establishing its position as the region’s premier platform for sourcing innovative, high-quality, and competitively priced furniture.

“This year’s MIFF celebrates more than 30 years of global industry trust, built on proven sales performance and a consistent track record of connecting international buyers and sellers to generate real business opportunities,” said Kelie Lim, General Manager of MIFF. “It has also provided unparalleled international exposure for brands seeking to expand beyond borders, celebrates heritage craftsmanship, and champions new design trends and technologies.”

Last year’s edition generated an estimated USD 1.31 billion in on-site sales — a 3% increase from the previous year. Malaysia ranks among the top 10 largest furniture exporters globally, with approximately 80% of its production destined for international markets.

Annually, MIFF supports Malaysia’s furniture industry, which generates around USD 4.2 billion in revenue, driven by world-class export infrastructure, a skilled workforce, strategic location, and a multicultural business environment.

Malaysia is also a key beneficiary of the ‘China+1’ sourcing strategy, as international buyers increasingly turn to the region for its exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, reliable supply chains, and robust export capacity.

Through networking sessions, seminars, and other business initiatives, MIFF continues to promote exports and strengthen Malaysia’s position in the global marketplace. For 2026, the event’s partnership with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) as its International Trade Partner will leverage MATRADE’s extensive international network to further promote Malaysian furniture globally and unlock greater export and sourcing opportunities for both buyers and exhibitors.

A highlight of MIFF 2026 is its focus on showcasing Asia’s leading furniture manufacturers and their craftsmanship through the annual MIFF Furniture Design Competition (MIFF FDC), now in its 16th edition. The theme, ‘Playful. Practical. Purposeful: Furniture for Generation Alpha,’ challenges designers to create bedroom furniture for children aged 5–9 that combines imagination with practicality.

Complementing this initiative is the newly launched MIFF FDC CLUB, a platform connecting design talent with manufacturers to foster long-term collaboration and growth. Members gain exclusive access to industry events, facility tours, and prototype development opportunities, while manufacturers benefit from fresh design perspectives to enhance competitiveness.

Finalists of MIFF FDC 2026 will have the chance to showcase their work at MITEC, with five successful pairs from the FDC CLUB’s SELECTS programme unveiling their products.

To further encourage independent creativity, MIFF organises the xOrdinary Design Showcase, themed ‘Happiness’ in 2026. Launched in 2022, this initiative empowers designers to explore unconventional ideas and lifestyle concepts that bring joy to everyday living.

In line with its commitment to industry trends, MIFF 2026 introduces a new concept at WTCKL: ‘FurniFusion.’ Built on three pillars, Live, Work, Play, this segment includes a Made-in-Malaysia Hall that fuses traditional craftsmanship with modern design; MIFF OFFICE, Southeast Asia’s largest office furniture exhibition; and The Muse, a dedicated space for lifestyle and décor.

Returning by popular demand are Kuala Lumpur iDesign Week, in collaboration with Guangzhou Design Week, to foster creativity among Asian designers, and the My Favourite International Design (MFID) Awards, celebrating outstanding talent in architecture and interior design.

Sustainability remains a core focus, exemplified by the resumption of the Tree Planting Campaign in Sabah, launched in 2024. For 2026, the initiative will feature enhanced digital integration via the MIFF Furniverse App, offering interactive floor plans, intelligent lead retrieval for exhibitors, and intuitive navigation tools, enabling virtual participation while making a tangible environmental impact.

“MIFF reinforces our long-term vision to further elevate Malaysia’s position on the global stage as a leading producer of quality furniture,” said Kelie Lim. “On a broader scale, it aims to uplift the global furniture industry, and this ambition is strengthened by MIFF’s reputation as Southeast Asia’s largest export-oriented furniture trade show.”

Trade visitors can enjoy free admission by registering before 13 February 2026, saving on the RM30 entrance fee, and gain access to exclusive buyer programmes designed to streamline sourcing and maximise business opportunities.