Press Release, February 2025

The 18th edition of the Export Furniture Exhibition (EFE) is set to take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from March 2 to 5, 2025, aiming at serving as a pivotal platform for industry professionals to explore cutting-edge innovations, emerging trends, and Malaysia’s furniture design.

The exhibition will start with an opening ceremony at the Plenary Theatre (Level 3), KLCC on March 3, 2025, at 2:30 PM. Participating in the event, the Honourable Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Johari Bin Abdul Ghani, Malaysia’s Minister of Plantation and Commodities will provide perspectives on the Malaysian furniture industry’s trajectory, underscoring its importance within both regional and global markets. The opening ceremony will be attended by key industry figures, representatives from foreign embassies, associations, government agencies, exhibitors, and media. Following the ceremony, the Minister will embark on a tour of the exhibition, gaining a firsthand view of the Malaysian-designed furniture.

In alignment with the exhibition’s global reach, EFE 2025 introduces the “Free Stay with EFE 2025” program, offering eligible international buyers complimentary hotel accommodation for up to two nights during the exhibition period. This program not only showcases Malaysia’s furniture designs but also provides guests with the opportunity to explore the country’s rich cultural and tourism offerings, thereby contributing to the local tourism economy.

“We believe that the “Free Stay with EFE 2025” program will create a mutually beneficial scenario, enhancing the appeal of the exhibition while supporting the Malaysian tourism industry,” said Mr. Chua Chun Chai, Chairman of EFE. As reflected in the motto ‘Bigger and Better,’ EFE has consistently strived to innovate and evolve, ensuring continuous improvement for both visitors and the Malaysian furniture industry.

As part of its ongoing commitment to innovation, EFE 2025 will feature the Malaysian Furniture Creativity Awards (MFC Awards), a competition recognizing excellence across three distinct categories: Bedroom, Living Room, and Dining Furniture. The competition will be held in Hall 6, with participating products showcased alongside QR codes linking to detailed information about the exhibitors and their designs. The results will be revealed on March 5, 2025, following the deliberations of a panel of judges, consisting of professional designers and media representatives, based on votes cast by eligible buyers. The winners will receive prizes valued up to RM 20,000.

Alongside the MFC Awards, EFE 2025 will feature the TIMB3R Design Incubator Programme (DIP), a collaborative initiative developed by the Malaysian Furniture Council (MFC), Malaysian Timber Council (MTC), Malaysian Wood Moulding and Joinery Council (MWMJC) as well as Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID). This program supports young, emerging designers by pairing them with manufacturers, promoting innovation, and advancing sustainable furniture production. Through this collaboration, the timber and furniture sectors are poised to create not only ergonomically optimized but also aesthetically compelling and sustainable furniture solutions for discerning buyers. This synergy will play a pivotal role in advancing Malaysian furniture manufacturers from Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) status to Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) status in the foreseeable future, thereby bolstering their competitiveness within the global marketplace.

Besides, the Young Furniture Entrepreneur Development Programme, led by the Furniture Industry Technology Center (FITEC), which is a Malaysian organization dedicated to advancing the furniture industry through technology and innovation will also be featured at EFE 2025 in Hall 4.

In its continuous efforts to support the next generation of design talent, EFE 2025 will also feature contributions from Malaysian tertiary institutions, including the University Putra Malaysia (UPM) and First City University College (FCUC). The institutions will showcase their students’ innovative and sustainable furniture designs, providing them with opportunities for exposure beyond the academic realm. This initiative aims to expand the visibility of Malaysia’s emerging designers, ensuring their skills are not confined to academic settings but are positioned within the broader industry. On a larger scale, it reflects a strategic vision to cultivate a new wave of talent, fostering the growth of the industry while simultaneously enhancing the nation’s design and brand value.

Spanning over 40,000 square meters, EFE 2025 will host more than 260 exhibitors, offering a showcase of Malaysia’s furniture designs. The exhibition provides international visitors with an opportunity to explore Malaysia’s furniture innovations. From sophisticated aesthetics to functional designs, EFE 2025 aims to offer a comprehensive insight into the future of Malaysian furniture.

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EFE 2025
March 2-5, 2025
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC)

For more information and to register for EFE 2025 visit www.efe.my