Discovering design trends in Indonesia and Malaysia
In late February two groups of IDC members embarked on trade missions to the Indonesia International Furniture Expo (IFEX) in Jakarta, Indonesia, and the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
IDC trade missions are funded by international trade agencies and often sponsored in part by manufacturers and suppliers in host countries. In most cases, all or most of the expenses are covered for participating IDC members or the association.
This year, the IFEX trade show marked its ninth edition. As the largest and finest furniture and craft exhibition in Indonesia, IFEX presents infinite innovation, inspiration, and creativity. Having a crucial role in directly connecting Indonesia’s local furniture and craft companies with buyers and specifiers from around the world, IFEX continues to be the platform for the perfect momentum of local manufacturers displaying their wide range of products to global buyers.
Left to right: IDC past president, Keshia Caplette, IDC board member, Christine Craik, IDC trade mission consultant, Enrico Cleva, and IDC member Patricia Desmet at IFEX 2024.
Three IDC members were invited to attend IFEX and take part in networking lunches, business meetings, VIP buyers’ night, and other events during their visit. IDC board member, Christine Craik, one of the delegates on the mission noted that the event was well organized and her experience attending the event was a positive one.
“We connected with several new suppliers of furniture, fixtures, accessories and artwork, of which there was a full range of options in terms of materials, style, and budget,” she says. “It was great to meet with furniture companies from all over the world presenting at IFEX who choose to manufacture in Indonesia; not just from Asia, but Europe, America, and Australia as well.”
IDC past president, Keshia Caplette added that IFEX was a great experience to see design in another part of the world. “A small show, with a lot to offer,” she says. “IFEX showcased a wide variety of products and budgets – all with expansive aesthetic options.”
In nearby Kuala Lumpur, eight IDC members and the IDC CEO were invited to attend MIFF. Since its inception in 1995, MIFF has created fantastic business and networking opportunities for hundreds of thousands of participants. Every year, quality exhibitors and buyers from all over the world converge on this global stage.
Delegates attended the event’s opening ceremony, enjoyed VIP networking lunches, met with exhibitors during the show and other travellers during the welcome reception and buyers’ night, tuned in to various presentations and explored the regional culture and cuisine during the IDC dinner in the city.
Left to right: IDC CEO, Trevor Kruse, IDC trade mission consultant, Enrico Cleva, and IDC members Abby Aiyeleye, Ann Squires Ferguson, and Daniel Meloché at MIFF 2024.
A select group of delegates delivered a presentation titled ‘Canadian Perspectives in Interior Design’ discussing award-winning interior design projects from Canada’s culturally rich and diverse design landscape.
Enrico Cleva, ec & co. introduced the panel and Trevor Kruse, IDC CEO delivered an introduction about the association and the IDC members on the panel: Abby Aiyeleye, Clavis Studio, Ann Squires Ferguson, Western Design+Build, and Daniel Meloché, Daniel Meloché Design.
“The MIFF trade mission was a fantastic experience and a great opportunity to get to know talented IDC members across the country and build meaningful business relationships with international manufacturers and suppliers,” says Kruse. “We’re already looking forward to next year’s event!”
Additional trade missions are currently in the works and will be announced soon.
For any inquiries, please contact: communications@idcanada.org.
