(Editor: Leona)

Southeast Asia's biggest furniture fair opened Tuesday with 508 international suppliers from 15 countries packing the show floors of the 21st Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) to kick off the buying season in Asia.

Organised by UBM Malaysia, the annual five-day event at the Putra World Trade Centre and Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre has drawn 10% new exhibitors and strong pre-registration of first time buyers from all over the world.

MIFF 2015 features pavilions from mainland China and Taiwan, China, as well as exhibitors from Bulgaria, France, Finland, Hong Kong, China, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain, South Korea and the United States.

Last year, nearly 20,000 visitors including 6,171 international buyers from 141 countries and regions attended MIFF and generated a record turnover of US$892 million.

Visitor registration counters are open during the show from 9.30am to 6pm daily from Mar 3 (Tuesday) to Mar 6 (Friday) and 9.30am to 5pm on Mar 7 (Saturday). 

MIFF is among a dozen key industry shows in Asia owned by UBM, that includes Furniture China, Index Trade Fairs Mumbai, Indonesia International Furniture Expo and FIDexpo in Russia.

Mr Jime Essink, President and CEO of UBM Asia, comments: "The diversity of exhibitors and buyers demonstrates the international appeal of MIFF as an important sourcing platform and the real business opportunities that come with a UBM show. The launch of the ASEAN Economic Community from this year will be another key driver for the show industry in Southeast Asia."