Kuala Lumpur, 8 Mac – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Architecture student Aric Neo Yong Yea (newly graduated) won first prize at the Malaysian International Furniture Fair Furniture Design Competition (MIFF FDC) by beating over 250 other contestants. Aric Neo received RM5000 from the Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, Dato’ Seri Abdul Hadi Omar, at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) Complex, Kuala Lumpur on 3rd March 2023.
The MIFF FDC has been held annually since 2010 in conjunction with the Malaysia International Furniture Fair (MIFF) to provide the best platform for design talents to showcase their innovative and creative works in furniture designs. The yearly MIFF event helps the industry discover new skills in furniture design and also assists the nation in promoting innovative and creative local furniture products to the world markets.
The theme for this year is “Post-pandemic Workspace Furniture.” The judging criteria are based on concept and creativity, aesthetic and appearance, material usage and technology, functionality and marketability.
Aric Neo’s idea is to recycle used disposable facemasks by reprocessing them into polypropylene fabric. The intention is to reduce the environmental impacts of solid waste after the pandemic. In addition, the furniture is designed in standard modular units allowing users to customize their furniture according to their needs flexibly. The well-organized presentation poster in bright red is a standout among various entries from other public and private higher learning institutions and individual designers.
Aric Neo receiving his prize from winning the competition
Aric Neo with Dr. Eric Leong, a famous interior designer
The configuration of modular units allows users to design their own furniture based on their needs
The dimensions of each modular unit