Industry Seminars
Meet and learn from the best industry experts
Industry seminars with industry shaping topics
The MIFF Industry Seminars are back with a range of topics that are shaping the industry. Meet and learn from industry experts on what you need to know and ask the questions you want. This is another great opportunity to network and catch up with the professionals to build the right connections. All seminars will take place at The Gallery, Level 1A, MITEC.
01
Sustainable Furniture for Local & Global Markets: Meeting Performance and Compliance Needs
4 March 2025, Wednesday • 2:00pm – 2:45pm
Khairul Bin Masseat
Synopsis: Learn how technical innovation and standards help meet sustainability demands in local and global furniture markets.
A researcher and expert in wood and furniture technology at FRIM, Mr. Khairul Masseat focuses on the technical aspects of sustainable furniture manufacturing, material performance, and standards compliance.
02
MyTLAS: Malaysia’s Timber Legality Assurance System For Global Market Access
4 March 2025, Wednesday • 3:00pm – 3:45pm
Sunita binti Muhamad
Synopsis: Discover how Malaysia's MyTLAS system ensures timber legality and access to global markets like the EU.
With over 20 years in the timber sector, Mrs. Sunita Muhamad leads in licensing, inspectorate functions, and legality systems like MyTLAS, playing a key role in policy development for responsible trade and global market access.
03
Design and Innovation in Western Canada
4 March 2025, Wednesday • 3:45pm – 4:30pm
Various (see below)
Synopsis: Explore the interior design trends shaping Western Canada and their national influence.
Trevor Kruse (Moderator)
Chief executive officer (CEO)
Interior Designers of Canada (IDC), Canada
Trevor Kruse is the CEO of Interior Designers of Canada (IDC), the national advocacy association for the interior design profession. With a 35-year career as a designer and decades of leadership on provincial, national, and international boards, he has forged strong relationships across academia, government, media, and the global design industry.
Christine Boultbee
Senior Interior Designer
Kasian Architecture, Canada
A Senior Interior Designer at Kasian Architecture, Christine Boultbee specialises in senior living and healthcare design, with broad experience across multiple sectors. An NCIDQ, IDC, and IDIBC registered designer, she is passionate about creating beautiful, functional spaces that contribute to health and well-being.
Carly Norris
Principal
Figura Design, Canada
Carly Norris is a Registered Interior Designer and founder of Vancouver-based Figura Design, focused on thoughtful commercial and residential interiors. A WELL AP accredited professional, she is committed to designing healthy, high-performing spaces and actively serves on advocacy committees to strengthen the design profession.
Teneille Carter
Interior Designer
Kindrachuk Agrey Architecture, Canada
An award-winning Interior Designer with NCIDQ, IDAS, and IDC registration, Teneille Carter specialises in educational facility design, having contributed to over two dozen schools in Saskatchewan. Known for her thoughtful detailing and commitment to inclusive, accessible spaces, she brings deep, locally grounded expertise to her projects.
04
ESG Compliance in the Furniture Industry and Its Impact Towards the Low Carbon Ecosystem
5 March 2025, Thursday • 11:00am – 11:45am
Professor Dr Jegatheswaran Ratnasingam
Synopsis: Turn ESG compliance into your advantage in the low-carbon economy.
An established furniture researcher and academic with an international network, he is a leading voice in disseminating knowledge on furniture manufacturing and management. He serves as an advisor to the International Furniture Research Group for the Asia-Pacific region.
05
From Local Makers to Global Markets: AI as a Creative and Business Catalyst
5 March 2025 Thursday • 11:45am – 12:30pm
Various (see below)
Synopsis: Learn practical AI strategies to scale your creativity and business globally.
Bo Qiang (Moderator)
Artist Designer & Curator
xOrdinary, Malaysia
A Malaysian-born artist and designer, Bo Qiang has exhibited globally at events like iSaloni in Milan, and in Korea, Dubai, and Malaysia. His practice is driven by a mission to elevate Malaysian design through interdisciplinary collaboration and a deep exploration of cultural roots to achieve authentic innovation.
XP Ng
AI Innovation Expert & CEO
Academy of Artificial Intelligence (AOAI), Malaysia
A visionary AI innovation expert, XP Ng founded the Academy of AI to equip professionals with practical AI tools and strategies. Known for making complex concepts accessible, he focuses on driving sustainable growth and innovation through strategic AI adoption.
06
Beyond the Price Tag: Decoding Gen Z Parents & the Alpha Aesthetic
6 March 2025, Friday • 11:00am – 11:45am
Various (see below)
Synopsis: Decode the values of Gen Z parents shaping future home design.
Dr Eric Leong (Moderator)
Chief Judge of 2026 MIFF Furniture Design Competition, Malaysia
Recognised as Malaysia’s “King of Design,” DREL is a leading art and design educator with a 30-year career spanning television, radio, and academia. A trusted authority, he has served as a chief judge for the MIFF design competitions for over two decades.
Tul Lekutai
Principal, Co-Founder
Deco Moda Studio, Thailand
An architect and multidisciplinary designer, Tul Lekutai works across architecture, product design, and visual practice. He co-founded Deco Moda Studio and serves on the board of the International Forum of Visual Practitioners (IFVP).
Walter Tan, CIDe
Managing Director
Elemental Nusantara, Malaysia
A furniture industry veteran with over 32 years of experience, Walter Tan champions ESG-driven design. Through his brand, Elemental Nusantara, he promotes circular economy solutions using reclaimed wood and responsibly sourced materials.
Shinichi Mitsuki
Executive Creative Director
Mitsui Designtec Co Ltd, Japan
An award-winning interior design expert, Mr. Mitsuki directs projects ranging from hospitality to corporate spaces. He is a published author and recognised figure in domestic and international design competitions.
Isaac Teo
Co-Founder & Director
GI Design Sdn Bhd, Malaysia
A creative interior designer with over 15 years of experience, Isaac Teo leads teams in delivering distinctive commercial and residential projects across Malaysia, known for innovative design and hands-on project leadership.
