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
Strength in Diversity: Canada’s Interior Design Landscape
1 March 2025, Saturday • 2:00pm – 2:45pm
Various (see below)
Synopsis: This seminar will offer an introduction to the Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) and its mission, followed by presentations by IDC members, who will showcase their award-winning projects, speak about the process of working with Canada’s Indigenous communities, and discuss the business of interior design across all sectors.
Kathryn Lawrence
Associate, Interior Designer
Brook McIlroy, Canada
Jamaican-born and raised, Kathryn is a licensed Interior Designer and Associate at Brook McIlroy with experience working on small to large scale corporate, government, institutional, and recreational projects across Canada and in Jamaica.
She is currently on the Board of Directors of the Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) and a registered member of the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO).
Her twin passions for creativity and philanthropy led her to create the Ubuntu Creative Arts Project, an Jamaican-based initiative meant to support young creatives in the Caribbean. She is also a co-founder and COO of Nobellum, a Canadian non-profit social enterprise with the mandate of Black entrepreneurs in Canada and the Afro-Caribbean community. Her ultimate goal is to impact the lives of creatives and entrepreneurs helping to create and provide opportunities for their growth and development.
Tamara Bush
Principal + Creative Director
Inhabit Designs Inc., Canada
Tamara Bush, with over 25 years of experience, is a visionary in the design world. As the founder of Inhabit Designs Inc., she merges aesthetics with architectural principles to create inspiring spaces. Tamara’s advocacy for design excellence and her leadership roles reflect her dedication to innovation and community engagement, making her an influential voice in redefining heartfelt design.
Marcella Au
Senior Associate, Senior Interior Designer, Retail + Interiors Lead North America
BDP Quadrangle, Canada
As Retail and Interiors Lead, Marcella oversees a dedicated team specializing in the design and rollout of retail and workplace projects. Marcella loves the process of bringing projects to life, from concept to execution. With over a decade of experience, her portfolio also includes projects spanning multi-family interiors to hospitality venues.
As the driving force behind many of BDP’s North American retail and interiors relationships, Marcella brings an in-depth knowledge of the retail landscape, including regional nuances and market dynamics.
Her exterior and interior retail work and experience have played a crucial role in the design of unique interior spaces, utilizing innovative design solutions to create unique and functional spaces. Recognizing the importance of client collaboration, she actively engages with clients to understand their vision, needs, and aspirations.
Vesna Plazacic
Director, Communications & Marketing
Interior Designers of Canada, Canada
Vesna Plazacic is the Director of Communications and Marketing at Interior Designers of Canada (IDC), the national advocacy association for the interior design profession. Since joining IDC in 2017, she has helped launch various member initiatives, programs, and advocacy campaigns, including national awards programs and the IDC Design Symposium. She leads projects in partnership with organizations across the globe and has served as IDC’s interim CEO in 2020.
Previously, she worked in corporate communications and as a freelance journalist for more than 20 years and has won national and international awards for media campaigns and journalism work.
Kerri Peyton
Principal
Peyton Licensed Interior Design Inc., Canada
Kerri Peyton is a prominent figure in commercial interior design, leading Peyton Licensed Interior Design Inc. in Calgary. With a focus on diverse sectors, Kerri combines her design expertise with mentorship, fostering the next generation of designers. Her award-winning work and commitment to creating impactful spaces underscore her belief that design should enhance user experience, making her a sought-after speaker in the industry.
02
Scaling Smart: Cross border E-Commerce, IP, and Design Strategies for Global Growth
1 March 2025, Saturday • 3:00pm – 3:45pm
Various (see below)
Synopsis: As the furniture industry expands beyond borders, how can brands position themselves for international success? This panel brings together experts in e-commerce, intellectual property, and design innovation to discuss strategies for elevating your brand in global markets.
Bo Qiang
Award-winning Artist Designer & Curator of xOrdinary
xOrdinary, Malaysia
Bo Qiang, Artist Designer & Curator of xOrdinary
Aubrey Xiao
Business Development Manager
Amazon Global Selling Singapore, Malaysia
Aubrey Xiao, Business Development Manager, Amazon Global Selling – uncovering e-commerce opportunities and strategies for market expansion.
Ann Koh
International Established Interior Designer
Annco Design Studio, Malaysia
Ann Koh, Internationally Established Interior Designer, Founder of Annco Design Studio, London & Kuala Lumpur – understanding global design trends and what makes products desirable worldwide.
Sujak Hasbollah
International Award-Winning Industrial Designer, the founder of Sujak
Sujak Studio, Malaysia
Sujak Hasbollah, International Award-Winning Industrial Designer Malaysia – navigating design trends and working with international clients.
Sarah Huang
Corporate, Commercial & IP Lawyer
Peter Huang & Richard Malaysia, Malaysia
Sarah Huang, Corporate, Commercial & IP Lawyer, Legal Associate of Peter Huang & Richard – leveraging IP rights as a competitive advantage in international trade.
03
MyTLAS as Timber Legality Assurance
1 March 2025, Saturday • 3:45pm – 4:30pm
Sunita binti Muhamad
Synopsis: The Malaysia Timber Legality Assurance System (MyTLAS) plays a crucial role in promoting responsible timber trade. By certifying legally harvested timber, MyTLAS addresses environmental concerns and supports sustainable forestry practices. Overseen by the Malaysia Timber Industry Board, this initiative ensures compliance with national laws and enhances transparency, essential for aligning local practices with international trade standards.
Mrs. Sunita binti Muhamad, currently serving as the Senior Deputy Director of Licensing and Inspectorate at the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) under the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, Malaysia, with 20-year experience in public service especially in timber industry development. With a background in Science of Forestry and Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, she has been involved in various projects and policy implementations in order to grow Malaysia’s timber sector. Her expertise in timber import and export control, forest and timber legality assurance systems, timber enforcement and control of endangered timber species is highly valuable to the sustainability of the forestry sector, as well as the country’s timber industries.
04
Making Carbon Footprint Count for You
2 March 2025, Sunday • 11:00am – 11:45am
Professor Dr Jegatheswaran Ratnasingam, Universiti Putra Malaysia
Synopsis: The subject of ‘carbon footprint’ is gaining importance throughout the world, and almost all sectors, both manufacturing, agriculture and services and coming under scrutiny. To what extent the activity undertaken contributes to climate change? Specifically, the amount of green-house-gaseous (GHG) emission is the primary question that must be answered. This presentation on carbon footprint for the wood products and furniture sector, provides preliminary data on carbon footprint for specific furniture products conducted by the research team at UPM led by Professor Jegatheswaran, at the Faculty of Forestry & Environment, Universiti Putra Malaysia. It will also share some insights into simplified techniques that could be adopted by furniture manufacturers to evaluate their carbon footprint. It will also describe on using carbon footprint as a marketing tool. It provides valuable information and insights that must be known not only to manufacturers, buyers, and also policymakers.
Professor Jegatheswaran Ratnasingam, Ph.D. is a member of the Faculty of Forestry & Environment at Universiti Putra Malaysia. He was in the Asian furniture manufacturing industry, holding positions at various capacities for more than a decade, before venturing into academia. He also regularly consults for manufacturers, regional development agencies, in both technical and policy matters. An established researcher with almost 250 publications to his credit, he is also a regular speaker at seminars and conferences. He is also a recipient of three Honorary Professorships, from leading Forestry universities in the United Kingdom, Germany, and South Africa, for his outstanding work on furniture industry’s sustainability and value-creation. He presently leads a large internationally-funded research project on ‘ESG, Carbon Footprint, and Circular Economy for the Wood Products Industry’. He strongly believes that ‘learning is a life-long journey, and it starts with sharing information’.
05
Trends of Furniture in Interior Design Today
2 March 2025 Sunday • 11:45am – 12:30pm
Various (see below)
Synopsis: The panel discussion, featuring renowned design experts from Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore, and India, offers a fascinating exploration of how cultural, historical, and environmental influences shape the evolving landscape of contemporary furniture trends in each country. The esteemed panelists will share valuable insights into how sustainability has become a pivotal force in the furniture industry, driven by increasing environmental awareness. The conversation will culminate in an engaging and forward-looking dialogue about the future of furniture design, shedding light on the innovative paths ahead.
Ar. Sarosh Wadia
National President
Indian Institute of Interior Designers, India
Ar. Sarosh Wadia, the National President of the Indian Institute of Interior Designers, brings a wealth of experience from his extensive academic and professional background. As a Professor at IDPT-SCET and a key figure in the architectural community, he is dedicated to advancing design practices. Sarosh founded Azmi & Sarosh Wadia, Architects and Interior Designers, known for its prestigious conservation projects. His leadership in the industry embodies a commitment to quality and innovation, making him a pivotal voice in contemporary interior design.
IDr. Maria Victoria S. Almario
President
Philippine Institute of Interior Designers, Philippines
IDr. Maria Victoria S. Almario, affectionately known as Ivy, is a dynamic leader in the interior design sphere. With a rich educational background and a successful design firm, Atelier Almario, Ivy champions high-end residential and hospitality projects. Her entrepreneurial spirit extends to various ventures, including a design school and AGREA, which supports local farmers. Ivy’s passion for design, coupled with her diverse interests, makes her an inspiring figure who promotes inclusivity and creativity in the industry.
Koji Sakai
Board Member of JID
Japan Interior Architects/Designers’Association (JID), Japan
He is a Design Director, Architect and Interior Designer, Lecturer at design schools, ex professor and researcher. He had a design career-forming experience 28 years ago when he got a chance to go to Milan, Italy.Later he launched S.I.A (Siesta-InternationalAssociates) with the concept of “happiness” and is engaged in various design consulting services. He are conducting research into new materials that utilize scrap materials. He has also published numerous research papers on design trends in countries around Asia.Additionally, He has given numerous lectures on Japanese tradition and future design, as well as on sustainable and regenertivistic design thinking
Luu Viet Thang
Chief of Staff VNIA
Head Office, Head of External Affairs and Partnerships VNIA
Vietnam Interiors Association, Vietnam
Mr. Luu Viet Thang, Chief of Staff at the Vietnam Interiors Association Head Office, and Head of External Affairs and Partnerships.
With a deep understanding of the Association’s objectives, Mr. Thang has been instrumental in fostering collaborations and driving initiatives that strengthen the interior design industry in Vietnam and beyond. As VNIA representative, Mr Luu committed to upholding the values and vision of the Vietnam Interiors Association, actively engaging in international partnerships, and contributing meaningfully to dialogues that promote innovation and growth within our community.
Keat Ong
President
Society of Interior Designers (Singapore) (SIDS), Singapore
Architect by training and multidisciplinary designer by profession, Prof. Keat Ong is a celebrated, awards-winning designer. He is the founder of Nota Design Group and Keat Ong Design as well as 3 terms president of Society of Interior Designers, Singapore (SIDS). Keat chairs the Singapore Interior Design Accreditation Council which overseas the competency of interior design practitioners in Singapore. He was also elected to preside over the the 13 nations Asia Pacific Space Designers Association (APSDA) for the term 2021-2023. He has been named one of Asia’s Top Designers in Singapore Design Awards 2014 and as Designers of the year 2016/2017 from the famed INTERIOR DESIGN Magazine. He was also honored with the title of “The Most Influential Designer” by China’s national body for Interior design, China Building Decoration Association in the 2017. He is also Visiting Professors to numerous universities in Asia and judges to many prestigious awards internationally.
06
AI Friend or Enemy?
3 March 2025, Monday • 11:00am – 11:45am
Various (see below)
Synopsis: As AI technology becomes an integral part of our daily lives in the 21st century, how do you perceive its role? Is it an invaluable tool enhancing your productivity, or do you see it as a potential threat to your industry?Join us at the MIFF FDC Design Forum 2025 where our distinguished judges will share their insights on whether AI serves as a collaborative partner or a competitive challenge in today's workplace.
Dr Eric Leong
Chief Judge of 2025 MIFF Furniture Design Competition, Malaysia
Dr. Eric Leong (DREL), Malaysia’s leading art and design educator and designer, is a prominent figure in the country’s creative scene. His 30-year career in the design industry, coupled with his popular home makeover TV series and lifestyle radio shows, has earned him the title “King of Design” & “Malaysian most favourite Designer”. A frequent judge for local and international design competitions, DREL has been a part of the MIFF design competitions for over two decades.
Tul Lekutai
Co-Founder & Principal
Deco Moda Studio, Thailand
Tul graduated from the Faculty of Architecture, Chiang Mai University in 2002. In 2003 he founded the design studio; Deco Moda Studio, established Thailand visual practitioners spearhead team called Pictures Talk in 2017. He is involved in diverse creative fields from architecture to product design, festival design and visual practitioners both locally and internationally. Currently, he is serving as member in Board of Directors IFVP (International forum of Visual Practitioners) based in U.S.A.
Philip Yap
Founder
CDN-Worldwide Limited, China/Malaysia
Philip Yap, Malaysian Chinese, renowned designer and experience consultant, Founder of CDNW (Central Design Network Worldwide). Brought up in a cultural hot-pot that is Malaysia, Philip was accustomed to versatility and diversity. Integration is his forte, challenging different styles is his long suit. It is no wonder that his designs hints accents from various cultures across the world. His aspired passion in the home living industry has also brought him to greater heights. Besides designing interior, system-storage, ofce and home and furniture, Philip is also playing important roles in strategic corporate planning, brand building, as well as marketing consultancy for most of his clients.
Walter Tan
Managing Director
Elemental Republic, Malaysia
Walter Tan is an industry veteran with 29 years of experience. He designs and develops a variety of furniture for market all over the world. Elemental Republic is an ESG wooden furniture maker using reclaim woods, drifter woods and plantation teak.
Walter is now working with several factories in Malaysia on Circular Economy Furniture Designs.
Shinichi Mitsuki
Fellow, Executive Creative Director
Mitsui Designtec Co Ltd, Japan
Director and supervisor of interior design. As an interior design expert, Mr. Mitsuki has written many columns and books, and received recognition and awards in hotel competitions in Europe, as well as in office design in domestic and international competition.
Hamidah Abdullah
General Manager
CTCS Worldwide Sdn Bhd, Malaysia
Hamidah Abdullah is a timber specialist. For over 30 years, she had valuable knowledge and experiences turning timber into valuable products. She capitalised on industry and marketplace trends to strategise solutions and enhance timber business operations and market access. She represented Malaysia and timber industry in communicating strategic plans to ensure the sustainability of the timber industry without sacrificing the beautiful Malaysian forest.
07
Ensuring Global Market Readiness: FRIM’s Role in R&D, Testing and Certification for Malaysian Furniture Industry
3 March 2025, Monday • 11:45am – 12:30pm
Dr Sharmiza Adnan , Managing Director, FRIM, Malaysia
Synopsis: FRIM stands at the forefront of innovation in the Malaysian furniture sector, providing essential R&D and certification services. With a focus on sustainable materials and designs through a circular economy approach, FRIM's accredited Furniture Testing Laboratory ensures compliance with international standards. By supporting local manufacturers, FRIM enhances global market readiness, fostering quality and sustainability in the industry.
Dr. Sharmiza Adnan is a leading expert in chemical engineering and sustainable practices at FRIM. With over 27 years of experience, her research has significantly impacted product development and certification in the Malaysian furniture industry. Dr. Sharmiza’s leadership in establishing quality management systems and her innovative approach to cellulose-based products position her as an influential voice in advancing sustainability and quality in forestry research.
