16/12/2014
28 November 2014 (Friday) – Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) and Furniture Industry Technology Center (FITEC) had successfully co-organised the National Symposium on Furniture Design 2014 (SRPN 2014), attended by over 200 participants in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, recently.
FRIM and FITEC also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a two-year collaboration in furniture design and product development, in conjunction with the symposium launching ceremony graced by the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Director General (DG), Datuk Irahim Ahmad, on 26 November 2014.
The objective of the two-day symposium was to promote and strengthen the Malaysian furniture industry at the global level. The symposium also aimed to create awareness on the importance of designs, materials, technologies and markets in order to increase Malaysia’s furniture exports.
The furniture industry has grown steadily from year to year, with exports rising consistently over RM6.2 billion from 2007 to 2013. Continued efforts are needed to ensure the competitiveness and sustainability of the industry, with emphasis on dynamic designs, sustainable supply of raw materials and latest technology, in line with the National Timber Industry Policy (NATIP).
FRIM DG Dato’ Dr Abd Latif Mohmod, in his speech, said the institute was ready to share its expertise and experience in the field of design and field testing of raw materials to help ensure the quality of local furniture products meet the international standards.
He said through the MS ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation scheme since 2010 and the recognition of the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA) in United Kingdom since 1994, FRIM’s Furniture Testing Laboratory (FTL) has implemented all aspects of furniture testing to ensure these products are safe, suitable for use as well as meet the needs of both the local and international markets.
The FTL, established since 1989, has been conducting an average of 2,000 tests per year.
Abd Latif said FRIM also provides assistance and services to the industry in terms of furniture design, exploring the use of alternative materials with the latest technology, and developing as well as commercialising new products.
Also present at the ceremony were the Negeri Sembilan State Economic Planning Unit Assistant Director (Industry), Mr Hong F**k Yen, representing the State Secretary; FITEC Chairperson Puan Meriyam Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Abdul Rahim Abdul Ghani, and Design Resources Center Head, Nasaruddin Mat Ibrahim; Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) DG, Dr Jalaluddin Harun; as well as FRIM Deputy DG, Dr Mohamed Nor Mohd Yusoff.
The symposium presented 13 speakers including the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Dr Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah, and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Arts Dean, Assoc. Prof. Mohamad Omar Bidin, who delivered their respective keynote addresses on “Enhancing the Potential of the Furniture Industry through Innovative Design”; and “Design as the Pillar for Excellent Products”.
FRIM Forest Products Division Director, Dr Rahim Sudin, and Advanced Processing and Design Programme Head, Dr Tan Yu Eng, spoke on the importance of furniture testing to meet customer satisfaction; and FRIM’s award-winning High Temperature Drying (HTD) system.
There was also a forum on the second day which discussed various issues such as alternative raw materials, FITEC’s role in helping local furniture industry, as well as the importance of design and certification.
The symposium was supported by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, Negeri Sembilan State Government, Malaysian Design Council (MRM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) and MTIB.
The participants included furniture entrepreneurs, designers, representatives from the government and private sectors, as well as students from higher educational institutions from all over the country, which included 40 students form Bio-Composite Technology Programme, UiTM Shah Alam. Our very own, Dr. Siti Rafedah Abdul Karim was one of the comittee member for the symposium.
