Camaraderie was in the air as the four day INTERIORS Malaysia 2008 trade fair held at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur drew to a close on 1 June 2008.

Trade visitors and exhibitors alike walked away satisfied - having been part of the magic of a trade fair unlike any other. In all, every one present enjoyed the amity of events, design, style, trends and entertainment, that addressed the interior design as a trendsetting industry that complements today's lifestyle aspirations.

The Fair showcased an eclectic mix of the latest designs and innovative products from the interior industry that offer the perfect interior solutions to design professionals and industry players, all encompassed under one roof. INTERIORS Malaysia 2008 succeeded in this light at vying itself as a dynamic platform for players in the fields of construction, architecture and interior design, having drawn some 9196 trade visitors from 37 countries.

Being a full scaled international event, INTERIORS Malaysia 2008 comprised of dedicated trade days where exhibitors had unparalleled opportunities to meet and do business with a professional audience of interior designers, architects, buyers, commercial specifiers and other industry movers and shakers, while exploring and exploiting ideas, innovations and networks to thrive, expand and grow.

Held in conjunction with INTERIORS Malaysia 2008 was the Business of Interiors International Conference which featured an illustrious panel of international speakers. Adopting the topic "Accelerating the Trendsetting Industry in the Forefront of Economic Development" with the theme "Vision Futures", principal of the Indonesian Interiors and Architectural Space Resource Centre (INIAS) Naning Adiwoso shared her ideas on the topic of "Design Forward". Eakachart Joneurairatana's presentation centred on "Vision Futures: Interior Design Horizon in Thailand". "Expanding Horizons" was addressed by Joy Gladys J Ejercito who is the director of education at The Philippine Institute of Interior Designers in Philippines. Chief executive officer of the Yun Cheng International Design Academy in Taiwan Dr John Zhang spoke in detail on the topic of "Brand Theatre: Inspiring Space Design, The Lion King Experience". Augustine Koh, who is the secretary general of the Green Purchasing Network from Malaysia spoke on "Green Purchasing, the Future of Everything".

Business networking cocktail sessions were held on a daily basis with the aim of connecting the design industry's who's-who as in industry partners such as developers, real estate owners, contractors and designers.

The highlight of the exhibition was the 5,000sq ft trendsetting interior lifestyle showcase with its bold furniture design and upcoming trends for the residential, retail, office and hospitality sectors.

Treats were also in store for art enthusiasts under the umbrella of the Art Community.There was a display of textile art works by Pasaya. Art Village Gallery also participated in a big way, as reflected in its owner Kenny Teng's vision to bring original art works to the masses. Malaysian artist Soh Boon Kiong who is based in Japan highlighted his acrylic on canvas art paintings featuring mainly large formats measuring an average of 1.62 metres x 3.91 metres bursting with inspiration from nature's bountiful Sakura blooms, mountains and rivers.

Lovers of artifacts indulged in Muzium Negara's "Living with precious collection" unique Peranakan, Malay, Sabah and Sarawak heritage on display, showing forth the idea that old, being truly gold, can be blended to perfection into the workings of modern day settings. Decorative marketplace items, interiorscape focus on landscape and gardens, floral displays as well as "Dancing with lights" were other highlights.

International relations were strengthened with Embassy of Spain's unique booth to promote the country as well as the trade exhibition's focus on Italy's marble and granite showcase, Taiwan lighting technology as well as Vietnam's paintings and decorative items.

World Interiors Day, celebrated on a worldwide scale touching on the theme "Identity", highlighting the importance of interior design was launched at Interiors Malaysia 2008 by International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers president Shrikant Nivasarkar. The Young Talent Award and Best Booth Awards were announced here.

INTERIORS Malaysia 2008 is endorsed by the Ministry of Housing & Local Government, Ministry of Entrepreneur & Cooperative Development, Ministry of Plantation Industries & Commodities, Ministry of Tourism, International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI) and the Asia-Pacific Designers Association (APSDA) as well as MATRADE.

For participation and more information on INTERIORS Malaysia 2009, please visit www.expomal.com/interiors or contact the project secretariat at 03 - 8024 6500