Repeated national wins highlight the rising strength of APU’s Industrial Design programme.

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has achieved a remarkable milestone at the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) Furniture Design Competition Awards 2026, securing a prestigious triple win that reinforces the university’s growing influence in the field of design innovation. 

At the awards ceremony held on 5 March at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), APU emerged as one of the most celebrated institutions of the competition, claiming the Best Institution Award, the First Prize of the MIFF Furniture Design Competition (FDC) 2026, and the Best Mentor Award. 

The achievement is particularly significant as APU secured the Best Institution Award for the second consecutive year, underscoring the university’s consistent excellence in cultivating creative design talent. 

The triple win reflects the strength of APU’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Industrial Design programme under the School of Media, Arts and Design (SoMAD), which continues to produce innovative thinkers capable of responding to contemporary design challenges. 

A National Platform for Emerging Design Talent

The MIFF FDC 2026 attracted 138 entries from 37 design institutions and private firms, making the competition both rigorous and highly competitive. 

Held as part of the 32nd Malaysian International Furniture Fair, Southeast Asia’s largest furniture exhibition, the event took place from 4 to 7 March across two major venues in Kuala Lumpur – MITEC and the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL). The international scale of MIFF provides participants with valuable exposure to industry leaders, manufacturers and global buyers. 

Jessica Antonius Wins First Prize with Visionary Design

At the centre of APU’s success was Jessica Antonius, a 20-year-old Industrial Design student, who captured the competition’s First Prize and a cash award of RM5,000 with her striking furniture concept titled ROEL. 

Designed for the emerging Zen Alfa generation, ROEL represents a forward-thinking reinterpretation of children’s furniture. Rather than functioning solely as a bunk bed, the design envisions a holistic living environment that adapts to a child’s evolving needs.

Jessica’s design concept integrates functionality, flexibility and thoughtful spatial design, allowing the furniture to transform alongside the developmental journey of its young user. The adaptable structure accommodates a child’s rapid physical growth and changing lifestyle requirements, ensuring the furniture remains relevant and comfortable for years to come. 

With its modular configuration, ROEL can be reconfigured to suit different spatial arrangements and household settings. This adaptability allows the furniture to evolve over time, transforming from a simple sleeping structure into a multifunctional living space that supports play, study and rest. 

Reflecting on her achievement, Jessica described the journey as a transformative experience. 

“Winning MIFF means a lot to me because it represents growth and pushing beyond what I once thought was impossible,” she shared. “The journey wasn’t smooth, but through hard work, constant iteration and the support of many people—especially my mentor at APU’s SoMAD—I was able to reach this milestone. I see this win as a starting point for even bigger opportunities ahead.” 

Mentorship and Academic Excellence Behind the Success

APU’s accomplishment was further strengthened by the recognition of its dedicated academic staff.

Mr Eekang Ooi, lecturer at SoMAD and a Certified Industrial Designer (CIDe), was honoured with the Best Mentor Award, recognising his guidance in shaping the next generation of design innovators. 

Commenting on Jessica’s winning concept, Mr Eekang highlighted the originality of the project. “I am proud of Jessica and her design, especially when hearing the judges’ comment that ROEL embarks on a bold architectural adventure, moving away from the traditional rectangular silhouette of conventional bunk beds,” he said. 

Mr Eekang himself is no stranger to MIFF FDC success, having previously won the competition title in 2021, making his mentorship particularly meaningful for students aspiring to excel in the design industry. 

Beyond Jessica’s victory, APU students also demonstrated strong overall performance in the competition. Two additional projects from SoMAD—“Loom & Nook” by Tuleushova Anel and “Lio” by Ang Qiao Ning—successfully secured places in the Top 10 finalists, highlighting the depth of design talent emerging from the programme. 

The university’s creative presence extended further into the exhibition floor as well. Mr Liew Yong Kian, a practitioner artist and academic at SoMAD, showcased his artwork at MIFF under the Xordinary Group, a dynamic collective of emerging designers. 

Strengthening APU’s Design Reputation 

This year’s success builds upon APU’s growing track record at the MIFF Furniture Design Competition. In 2025, the university secured Second Prize while also receiving the Best Institution Award. 

The 2026 triple win, however, marks an even stronger performance—demonstrating not only individual excellence but also the effectiveness of APU’s design education ecosystem. 

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Industrial Design programme at APU is designed to equip students with both creative thinking and practical industry exposure. Through studio-based learning, mentorship from experienced designers and engagement with industry competitions, students are encouraged to push the boundaries of design while developing solutions that are both functional and socially relevant. 

Such achievements highlight the university’s commitment to nurturing designers who are capable of contributing meaningfully to Malaysia’s creative economy while competing confidently on the international stage. 

Celebrating Creativity and Future Design Leaders 

For the School of Media, Arts and Design, the triple victory at MIFF is a powerful affirmation of the university’s vision to nurture creative leaders equipped with both artistic imagination and technical expertise. 

Commenting on the achievement, Ms Debbie Liew Pooi Kuan, Head of the School of Media, Arts and Design, expressed immense pride in the accomplishments of her students and faculty. 

“This triple win is a proud moment for SoMAD and for APU as a whole. Seeing our students’ ideas recognised on a national stage is incredibly rewarding. It reflects the passion, resilience and creativity that our students bring to their work, as well as the dedication of our lecturers who guide them throughout their design journey. We are excited to see our Industrial Design students continue shaping the future of furniture and product design, both in Malaysia and beyond.”