USM, PENANG, 13 April 2026 – The WOODFEST 2026 furniture design competition, organised by Politeknik Kota Kinabalu in collaboration with the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) and Benua Brutti Sdn. Bhd., has emerged as a key platform for examining contemporary Malaysian furniture design under the theme “Living Small and Well.”

The competition brought together seven institutions, including Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Industrial Technology, Kolej Komuniti Kuala Lumpur, Pusat Kraftangan Sabah, and the host institution. The theme challenged participants to critically address spatial constraints, user behaviour, and material efficiency in compact living environments.

Submissions closed on 22 March 2026, with finalists announced on 3 April and winners on 8 April 2026. USM students stood out with award-winning and finalist entries that reflect a shift from object-centred design to user-focused, system-based thinking.

The first-place entry, MODUBRICK, by Leow Xue Qing and Chew Chuan Xiang, is a modular occasional table designed for children aged five to nine. It responds to urban spatial constraints through reconfigurable components that support play, learning, and everyday use, while integrating adaptability and early learning values through its design approach.

Leow described her interest in design as stemming from curiosity about how everyday objects influence human experience, emphasising that furniture should be evaluated not only by appearance but also by how it functions and feels to users. She also expressed a growing interest in inclusive design, particularly for elderly users, focusing on mobility and safety.

The second-place entry, STACKO by Tang Xin Yi, reinterprets micro-living as spatial discipline rather than limitation. The design consists of three stools that transform into a table and storage unit, prioritising multifunctionality and compactness. Constructed from 18mm plywood, it balances durability and manoeuvrability, while dual-tone veneer finishing enhances its visual identity.

Finalist EcoVine by Teo Jo Ann draws inspiration from natural forms and traditional Asian floor seating. Combining biophilic design principles with weaving techniques, the lounge chair bridges cultural heritage with contemporary compact living needs.

Vice-Chancellor of USM, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed expressed pride in the students’ achievements, stating that he is “deeply proud of the creativity, originality, and contemporariness demonstrated by USM students, who continue to reflect the university’s commitment to producing innovative thinkers capable of addressing real-world challenges through design excellence.”

Collectively, the entries highlight sustainability and functionality as key design drivers through modularity, material efficiency, and extended product lifespan, demonstrating how constraints can catalyse innovation and produce more adaptive and meaningful design solutions while WOODFEST 2026 also reflects the growing maturity of Malaysian design education as students integrate cultural awareness, user experience, and practical innovation, reinforcing USM’s role in nurturing designers who bridge creativity, application, and industry relevance.

Text: PrivinKumar Jayavanan, Media & Public Relations Centre (MPRC) / Editing: Associate Professor Dr. Shaik Abdul Malik Mohamed Ismail, Senior Editorial Consultant @ MPRC USM / Photo: Product Design Department, School of The Arts