It is my great pleasure to be here today to launch the Malaysia Footwear Design Competition 2008. I would like to take this opportunity to firstly thank the organizers, for having the vision and initiative in organizing this important and groundbreaking competition.
Malaysia’s footwear industry has witnessed a continuous growth be it in our local, regional and global markets, fueled by a high demand in our Malaysian made footwear. This competition will be yet another stepping stone in the long journey towards branding Malaysian made footwear to be the fashionable, quality and reputable product in the international market.
As chairman of Malaysia Footwear Design Competition 2008 committee, I am responsible for making this year’s event a success. We need more than 500 participants to cope with the industry growth. This event will definitely provide a platform for all talented designers to showcase their strength to the Malaysian public. We believe, this will create hundreds if not thousands of job opportunities in the industry. With the new young talented designer joining our industry, Malaysian will have the chance to enjoy these newly designed shoes flowing into the market in the near future.
This year’s award selection process will be divided into 2 round of selection process. The first being design drawings submission, which has a closing date of 31st August 2008. Once picked, the finalist will be notified and panel manufacturers will be ready to assist them in making samples and modeling for the final product submission. There will be a period of about 2 month for designers to look for suitable manufacturer to produce mock up sample. The final round selection will be based on finished goods.
This system will provide a match making opportunity. For designers they will be able to explore the shoe making process. For manufacturers they will have the opportunities to work with the designers who share their same thinking and value to a manufactured product. Manufacturers will be able to meet up with more talented designers. We foresee that by the time the award winner is announced, thousands of designers would have already joined the industry, leading to many new brands being created.
This year, we have 5 award categories, In addition we have also 2 special awards namely Most Creative Grand award and 3 most promising award because there is a need for more talented designers to be recognized. The Most Creative grand award will present award winning designer a great chance to explore the international market. We believe, in the near future, there will be more and more Malaysian home grown designers leading to fairer representation in international trade fairs.
Last but not least, I would also like to congratulate and wish our last year’s winners Ms Yim Mei Lee, Mr Kok Kon Wah and Mr Yong Yoon Keong, who are sitting in the first row of this ballroom, a greater and brighter career advancement, I believe last year’s event has brought changes in your life, your effort and talent in the industry has been recognized and we sincerely hope that all of you will represent Malaysia to be reputable designers in the international market.
Today’s event is just a platform to kick start a search talents for the footwear industry. Future events will ensure opportunity for young and talented Malaysian designers to take the lead in generating economic growth and development in our footwear industry, which will see our nation achieving Vision 2020.
I sincerely hope that the Malaysia Footwear Design Competition 2008 over time will bring many benefits to the footwear industry, and ultimately the Malaysia’s economy.
Thank you.
Mr Leow Yong Seang
Malaysia Footwear Desin Competition Committee Chairman
