BY RUBY LIM

(From left) Lim, Ezumi Harzani and Roca Malaysia and Singapore managing director Josep Delicado at the Archidex 2017 press conference. Roca is the principal partner of the exhibition.

THE International Architecture, Interior Design and Building Exhibition (Archidex) is back for its 18th edition from July 19 to 22 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

South-East Asia’s leading industry trade event will showcase more than 1,200 booths by 550 local and international exhibitors across 11 countries, including four country pavilions by Austria, China, Singapore and South Korea.

The four-day exhibition expects to attract 36,000 visitors, including architects, interior designers and building industry players who will come together to connect and collaborate.

“We are positive we can achieve at least a 5% growth in terms of visitors compared with last year, especially industry players from South-East Asia.

“As for sales transactions, this year’s exhibition is expected to see an amount of over RM1bil,” said C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd president Datuk Vincent Lim.

This year, the focus is on the increasing importance of building systems and technology (BST), which fosters greater efficiency and cost control for a wide range of companies and related sectors.

Among the highlights is Biz@Archidex, featuring trade presentations on the latest industry trends and products by a selection of exhibitors.

The Focus Forum@Archidex looks into regulating construction materials and products under CIDB Act 520 (Amendment 2011) and the Certificate of Standard Compliance (PPSi).

The New Product Award (NPA) remains a coveted industry recognition for excellence in design and production while the New Eco Product Award is now rebranded as the Green Dot Award (GDA) to strengthen its identity in sustainability with exemplary environmental attributes.

Masterpieces of innovation, technological development and cutting-edge industry solutions by the nominees of both NPA and GDA will be highlighted at the Archidex Awards Gallery.

Meanwhile, Architalent is a design challenge for competing students to present their concepts based on thoughtful and provocative ideas for densely populated cities such as Kuala Lumpur.

“Archidex serves as a platform in showcasing new building materials, products and technologies while providing architects and industry specifiers the opportunity to explore a more efficient, sustainable and cost-effective design solution,” said Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) president Ezumi Harzani Ismail.

Archidex, a key component of the annual Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival (KLAF), is jointly organised by PAM together with trade and lifestyle exhibition organiser C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd.

Archidex is endorsed by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation and supported by the Works Ministry, Tourism and Culture Ministry, the Malaysian Conventions and Exhibitions Bureau and the Malaysia Green Building Confederation.

Spanish brand Roca, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, is the principal partner for the third year running while Malaysia Airlines is the official airline.

Opening hours for Archidex 2017 is from 10am to 7pm for trade visitors.

It will be opened to the public on July 21 and 22.

For details, visit www.archidex.com.my or download Archidex App from Google Play Store of Apple App Store.