Malaysia is hosting its first ever International Shoe Festival this April, with its very own world famous shoe designer, Professor Dato’ Jimmy Choo acting as the advisor, along with the participation of 80 exhibitors. He will be sharing his insights and knowledge on the global shoe-making industry and for the three-day exhibition, he will be showcasing 10 of his most successful creations. This much anticipated event will be held in PWTC and it will include an exhibition, shoe fashion show and other shoe highlights.
Discover the grandeur of the event and the vast numbers of shoe types as well as styles in the International Shoe Festival.
There are many reasons to holiday in Malaysia. Assuredly, one of the most enjoyable is our Shopping experience. Malaysia’s colourful multi-ethnicity and diverse cultural tapestry, coupled with its world-class infrastructure and favourable exchange rate avails the ardent shopper to an endless array of irresistible bargains, amazing deals and hours of sheer unforgettable shopping pleasure. From cultural memorabilia to rare collectibles, from desirable designs to the latest fashion statements, the possibilities are infinite.
And if I may take this opportunity to venture a sincere suggestion, we have shoes that will take your breath away.
Malaysian shoes have had a long and outstanding history. Today the Malaysian shoe trade is a RM1.1 billion a year international business. Our shoes are increasingly gaining global recognition and acceptance not only for its quality workmanship, exquisite craftsmanship, and economical prices, but tapping from a wealth of cultural in spiration, also for its delicate and unique designs. From the finely crafted Malay “capal”, to the elegantly stitched Chinese beaded heels, to the beautiful Sarawakian “pua kumbu” pumps, the designs will literally sweep you off your feet.
I am proud to also cite that one of our very own home-grown luminaries who has achieved international acclaim in the shoe fashion arena is Professor Dato’ (Dr.) Jimmy Choo OBE, a celebrated, successful and eminent shoe couturier, and Malaysian Tourism Ambassador. In the span of his illustrious career he has dressed many a celebrity and royal feet.
As an attestation of our remarkable achievements and prowess in this industry, it is my pleasure to announce that the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia has taken the initiative, together with the Malaysian Footwear Manufacturers Association, to host the inaugural Malaysia International Shoe Festival in conjunction with the Malaysia GP Sale, which is traditionally held annually to coincide with the Formula 1 races in April.
By banking on the strengths of our shoe trade and the notable reputation of our celebrated shoe craftsman, Professor Dato’ (Dr.) Jimmy Choo, it is my dream and aspiration to capitalize on the synergy between Malaysian shoes and Malaysian tourism sectors, towards positioning Malaysia as the Shoe Capital of the East.
I wish you an enjoyable stay in Malaysia, and a productive and memorable visit to the inaugural Malaysia International Shoe Festival 2010.
Salam 1 Malaysia.
It is certainly heartening to see the Malaysian Shoe industry getting the recognition it truly deserves. On that note I would like to register my heartfelt gratitude to the Malaysian Government, particularly to the Honourable Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen and the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia, and also to the Malaysian Footwear Manufacturers Association, not only for the kind respect and reverence they have accorded me, but also for the support and prominence they have given to the Malaysian shoe industry and fraternity.
The shoe industry in Malaysia holds immense potential, as evident both in terms of its rapidly increasing market share and for its superior standards in shoe design and craftsmanship. I am equally delighted to note that the level of interest for this vocation amongst the youth in Malaysia is healthy and promising.
For the industry to continue to flourish and achieve the goals we have set forth it is critical that appropriate guidance and adequate opportunities is provided for education, training, acquiring and honing of skills and experience, so as to sustain if not improve the quality of craftsmanship, and to ensure that there is no shortage of budding talents in the country.
Towards that end, I have recently expressed my commitment to the Honourable Minister of Tourism Malaysia that I will endeavour to expend my resources, effort and expertise in helping to cultivate and nurture a future generation of young shoe designers and craftsmen.
It is my sincere hope that this may prove helpful towards fulfilling the Honourable Tourism Minister’s aspiration to position Malaysia, quite aptly as the Shoe Capital Of The East.
Once again, my heartfelt appreciation and heartiest congratulations to the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia, and to the Malaysian Footwear Manufacturers Association for hosting the inaugural Malaysia International Shoe Festival (MISF). I wish the MISF 2010 every success and may there be more successful MISF’s to come..