PUTRAJAYA — Participation in the Sustainable Wood DIY Contest 2026 has more than tripled, with 149 entries received this year compared with 48 in its inaugural edition in 2024.
Of the total, 88 entries, or 59 per cent, were submitted under the Student Category, while the remaining 61 were from the Public Category.
The increase reflects growing interest, particularly among the younger generation, in exploring the potential of wood through design, reuse and the creation of innovative products.
Organised by the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC), the three-day event at IOI City Mall, Putrajaya, featured 20 finalist products from the two categories. The prize-giving ceremony on Oct 4 was officiated by Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.
Noraini said the initiative demonstrated how creativity and innovation could help optimise the use of wood, including leftover materials that still had value.
“Wood waste and offcuts can be given a new function and value through creativity, design and craftsmanship. Initiatives such as this not only provide a platform for emerging talent but also encourage the creation of wood products that are creative, functional and value-added.
“This approach is important in strengthening the competitiveness of Malaysia’s timber industry,” she said.
Held under the theme “From Waste to Wonders”, the contest encouraged participants to transform wood waste, recycled wood, reclaimed wood and wood offcuts into creative, functional and value-added products.
Among the entries showcased were an eco-craft desk lamp, a wooden guitar, a dual-purpose frame that could also be used as a seat, a foldable chessboard, a creative workbench set and innovative lighting pieces.
The contest is part of MTC’s efforts to increase public understanding of wood as a renewable resource while encouraging the creative, optimal and responsible use of wood resources.
MTC chairman Datu Zainal Abidin Abdullah said the increase in participation reflected growing public interest in the competition.
“The increase from 48 entries in 2024 to 149 entries this year is very encouraging. It shows that the contest is gaining wider interest among the public and attracting more participants to explore the potential of wood creatively.
“The contest also provides a platform to bring the public closer to the timber industry and demonstrate how wood can be transformed into useful and valuable products,” he said.
Finalists were assessed based on creativity, sustainability, functionality and craftsmanship, with the final scores comprising 60 per cent from the judges’ evaluation and 40 per cent from public voting.
In each category, the first, second and third-place winners received RM1,500, RM1,000 and RM500 respectively, while those placing fourth to 10th received RM100 and a certificate each.
In the Public Category, Jeffrey Yong Chin Hoe took first place with Universe IV, a handcrafted guitar, followed by Mohd Haidil bin Sulaiman with Sutra Bowl (Nyibodak) in second place, while Falah bin Abu secured third place with Tri-Element: Eco-Craft Desk Lamp, a functional lighting piece crafted from reclaimed wood.
In the Student Category, Bryan Khoo Ting Xiang of SMK St Xavier emerged as the winner with Anima Ligni, a chessboard made from a rescued log and solid hardwood.
Nur Hamra binti Nasir of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, took second place with Foldable Chessboard, while Nurin Sofiya binti Izamri of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) placed third with Kumbu Craft, a statement side table.
The winning entries stood out for their creativity, craftsmanship and thoughtful transformation of wood waste, offcuts and reclaimed materials into functional and distinctive products.
The contest also recognised the public’s favourites through the People’s Choice Award, determined by votes cast by mall visitors during the exhibition on Oct 2 and 3.
In the Public Category, the award went to Wooden Heart – PC Casing by Noorashikin binti Othman of Kolej Komuniti Jelebu.
In the Student Category, Lengkungan Cahaya Estetika, created by Muhammad Danny Ashraff bin Ishamuddin, Shiekh Ajnabil bin Shiekh Fazilur Rahman and Muhammad Haikal bin Azmi of Kolej Komuniti Kuala Langat, received the highest number of public votes and won the People’s Choice Award.
Meanwhile, MTC chief executive officer Noraihan Abdul Rahman said the contest also highlighted the value of timber as a renewable resource and the importance of using it optimally and responsibly.
“Timber has long-term value when used responsibly. Materials that may be considered no longer useful can still be given a new purpose.
“This contest demonstrates that timber waste and offcuts are not merely waste materials but can be transformed into products of value through creativity, design and craftsmanship,” she said.
Rekayu Penang, a Penang-based creative space and woodworking workshop, together with UPM, supported the contest as strategic partners.
The collaboration brought together expertise in woodworking and academia to broaden engagement among students, creative practitioners and the wider public.
Malaysia’s timber industry continues to play an important role in the national economy, with timber and timber product exports reaching RM21.51 billion in 2025.
As global markets place increasing emphasis on sustainability, efforts to optimise material use and create value-added products remain important in strengthening the competitiveness of Malaysia’s timber industry. —Bernama
