Malaysian Official Designers Association

Summary

Malaysian Official Designers Association is a not-for-profit organisation that capitalises on the collective talents of the Malaysian fashion industry to enable sustainable growth and strengthen Malaysian fashion in the global fashion economy.

History

Malaysian Official Designers Association is a not-for-profit organisation that capitalises the collective talents of the fashion industry to enable sustainable growth and strengthen Malaysian fashion in the global fashion economy. An invaluable association for the Malaysian fashion community, it offers members networking opportunities; knowledge sharing from industry experts; the opportunity to attend prolific fashion events, seminars, workshops and more; mentor-ship and internship opportunities with experts.

“Since 1995 MODA has been serving local designers and entrepreneurs who understand the importance of creating a thriving Malaysian fashion industry. Going forward, I am happy to announce the inclusion of other creative industries and corporate companies that are related and relevant to the fashion industry to become a member… like retailers, lifestyle brands, learning institutions, PR and marketing companies, event producers, as well as creative industry professionals like accessory designers, make-up artists, hair-stylists, fashion stylists, photographers, fashion journalists, website designers, models, actors, textile fabricators, 3D printers, visual merchandiser, and many more,” said Melinda Looi, President, Malaysian Official Designers Association on the official website.

Since its inception, the Malaysian Official Designers Association has four pillars:
EDUCATE – Strengthening skills and knowledge by offering training, seminars, events and other resources for its members.
DEVELOP – Develop business opportunities for members in sales, distribution, promotion, marketplace and more.
PROMOTE – Building brand awareness for the association, members and the Malaysian fashion and industry, via platforms, communications, campaigns, alliances, media and marketing.
CONNECT – Bringing members together and being the contact point for local and international parties seeking to connect with the Malaysian fashion industry and its players.

Philanthropic in nature, the association supports Breast Cancer Awareness, to champion the survivors and to remember those we have lost to breast cancer. This year, the Malaysian Official Designers Association planned activities to raise funds and awareness in collaboration with beauty giant, Estée Lauder Companies Malaysia.

Vision

Malaysian Official Designers Association unites and empowers Malaysian fashion and creativity to take a leading role in the local and global fashion economy.

Mission

Malaysian Official Designers Association brings together the Malaysian Fashion Industry, and nurtures, develops and leads it through creative influence and collaboration. It supports the Malaysian fashion and creative industry through Education, Business Development, Marketing and Promotion, and Networking.

Services

Malaysian Official Designers Association offers:

• Networking opportunities (domestic and international)
• Offers knowledge sharing and transfer from experts in the fashion industry
• Facilitate its members to attend fashion events, talks, seminars, workshops and forums
• Provides mentorship and internship opportunities with experts in the fashion industry
• Provides access to members-only content and informative fashion publications

Key Team

Melinda Looi, President; Leslie Variyan, VP, Business Development and Trade

References

https://www.voguebusiness.com/fashion/malaysia-heritage-wear-goes-minimalist-and-modern
https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/global-markets/malaysias-magnetic-pull/
https://www.tatlerasia.com/the-scene/people-parties/moda-mobilising-fashion-designers-to-sew-hospital-gowns-for-medical-frontliners
https://www.ourbetterworld.org/series/humankind/story/fashion-frontliners
https://www.thesundaily.my/style-life/return-to-the-runway-YC9765320
https://www.forbes.com/sites/stephanrabimov/2018/06/07/modesty-and-ambition-the-state-of-malaysian-fashion-industry/
https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/global-markets/the-modest-fashion-industrys-big-asia-opportunity/
https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/style/2015/09/25/after-25-years-moda-is-still-passionate-for-fashion
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/03/style/malaysia-secondhand-clothing-grailed-etsy-ebay.html