CRYSTAL PRODUCER UPBEAT ABOUT MSIAN MARKET

By Santhia Panjanadan

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 2 (Bernama) -- Austria based-Swarovski is upbeat of
Malaysia market's potential for loose cut crystal components as demand among
business partners and the general public remains intact despite the recession.

Swarovski comprises two major businesses, one producing and selling loose
crystal components and the other creating design driven finished products.

" Besides, with the rising Malaysian population that loves glam and
sparkles, we are confident of the market share here," said Country Manager for
South East Asia, Crystal Components Business, Anna Hoetzeneder in an interview
with Bernama here Thursday.

She said the Malaysian market had the biggest potential and was the
strongest market among the South East Asia region for its product brand, the
Crystallized-Swarovski Elements.

The crystals provide a palette of inspiration for designers in the world of
fashion, jewellery, accessories and interior designs.

" The purchasing power for luxury products among Malaysians is increasing.
Demand is increasing from our local and international partners in Malaysia,
particulary from top designers that carry our Swarovski elements in their own
products," she added.

The product brand is used, among others, by luxury footwear designers Lewre
Premiere and Jimmy Chia Luxury, fashion designers Melinda Looi and Eric Choong
and electronic company Sony Malaysia.

Anna added that Swarovski was expecting more partners to emerge from among
the textile and accessories industry in Malaysia.

She said the business potential for the product brand is growing as the
brand is making waves in the region.

" We see positive developments despite the challenging times faced and
in the last three years customers from various segments are inspired to use
the components.

" South East Asia is an emerging market for Swarovski. With growth and
demand both recording double digit growth per annum over the last three years,
it certainly opens more business angles for Swarovski," Anna added.

--BERNAMA