Founded in 1993, the Malaysia Design Council is regarded as a think tank and advisor to inspire innovative designs among Malaysians to be on par with international standards.

The council’s immediate functions are as follows:

• To assist industries in appreciating the importance of quality and effective design management in product manufacturing to compete in the open market.
• To develop activities for locally designed products to be promoted internationally. 
• To be a repository of information and reference on design in assisting local industries to develop their design capabilities. 
• To coordinate advisory services to industries. 
• To promote programs in improving product designs among the local industries. • To promote greater public awareness on quality design.