KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- The upcoming International Healthcare Week (IHW) 2025 is set to break new records with over 900 local, regional, and international exhibitors, well above the initial target of 750 set by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).
The IHW will be held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre from July 16 to 18.
MATRADE chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican announced that the event is also expected to attract more than 21,000 visitors from 26 countries, featuring a wide array of healthcare products, from pharmaceutical ingredients to clinical laboratory instruments.
“This will be the largest healthcare trade show in Southeast Asia,” he said in his opening remarks at the official launch of IHW 2025, here today.
At the press conference, ASEAN Informa Markets regional portfolio director Rungphech Chitanuwat said that the surge in exhibitor participation reflects a growing international interest in Malaysia’s healthcare sector, particularly in pharmaceuticals.
“The government facilitates market access and creates opportunities for international traders by evaluating and approving medicines from abroad.
“This has attracted the attention of international players in the pharmaceutical sector. When it comes to medical devices and laboratory equipment, I believe Malaysians should be proud as the country is emerging as a leader in medical tourism and hospital services,” she added.
Chitanuwat noted that the growth in hospital services reflects rising demand for medical devices and equipment, which in turn fuels the overall expansion of the healthcare sector.
MATRADE deputy chief executive of export acceleration Abu Bakar Yusof said the main economic impact of the exhibition would be in the business-to-business (B2B) segment.
“These spillover effects go beyond just B2B interactions. We will have people coming in and spending, which contributes to the local economy through accommodation, transport, and other sectors.
“From MATRADE’s perspective, our main focus is on B2B. We want to see growth in the healthcare industry, particularly among Malaysian industry players. They need to expand, because we cannot rely solely on the current capabilities of our local players to go international,” he added.
IHW 2025 is organised by Informa Markets, with MATRADE as its strategic partner. It brings together five major international trade exhibitions under one roof, covering the complete healthcare value chain.
Each exhibition, namely CPHI South East Asia, WHX Kuala Lumpur, WHX Labs Kuala Lumpur, Medtec Southeast Asia, and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, is complemented by dedicated conferences.
These conferences are tailored to the specific needs and developments of their respective industries. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities for learning, collaboration, investment, and showcasing innovations across various healthcare sectors.
-- BERNAMA
