TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian companies made an impact at the recent MEDICA 2014 exhibition in Dusseldorf, Germany (November 12 to 15) after a wide array of Malaysian-made medical products was well received at the event. Apart from securing important business contacts from various nations, the 11 participating Malaysian companies had productively generated sales worth RM159.66 million. The companies’ participation was an initiative realised by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). This was the third time MATRADE coordinated Malaysian companies’ participation in the exhibition.

Among the medical devices promoted by Malaysian companies were medical disposables (foley catheters, endotracheal tubes, infusion set, laparoscopic suction irrigation), hospital beds and furniture, surgical and examination gloves (latex, nitrile, powdered, powdered-free), prefilled humidifier, disinfectant and liquids for body & hand hygiene as well as circumcision clamp and bowel aid. Of all these items, medical disposables garnered the most interest from International buyers. This indicates a worldwide trend for medical disposables especially when there is a growing emphasis on contamination control and awareness on consumer liability.

One product that had captured a lot of attention at the event was an innovative bowel aid device – a product developed by a Penang-based company called Mecha-Medic Solution Sdn Bhd. The medical device is unique compared to other bowel aid alternatives such as diet change or surgery as the external mechanical tool is non-invasive and poses no reproductive risks.

Apart from highlighting Malaysian innovations, MEDICA 2014 offered a platform for Malaysian companies that have yet to penetrate International marketplace to access high-profit areas such as the European market. As for companies that have made their debut in Europe, the event strengthened their global presence in terms of sales and distribution to profitable markets such as the Middle East, Northern Africa, Turkey and Latin America as well as Balkans or Central Europe. Malaysian exporters producing rubber gloves and rubber-based disposable products are advised to leverage in these markets.

A company at the event, A1 Glove Sdn Bhd, through its Director, Ms. Lim Sook Chin, said it was their first time to be at MEDICA and they believed that they have made the right decision to participate in the event. “The exhibition offered a best meeting point for us to meet our potential worldwide clients,” she said cheerfully.

Another company, Ideal Healthcare Sdn Bhd (manufacturer of disposable and healthcare products), joined the exhibition for the second time. Its General Manager, Mr. Mohd Heerman said their business has grown "beyond expectation” after participating in MEDICA 2014.

Other companies at MEDICA 2014 were UWC Healthcare Mfg (M) Sdn Bhd and Leonix Sdn Bhd. The former offered prefilled humidifier while the latter brought with them orthopedic medical technology.

Throughout the four-day event, Malaysian exhibitors received a consistent flow of buyers and visitors from developing economies such as Eastern and Southern Europe, Middle East, South Asia, Africa and Latin America. A total of 105 business meetings took place between Malaysian companies and the foreign buyers.

MEDICA 2014 was an event focused at the medical devices industry and attracted more than 130,000 visitors who came to see the products and services offered by 4,600 exhibitors from 65 countries. The visitors at the exhibition comprised of buyers and healthcare professionals.

In an effort to promote high-value Malaysian medical products in the global market, MATRADE as a trade promotion agency will ensure the continuity of Malaysian companies’ participations in leading events such as MEDICA 2014. Following the event, a number of Malaysian companies will be joining the Arab Health 2015 exhibition to be held in Dubai, UAE. The event is set to promote exports of Malaysian health products and is slated to take place from January 26 to 29 next year.