Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation

KUALA LUMPUR, 29 OCTOBER  2024, (TUESDAY) - The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) proudly supports the Southeast Asian Healthcare and Pharma Show (SEACare) 2025, one of the region’s most influential business and trade events for healthcare and pharmaceutical innovation. It is set to take place in April next year at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). 

Organised by Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd (QUBE), SEACare 2025 marks a significant milestone as it celebrates its 25th anniversary next year. For the past 25 years, SEACare has been the driving force in advancing Southeast Asia’s healthcare industry, and next year’s event is set to continue its legacy as the key platform for industry growth. 

As the national trade promotion agency, MATRADE plays an instrumental role in the success of SEACare 2025. MATRADE will be organising an International Sourcing Programme (INSP) for international buyers to meet with local industry players through pre-arranged business meetings. Additionally, MATRADE will coordinate Malaysian companies’ participation in the exhibition component of SEACare to showcase their products. Both initiatives are aimed at creating opportunities for companies to engage with global buyers, further enhancing the international presence of Malaysia’s healthcare products.

“The global healthcare industry is undergoing a remarkable growth, driven by longer life expectancy, technological advancements, and the demand for chronic disease treatments. The market of medical devices is projected to grow from RM2.53 trillion in 2024 to RM4.13 trillion in 2032. Southeast Asia, with Malaysia at the forefront, is advancing through strong healthcare systems,” said Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, the Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE.

“Under Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, medical devices and pharmaceutical industries are given special emphasis, solidifying the country’s role as a key manufacturing hub to meet healthcare needs of the ASEAN market,” he added.

Datuk Mohd Mustafa informed that, MATRADE facilitated eight (8) international buyers last year from Thailand, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Zambia, and Zimbabwe to meet with 30 Malaysian companies in 95 pre-arranged business meetings, which resulted in potential export sales of RM28.65 million. Among the Malaysian products that attracted significant interest were essential medical supplies such as syringes, needles, blood collection tubes, and latex-free tourniquets.

For the period of January to September 2024, Malaysia exports of medical devices recorded a double-digit growth of 30.0% amounting to RM 27.15 billion compared to the same period last year. Pharmaceutical exports also recorded an increase of 5.9%, to reach RM2.25 billion. Cumulative imports for both sectors on the other hand, were valued at RM16.11 billion.