Malaysia ready to lead, build a more resilient and healthier world: Tengku Zafrul
'It is a declaration that Malaysia is ready to lead, collaborate and build a healthier, more resilient future not just for our nation, but for the world,' Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said in his keynote address when launching International Healthcare Week 2025 (IHW 2025) at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre here today.
Tengku Zafrul identified healthcare as one of five priority sectors under Malaysia's industrial policy framework, citing strong performance in 2024.
The sector attracted RM2.13 billion in investments in medical devices and pharmaceuticals, generated over 2,700 high-value jobs, and recorded a 7.8% increase in pharmaceutical exports during the first five months of 2025.
The minister noted that Malaysia now hosts eight of the world's top 30 medical device manufacturers and over 300 healthcare companies, driven by a skilled workforce, mature supply chain and investor confidence.
Tengku Zafrul said Malaysia, as Asean Chair in 2025, Malaysia is using IHW as a platform to promote deeper regional healthcare integration.
He emphasised the importance of inclusivity, adding that no Asean member is left behind in advancing towards a more united, resilient and future-ready Southeast Asia.
The event highlights Malaysia's readiness to lead globally in healthcare innovation, trade and strategic partnerships, despite growing external trade pressures, Tengku Zafrul said. 'Let us work together to shape a healthier, more connected and innovative future for Asean and the world.'
IHW 2025, the region's largest healthcare event is co-hosted with Informa Markets, and features five major healthcare trade shows in one venue, covering medical devices, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, digital health and medical technology. With over 900 exhibitors, more than 21,000 visitors from 50 countries, and 125 conferences, the event reflects Malaysia's growing ambition to lead Asean's healthcare transformation.
Meanwhile, in addressing recent tensions surrounding US reciprocal tariffs, Tengku Zafrul assured stakeholders that Malaysia remains committed to protecting domestic industries.
'We are actively engaging with our US counterparts in good faith to seek clarity, minimise disruption and reach a mutually beneficial outcome,' he said, adding that Malaysia would never sacrifice sovereignty or sideline other trading partners.
Tengku Zafrul acknowledged that Malaysia is facing an Aug 1 deadline to conclude ongoing tariff negotiations with the US, with pharmaceutical exports potentially subject to tariffs as high as 200%.
'We are closely monitoring developments, and contingency plans are being put in place. But let me be clear, quick fixes may win headlines, but poor trade deals will hurt Malaysia for years. We remain committed to an open, fair and rules-based multilateral trading system under the WTO (World Trade Organization),' he said.
Tengku Zafrul emphasised the importance of these relationships in the face of global uncertainty, noting that incentives and reform strategies support them.
Malaysia-US trade surged nearly 30% to RM324.9 billion in 2024, while American investments into Malaysia totalled RM77.5 billion since 1980.
Informa Markets president and CEO Margaret Ma Connolly reaffirmed Malaysia's strategic value as a healthcare destination and trade gateway in Asia. 'Malaysia's leadership and supportive initiatives position it as a gateway for global healthcare collaboration. IHW 2025 is a pivotal event to elevate regional healthcare cooperation and economic growth.'
She said the co-location of five flagship exhibitions under one roof offers a complete view of the healthcare value chain, making it a must-attend platform for global innovators.
Spanning 26,000 square metres, IHW 2025 integrates CPHI Southeast Asia (pharmaceutical supply chain), WHX Kuala Lumpur (medical devices and hospital technology), WHX Labs (diagnostics and laboratory equipment), Medtec Southeast Asia (medical device design and manufacturing) and HIMSS APAC (digital health innovations), providing attendees with a comprehensive showcase of the latest in healthcare technologies and solutions.
'IHW 2025 brings together thought leaders, innovators, policymakers and investors to shape the future of healthcare across Asean and beyond,' Connolly said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Health ministry, Google explore AI to address challenges
Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said Malaysia is committed to driving regional cooperation in health data governance, ethical use of AI, and cross-border digital capacity building. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The health ministry and Google are exploring a strategic partnership to use artificial intelligence (AI) to address the country's key health challenges. Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the move is a 'major step' towards making Malaysia the leader in AI-based digital health in the region. He said that as the chair of Asean this year, Malaysia is committed to driving regional cooperation in health data governance, ethical use of AI, and cross-border digital capacity building. Dzulkefly said 156 health clinics have been equipped with a cloud-based content management system allowing 70% of patients to be treated in less than 30 minutes. This was part of the AI-based digital reforms that his ministry is implementing. He also said the first phase of the Electronic Medical Record system has been completed, involving five million prescriptions, 20 million vaccination records, and one million dental records. In addition, the MySejahtera app has now been developed into a preventive health gateway and a national digital gateway.
The Sun
6 days ago
- The Sun
Malaysia positioning itself to become Asean healthcare innovation and trade hub
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is sharpening its focus on becoming a regional hub for healthcare innovation and trade, as its medical-related exports continue to climb and strategic opportunities in Asean expand. Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) deputy CEO (export acceleration) Mansor Shah Wahid shared Malaysia's progress in healthcare-related exports, stating that in 2024 alone, the country's trade in medical devices and pharmaceuticals hit RM61.31 billion. He noted that medical devices made up 76% of that value, with a 31.6% year-on-year growth, while pharmaceutical exports rose by 4% to RM3.04 billion. 'These figures are not just data points; they reflect the credibility of our regulatory system, the strength of our manufacturers, and the growing trust in made-in-Malaysia products,' Mansor said at the Malaysia Healthcare Day Forum, part of the International Healthcare Week 2025 held recently. He added that Malaysia's export destinations now stretch beyond Asean, with the United States, Germany, Japan and Australia emerging as top markets. Notably, eight of the world's top 30 medical device manufacturers operate in Malaysia, affirming the country's reputation in diagnostics, disposables and implantables. Mansor emphasised that Malaysia's strategic location in the 680-million-strong Asean market, along with its multilingual talent pool and trade agreements, positions it well to capture a larger share of the global medical devices market, which is projected to reach US$695.6 billion (RM2.95 trillion) by 2028. 'In the age of AI disruption, healthcare remains one of the few sectors where human care and judgment are irreplaceable. That's what makes this industry uniquely impactful,' he noted. Expanding on Malaysia's regional positioning, Abdul Halim Mohamed Shariff, deputy director of lifestyle and life sciences at Matrade, delivered a detailed presentation titled 'Malaysia Healthcare Trade Outlook: Trade Opportunities in Asean.' He highlighted that Asean is now the third-largest region globally by population and the fourth-largest in terms of trade volume, creating a highly lucrative landscape for healthcare expansion. 'When incomes rise, healthcare demand grows, not just in quantity but in complexity. This shift is being felt across Asean, especially in Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines,' Halim said. He cited the rapid urbanisation and lifestyle changes across the region as key factors driving increased healthcare expenditure. Countries like Indonesia, with the highest population in Southeast Asia, and Singapore, with the highest per capita healthcare spending, are leading indicators of the sector's growth. Despite strong exports, Malaysia remains a significant importer of pharmaceutical products, particularly patented and specialty drugs, from Germany, the US and China. Nonetheless, the local pharmaceutical sector fulfils 70% to 80% of domestic demand for generic medications, and the government expects the local pharmaceutical market to reach US$3.5 billion by 2028. According to Halim, prescription drugs dominate the market and are forecasted to reach US$3 billion by 2028, with patented and generic drugs each contributing over US$1.4 billion. Over-the-counter (OTC) products round out the remaining market share. Malaysia's medical device exports remain its most significant healthcare segment, driven largely by the glove industry and supported by other products, such as catheters and electromedical equipment. In 2024, Malaysia's medical device exports reached US$8.7 billion, solidifying its position among the top five manufacturing sites globally, alongside countries such as Costa Rica and Puerto Rico. 'Malaysia is spending more per capita on medical equipment than several larger economies in the region. This shows our strong commitment to innovation and accessibility in medical technology,' said Halim. He added that spending on medical devices and equipment in Malaysia is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 9.5%, reaching US$3.64 billion by 2028, surpassing regional counterparts in growth momentum. Countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia are also becoming increasingly attractive due to economic development and healthcare reforms. Halim cited Vietnam's accelerated urbanisation as a sign of shifting healthcare expectations and rising demand for better services and infrastructure. 'Every challenge, whether it's ageing populations, financing gaps, or healthcare reform, opens the door to new business models. We're seeing strong growth in healthtech, AI-driven diagnostics, and insurance solutions across Asean,' he said. Mansor and Halim reiterated Matrade's role as a bridge for international buyers and Malaysian exporters, with overseas offices and databases accessible to businesses seeking partners, market data, or regulatory guidance. Matrade's presence at major international expos will continue to anchor Malaysia's brand globally. At the same time, initiatives such as the eTrade Programme and Business Information Centre aim to provide exporters and foreign partners with the tools to navigate cross-border opportunities. 'We encourage foreign players to reach out to our offices worldwide. You could browse the internet, yes, but we offer more than just information. We connect you with vetted partners and real market opportunities,' said Halim. International Healthcare Week 2025, co-organised with Informa Markets, is a testament to Malaysia's ambitions. From showcasing 10 home-grown brands at the Malaysian Pavilion to convening key regulatory and investment bodies, the event reflects a unified effort to position Malaysia as a regional leader in healthcare trade. 'Malaysia is not just an entry point, it's a launchpad for the Asean region,' said Mansor. 'Let us not miss the opportunity to form partnerships that shape lives and businesses far beyond our borders.'
The Star
7 days ago
- The Star
Asean key in affordable next-gen HIV meds
KUCHING: Asean must work together to reduce the cost of next-generation antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for HIV patients in their respective countries, says Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni. The Deputy Health Minister said regional cooperation was vital to procure these drugs at fair and affordable prices. 'The cost of ARV drugs is high due to their intellectual property, so we need to work together on regional procurement solutions. 'Buying in bulk through an Asean regional platform will facilitate easier access to these drugs,' he told reporters after opening the Asean regional dialogue on affordable ARV drugs and promoting community-based testing here yesterday. Lukanisman also said Malaysia was working to reduce the cost of a new fixed-dose combination drug known as Tenofovir-Lamivudine-Dolutegravir (TLD). 'The current ARV costs about RM500 a year. TLD is a new medicine, which would cost over RM200 a month but we want to reduce it to at least RM100 per month. 'The cost is higher than the previous ARV but it's more effective in treating patients,' he said.
