International Healthcare Week 2025 in Kuala Lumpur to attract over 21,000 global professionals in a bold move to position Malaysia as a regional healthcare powerhouse
Kuala Lumpur, May 29 – “Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity, not a threat.” With this quote from Steve Jobs, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Chairman of MATRADE, set the tone for Malaysia’s most ambitious move yet to lead in regional healthcare.
Speaking at the International Healthcare Week (IHW) 2025 Media Engagement and Strategic Partners Networking Session held at MITEC, the Chairman unveiled what is set to be the largest integrated healthcare trade event in Southeast Asia, uniting five international healthcare exhibitions under one roof.
“This is not just another industry event. It’s the beginning of a journey that will redefine healthcare excellence in our region,” said Reezal.
Slated for July 16–18 at MITEC, IHW 2025 will feature over 900 exhibitors and expects to draw more than 21,000 healthcare professionals from over 50 countries. The event is spearheaded by global exhibition leader Informa Markets, with strong strategic backing from MATRADE, Malaysia’s trade promotion agency.
A Unified Healthcare Ecosystem
For the first time, Malaysia will host all five key healthcare trade shows in one venue:
- CPHI South East Asia (pharmaceutical supply chain)
- WHX Kuala Lumpur (medical devices and hospital services)
- WHX Labs (clinical lab innovations)
- Medtech Southeast Asia (medical device manufacturing)
- HIMSS APAC Conference (digital health, AI, equitable care)
“This unified format is designed to maximise learning, collaboration and deal-making, giving participants a one-stop experience to explore innovations across the entire healthcare value chain,” said Rungphech Chitanuwat, Regional Portfolio Director – ASEAN, Informa Markets.
Malaysia’s Healthcare Rise
Malaysia’s medical device market is growing at 8.2% annually, projected to reach RM15.4 billion by 2028, outpacing regional averages. In 2024, the country recorded RM37.03 billion in medical device exports – a 31.6% increase from the previous year. Pharmaceutical exports also saw a 4% uptick, reaching RM3.03 billion.
“Behind these numbers are innovations that improve lives and strengthen healthcare systems,” said Reezal. “This event will not only spotlight our capabilities, but elevate our role as a strategic healthcare hub in ASEAN.”
Regional Impact and Trade Resilience
As ASEAN Chair 2025, Malaysia is using platforms like IHW to address regional priorities – from digital health integration and non-communicable disease management to supply chain resilience and sustainable financing.
“With global uncertainties, strategic market and product diversification are no longer optional – they are essential,” said the Chairman, adding that Malaysia is determined to remain agile and resilient amid shifting global trade realities.
More Than Business – A Human Story
“The healthcare industry is not just about economic growth; it is about human potential,” he stressed. “It is about ensuring that a child in a remote village has the same chance at health as one born in a major city.”
With that, the Chairman called on industry players to seize this moment – not just to sell, but to shape the future of healthcare in ASEAN and beyond. – NMH
Datin Hasnah is the co-founder and CEO of New Malaysia Herald based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
With an extensive background in mass communication and journalism, she works on building up New Malaysia Herald and it’s partner sites. A tireless and passionate evangalist, she champions autism studies and support groups.
Datin Hasnah is also the Editor in Chief of New Malaysia Herald.
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