Malaysia has taken a decisive step in its ambition to become a global healthcare hub with the official launch of International Healthcare Week 2025 (IHW 2025). The event was inaugurated by the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) on 16 July.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Minister underscored the strategic importance of healthcare as one of five priority sectors under Malaysia’s national industrial policy framework. He emphasised that the country’s approach is grounded in industrial reform, strengthened international partnerships, and expanding trade diplomacy.
In 2024 alone, Malaysia’s healthcare sector attracted RM2.13 billion (approximately USD500 million) in investment across medical devices and pharmaceuticals, resulting in the creation of over 2,700 high-value jobs. The sector continues to grow in scale and sophistication, supported by a mature supply chain and skilled talent pool.
Malaysia is currently home to eight of the world’s top 30 medical device manufacturers and boasts more than 300 active healthcare companies, reflecting robust investor confidence and sustained sectoral growth.
As Chair of ASEAN in 2025, Malaysia intends to leverage IHW 2025 as a regional platform to foster deeper healthcare integration within ASEAN and to contribute to a more connected and innovative global healthcare ecosystem.
Co-hosted with Informa Markets, IHW 2025 is one of the largest healthcare trade events in the region. Spanning 26,000 square metres, it encompasses five major exhibitions covering pharmaceutical supply chains, medical devices and hospital technologies, diagnostics and laboratory equipment, medical device design and manufacturing, and digital health innovation.
This year’s edition brings together over 900 exhibitors and is expected to welcome more than 21,000 visitors from 50 countries. The event will also host 125 conferences and forums, further strengthening Malaysia’s position as a regional leader in healthcare advancement.
