Events

Intelligent Manufacturing Kuala Lumpur (IMKL) 2025 concluded on 16 May following three days of strategic discussions, knowledge sharing, and technology showcases focused on advancing smart manufacturing across the ASEAN region. The third edition of this conference-led event welcomed 2,164 visits and 357 conference attendees to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), under the theme “Synergising technologies and workforce adoption for operational success.” Organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and endorsed by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), IMKL 2025 brought together a global network of corporate leaders, industry experts and academic figures from nine countries and regions. The event featured 23 speakers, 19 conference sessions, four breakout discussions and 21 Tech Lab sessions, in addition to 19 product showcases representing six countries. Fiona Chiew, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, remarked on the event’s success:“We are delighted that IMKL 2025 has once again attracted such a wide range of ASEAN manufacturing professionals. Feedback from participants has been highly positive, reaffirming the event’s role as a key platform for industry experts to connect and discuss the future of smart manufacturing. Moving forward, we will continue to expand this platform to ensure it remains a valuable resource for professional and industrial advancement in the region. I look forward to reuniting with speakers and attendees at next year’s edition.” This year’s programme featured the debut of the SPS Stage Kuala Lumpur pavilion, bringing internationally recognised content from the SPS brand to Southeast Asia. The event combined a two-day conference with live demonstrations, workshops and product exhibitions, all focused on digital transformation, AI adoption and operational excellence. Speakers and panelists offered key insights into the development and integration of artificial intelligence in manufacturing. Topics included real-world case studies, AI applications, workforce transformation and process optimisation. Breakout sessions offered interactive discussions tailored to specific interest areas, while the Tech Lab sessions and product showcases highlighted cutting-edge innovations ranging from smart factory solutions to robotics and data connectivity. Professor Dr David Romero, Scientific Vice-Chairman of the World Manufacturing Foundation, noted IMKL’s evolution:“In just three years, IMKL has become the ASEAN region’s key event for digital transformation and intelligent manufacturing technologies. We now see former delegates returning as speakers, creating a community of shared knowledge and collaboration.” The event drew strong support from national and international stakeholders. Mr Sam Majid, Head of the National AI Office (NAIO), said IMKL plays an instrumental role in helping Malaysian manufacturers leverage AI to drive innovation, reduce costs, and enhance output. Mr James Kok of AI Singapore echoed the sentiment, emphasising the importance of people, purpose and policy in intelligent manufacturing. For Dr Deny Sapian of Schaeffler Malaysia, IMKL provides essential industry clarity:“An event like IMKL is vital for fostering purposeful awareness, guiding stakeholders on priorities, and driving sustainable growth.” Industry exhibitors and educational institutions also played an active role in shaping discussions. Monash University Malaysia, MOXO and Bossard (M) Sdn Bhd were among those presenting innovations at SPS Stage Kuala Lumpur, with participants praising the format for encouraging ecosystem collaboration and in-depth exchange. Conference delegates echoed these sentiments. Representatives from Dell Technologies, FGV Holdings, Rovski Industries and the Malaysian Rubber Board noted the importance of accessible, actionable content. Key themes included AI integration, workforce training, robotics, and the digital readiness of SMEs. TS Dr Roland Ngeow of the Malaysian Rubber Board commented:“At Academy Hevea Malaysia, we work closely with rubber product manufacturers, and the insights shared at IMKL help us introduce transformative technologies to the sector.” The next edition of Intelligent Manufacturing Kuala Lumpur is set for 2026, with further details to be announced. The event continues to be co-organised with the Selangor Human Resource Development Centre (SHRDC) and supported by a broad coalition of government bodies, industry associations and academic institutions across the region. -messe frankfurt

Southeast Asia’s beauty industry is set for a transformative experience as the 23rd edition of beautyexpo and 20th edition of Cosmobeauté Malaysia prepare to dazzle at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from 30 September – 3 October 2025. Visitor registration for this can’t-miss trade show is now open! As Malaysia’s largest and longest-running beauty trade shows, BECBM offers an extraordinary showcase of innovation and excellence. Over 400 visionary exhibitors from across 9 countries and regions including Malaysia, Mainland China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Taiwan, Thailand and United Arab Emirates will unveil groundbreaking products, services, and technologies across eight specialised sectors: Professional Beauty, Hair & Barber, Makeup & Cosmetics, Nail, Embroidery & Lashes, OEM/ODM, Halal Beauty, Training & Certification, and Spa & Wellness. With more than 15,000 beauty professionals and buyers expected from over 60 countries and regions, this event solidifies Malaysia’s position as the epicentre for Southeast Asia’s beauty industry. “For over two decades, beautyexpo & Cosmobeauté Malaysia have consistently driven innovation, business, and cross-border collaboration within the beauty sector. The 2025 edition will elevate this legacy – fostering strong synergies between established industry leaders and emerging innovators while unlocking new opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region,” said Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat, Organising Chairman of beautyexpo & Cosmobeauté Malaysia. This year’s edition will spotlight immersive experiences, live competitions, and insightful knowledge sharing. Key highlights include: Industry Seminars: Deep-dive sessions led by global beauty experts unveiling next-generation trends and techniques. Bloom & Groom: Skin Management Competition 2025: The highly anticipated second edition of the Skin Care Mastery Challenge, spotlighting exceptional professional skincare expertise. The 5th Malaysia Glory Cup International Beauty Competition: Celebrating elite artistry in embroidery, eyelashes, and nails with top-tier international talent. VIP Buyer Programme with Exclusive Perks and Trade Opportunities Spend & Win Campaign to Reward Visitors “We’ve reimagined the 2025 editions with both business and creativity in mind. From competitive showcases to business matchmaking, the entire experience is designed to help the industry connect, learn, and grow together, while also elevating Malaysia’s leadership in specialised beauty segments like halal-certified products,” added Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat. A centrepiece of the exhibition is the expanded Halal Beauty pavilion, representing one of the industry’s fastest-growing segments driven by ethical manufacturing, ingredient transparency, and surging consumer demand for clean, certified products. As a global authority in halal certification and industry development, Malaysia is uniquely positioned to lead this movement, and beautyexpo & Cosmobeauté Malaysia 2025 will amplify that role. From halal-certified cosmetics to innovative skincare and wellness offerings, visitors will discover a comprehensive showcase responding to evolving global preferences for safer, more inclusive, and ethically produced beauty solutions. This segment also opens doors for cross-border collaborations, especially among emerging brands looking to access Muslim-majority markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. The event unites leading industry associations including the Kuching Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (KABTAC), Malaysian Hairdressing Association (MHA), Malaysia Cosmetology Chamber of Commerce (PAMM), and United Asian Hairdressers Association (UAHA), ensuring comprehensive industry representation and engagement. Visitor registration for BECBM 2025 is now open! Don’t miss this chance to build valuable connections, gain in-depth insights, and stay at the forefront of the dynamic beauty industry. Register your visit at https://bit.ly/becbm25visreg by 29 September to enjoy free admission! After this date, a fee of RM 20 will apply. To exhibit at beautyexpo & Cosmobeauté Malaysia, please email [email protected]. For more information about beautyexpo & Cosmobeauté Malaysia 2025, visit the official websites: www.beautyexpo.com.my and www.cosmobeauteasia.com. -PR Newswire

KUALA LUMPUR: The CTOS SME Biz Day 2025 kickoff event in Kuala Lumpur ended on a high note today, marking a significant milestone in empowering SMEs across Malaysia to embrace digitalisation, transformation, and innovation. The event, officiated by Yang Berhormat Tuan Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital, saw an impressive turnout of close to 1,000 attendees, including government representatives, industry experts, SME owners, and entrepreneurs.  CTOS, Malaysia’s largest private credit reporting agency, successfully organised the 3rd annual SME Biz Day, spearheaded by its CTOS for Business division. Demonstrating its unwavering commitment to SME growth, CTOS is playing a role as a key driver for the business ecosystem by partnering with industry leaders and subject matter experts to provide invaluable support and insights for Malaysian SMEs. This collaboration aimed to equip businesses with the tools and strategies needed to remain competitive and resilient in an ever-evolving business landscape. Through this event, CTOS reinforced its role as a key partner and enabler of SME success.   Yang Berhormat Tuan Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital, who officiated the event, remarked, “Today, we find ourselves in a dynamic and competitive market that presents opportunities, and challenges. For businesses in Malaysia to rise to the occasion, digitalisation is key. Together, let’s build a future where Malaysian SMEs are not only competitive, but also leaders in the global digital field. But before we aim for the skies, let’s get the basics right – by ensuring we are all aligned with the nation’s digital aspiration.” Kevin Loh, Interim Group Chief Executive Officer of CTOS Digital Berhad, added, “In today’s era, digitalisation plays a pivotal role—not only in delivering a seamless experience to your customers, but also in unlocking your potential to scale regionally and globally. We believe that our economy will only thrive when our business communities thrive as well. In line with Malaysia’s national agenda to digitalise and strengthen the SME sector, we have created this platform to bring together key government agencies, industry associations, successful entrepreneurs, and our technology partners—so that, together, we can provide SMEs with the insights, tools, and support they need, driving them to digitalise, transform, and innovate.”   Empowering SMEs through Digitalisation, Transformation, & Innovation This year’s event emphasised the importance of SMEs adapting to digitalisation and technology to unlock wider market opportunities — across the region and globally.   In its first panel discussion titled Scaling SMEs: Unlocking Growth in Capital, Finance, Digital & Global Expansion, industry leaders from SME Corp, MATRADE, MDEC and SAMENTA shared their expertise on how SMEs can leverage capital, finance, and digital tools to expand their business reach beyond Malaysia.    The session emphasised the importance of collaboration and partnership in overcoming challenges frequently faced by SMEs. This includes embracing the gig economy when digitalising by leveraging expert partners to manage various business needs efficiently. By capitalising on each other’s strengths, SMEs can streamline operations, focus on core activities, and enhance their overall productivity, ultimately leading to business growth.   The second panel discussion, Winning Through Agility: Lessons from Successful Entrepreneurs, was a highlight of CTOS SME Biz Day 2025. Esteemed entrepreneurs including business owners from Mydin, BloomThis, Montigo, ZUS Coffee, Anjoe Raw Beaute shared their insights on navigating the dynamic business landscape with agility.    The session shed light on how the entrepreneurs started their businesses from the ground up and championed their brands through various digitisation strategies by tapping into social media and e-commerce platforms. Attendees gained valuable insights into building a brand that resonates with today’s fast-paced and digitally-savvy customers. During the event, Khairy Jamaluddin (KJ), co-host of Keluar Sekejap, and Lee Shin Mei, COO of CTOS Data Systems, also led an engaging sharing session that captivated the audience. KJ highlighted the importance of resilient leadership in running an SME, especially given the unique challenges SMEs face in today’s unstable economy. He emphasised the necessity for leaders who can adeptly balance hands-on management with strategic, big-picture thinking. Such leaders must be capable of navigating uncertainties to ensure that SMEs can thrive even in the most challenging conditions.   Expert Insights from Leading Industry Figures Attendees of this year’s SME Biz Day had the opportunity to gain valuable insights from key speakers and visit booths hosted by partners including LHDN, AutoCount, AWS, CIMB, Maybank Islamic, MOCHI Technologies, Pos Malaysia, Salesforce, Samsung, U Mobile, Unifi Business, and Zoho.   Join us in Penang, Johor & Kuching CTOS SME Biz Day 2025 has set a new benchmark for SME events in Malaysia, providing a comprehensive platform for businesses to connect, learn, and grow. CTOS SME Biz Day 2025 will continue its roadshow in Penang (12 June), Johor (9 July), and Kuching (19 August). For more information on SME Biz Day, visit https://ctoscredit.com.my/business/ctos-sme-biz-day. For more information on CTOS and its initiatives, visit http://www.ctoscredit.com.my/.

KUALA LUMPUR: ProPak Asia, the region’s number one international trade event for  Food, Drink & Pharmaceutical Processing & Packaging Technology, will bring together leading global  manufacturers, industry leaders and highlight the latest innovations and technologies at its 2025  showpiece event at BITEC in Bangkok, Thailand from 11-14 June, 2025.  The event serves as a hub for stakeholders to share and exchange knowledge, experiences and ideas to  foster collaboration among industry professionals, which in turn will generate value across diverse  industry zones.  ProPak Asia 2025, the 32nd edition of the acclaimed platform, also functions as a key venue for trade  and investment negotiations and partnership building among manufacturers, distributors and buyers of  all sizes. These collaborations seek to promote business growth and technology advancements that  benefit local and global industries.  Themed ‘Carbon-Neutral Pathways to a Sustainable Processing and Packaging Ecosystem’,  ProPak Asia 2025 looks to develop sustainable strategies that reduce or offset emissions to achieve  carbon dioxide neutrality across all stages of production, processing and packaging.  To generate awareness of the main event, its organiser Informa Markets held the ProPak Asia 2025  International Roadshow@Malaysia at the The Pavilion Room, The RuMa Hotel and Residences to  empower local processing and packaging businesses to capitalise on trade and investment opportunities  offered by cross-border partnerships between Malaysia and Thailand.  The event gathered industry professionals eager to gain in-depth knowledge into strategic sourcing,  regulatory navigation and other aspects of the industry that propel business growth and export potential.  The roadshow featured presentations by GlobalData PLC and the Thai Chamber of Commerce, along  with industry briefings.  Ms. Kotchasorn Tocharoentanapol, Deputy Event Director – ProPak Asia, Informa Markets said:  “Our roadshow acts as a prelude to ProPak Asia 2025 and aspires to inform and enlighten attendees on  what awaits them in Bangkok. The main event will provide guests from Malaysia and across the world the  chance to connect with new business partners, enable them to take in automation and technological  advances from major global manufacturers and facilitate insights into the trends shaping the industry  today and driving it into the future.”