08/07/2026 08:43 PM

IHW 2026: Driving Market Opportunities, Promoting Malaysia

From Shuhaida Mohd Said

BANGKOK, July 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's participation in the International Healthcare Week (IHW) 2026 here serves a dual purpose of expanding market opportunities for local medical device and healthcare companies while promoting Kuala Lumpur as the next host city for the exhibition in 2027.

Held from July 8 to 10, IHW 2026 brings together about 1,200 exhibitors from around the world and is expected to attract over 26,000 attendees, providing a strategic platform for businesses to forge new partnerships and explore international market opportunities.

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) lifestyle and life science section director Omar Mohd Salleh said the participation is aimed at helping Malaysian companies broaden their presence beyond existing markets, particularly in neighbouring countries and other international markets through the exhibition platform.

“We are not only promoting Malaysian companies to Thai businesses but also to buyers and industry players from other countries attending the exhibition.

“We brought eight Malaysian companies showcasing a wide range of medical and healthcare products. Some of them have already penetrated markets beyond ASEAN, and that is a strength as it reflects the quality and competitiveness of Malaysian products internationally,” he told the media on the sidelines of IHW 2026 organised by Informa Markets today.

Omar said several participating companies have already established business ties in Thailand, but the exhibition provides an opportunity to diversify their export markets by connecting with buyers from other regions.

“MATRADE's role is to continue supporting our companies in expanding their international footprint through platforms such as IHW,” he said.

At the same time, Omar said, Malaysia is leveraging its participation to promote IHW 2027, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur, with the aim of attracting more international exhibitors and trade visitors.

He said the initiative is part of efforts to position Malaysia as a regional healthcare and medical manufacturing hub.

“Our objective is to attract as many exhibitors and visitors as possible to Kuala Lumpur next year while showcasing the strengths of Malaysia's healthcare industry to the international market,” he added.

IHW 2026 was officially opened by Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre here, and the event was also attended by Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat.

Meanwhile, Informa Markets regional portfolio director (ASEAN) Rungphech Chitanuwat said Informa Markets has built its reputation by delivering large-scale trade events that generate tangible business outcomes.

She said the company's ability to align its exhibitions with national economic strategies has enabled it to garner strong government support while attracting policymakers, industry leaders and international buyers, creating platforms that drive investment, innovation and cross-border collaboration.

-- BERNAMA

 

 

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