KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has the potential to emerge as a leading franchise powerhouse in the region, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He attributed this to the franchise industry being one of the country’s most resilient and dynamic economic sectors with strong growth prospects.
“With the right ecosystem, skilled workforce, strong policy support and bold entrepreneurial spirit, Malaysia has the potential to emerge as a leading franchise powerhouse in the region,” he said in his speech read out by Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali at the opening ceremony of the 33rd Interna- tional Franchise Exhibition and Seminar (Franchise Inter-national Malaysia 2026) here yesterday.
The exhibition, which runs until tomorrow, is organised by the Malaysian Franchise Association in collaboration with the ministry as well as Perbadanan Nasional Bhd (Pernas) and supported by various international agencies and strategic partners from Asean countries.
It is the only franchise exhibition in Malaysia to be recognised by the World Franchise Council, Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), Bernama reported.
Ahmad Zahid said the franchise sector continues to create employment opportunities, empower entrepreneurs and enable local businesses to expand through structured and scalable business models.
In fact, he said the industry contributed more than RM36bil to the national economy in 2022, underlining its growing significance and resilience amid an increasingly competitive global economy.
Franchising has evolved beyond the food and beverage business segment into sectors such as education, healthcare, retail, logistics, wellness, automotive services, tourism, technology and professional services, he said.
He said the diversification demonstrated how franchising was moving into higher value-added industries that support services, skills development and innovation-driven growth, in line with the government’s aspiration to position Malaysia as a recognised exporter of franchise brands, business systems and entrepreneurial expertise to regional and global markets.
“Today, many Malaysian franchise brands have successfully expanded into international markets, reflecting the strength, quality and innovation of our homegrown businesses.
“These achievements stand as a testament to the global competitiveness and growing influence of Malaysian franchises on the international stage.”
He noted that the government had set a target for Malaysia’s franchise industry to achieve RM100bil in franchise sales by 2030 through stronger international expansion, innovation, digital adoption and continuous ecosystem enhancement.
Ahmad Zahid also underscored the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in producing industry-ready talent to support the sector’s long-term sustainability.
“Through practical and hands-on learning, TVET can equip individuals with the technical, digital and customer service skills required by today’s franchise businesses.”
He said that stronger collaboration between government agencies, industry associations, educational institutions, and private sector players would be critical in ensuring Malaysia’s franchise industry continues to grow and gain greater international recognition.
