KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s healthcare industry is poised for further growth as the country strengthens its position as a trusted supplier of medical products and services amid increasing uncertainty in global supply chains.
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chief executive officer Abu Bakar Yusof said the corporation is intensifying efforts to promote Malaysia’s healthcare ecosystem globally as international buyers seek reliable alternative sources of medical products amid ongoing geopolitical and trade uncertainties.
He said growing geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global trade routes have underscored the importance of building more resilient healthcare supply chains to ensure uninterrupted access to essential medical products and services.
“In healthcare, this disruption carries consequences far beyond operational inefficiencies.
“They threaten the reliable availability of essential medicines, medical products, and life-saving treatments.
“As such, ensuring supply chain resilience is therefore not merely a business priority, it is a strategic imperative that underpins healthcare continuity, national preparedness, and global health security,” he said in his speech at the launch of International Healthcare Week (IHW) on Monday (June 15).
As part of efforts to expand Malaysia’s global healthcare footprint, Matrade alongside its partner Informa Markets will lead a Malaysian delegation to the IHW 2026 in Bangkok from July 8 to 10.
IHW is South-East Asia’s integrated platform for pharmaceuticals, medical technology, healthcare services, wellness and healthcare innovation.
Each edition brings together leading international healthcare exhibitions to create a comprehensive marketplace for industry collaboration, investment and knowledge exchange.
Malaysia, meanwhile, will organise the IHW 2027 on July 13 to 15, 2027, at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec), Kuala Lumpur.
The event will bring together three major healthcare exhibitions, including CPHI South-East Asia, WHX Bangkok and MedTech South East-Asia, and is expected to attract about 950 exhibitors and 26,000 trade visitors.
Abu Bakar said disruptions to critical trade corridors, particularly in the Middle East, have exposed vulnerabilities in global supply networks and highlighted risks to the availability of essential medicines, medical products and life-saving treatments.
He said Asean is increasingly seen as a stable and attractive alternative sourcing hub amid global uncertainty, with Malaysia well-positioned to support this shift.
“Malaysia, with our robust manufacturing capacity, neutral diplomatic stance and world-class infrastructure, stands ready to be that secure, dependable partner,” he said.
Medical device exports reached RM34.54bil last year, driven by products such as medical gloves, precision needles, catheters, orthopaedic products and electrodiagnostic equipment, he said.
Pharmaceutical exports also recorded strong growth, rising 20.6% year-on-year to RM3.66bil.
Beyond manufacturing, he said Malaysia has strengthened its position as a regional healthcare destination through internationally accredited medical facilities, a skilled workforce and the adoption of advanced medical technologies.
The country’s private healthcare sector attracted 1.84 million international patients last year, generating RM3.34bil in revenue.
Abu Bakar said this performance reflects Malaysia’s combination of cost competitiveness and high clinical standards, with many private hospitals accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) and Joint Commission International (JCI).
He said the growth is also helping to create high-value jobs, retain medical specialists and support continued investment in advanced healthcare technologies.
