PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is strengthening its position as a trusted healthcare supply chain hub amid growing geopolitical and trade uncertainties that are prompting global buyers to seek reliable alternative sources of medical products and services.
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 look to diversify their sourcing strategies and build more resilient supply chains.
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 not merely a business priority, it is a strategic imperative that underpins healthcare continuity, national preparedness, and global health security,” he said at a press conference yesterday ahead of the International Healthcare Week (IHW).
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 will be organising the IHW 2027 on July 13 to 15 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec), Kuala Lumpur, next year.
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.
Informa Markets Regional Portfolio director Rungphech Chitanuwat said the event arrives as the regional healthcare and medical technology industry expands rapidly.
“IHW reflects our commitment to build an integrated platform that connects the entire healthcare value chain across South-East Asia.
“In just a few weeks, we are ready to welcome and host the region in Bangkok, where pharmaceuticals, medical technology, healthcare services, wellness and innovation will come together under one roof.
“This is a defining moment for the industry, and we look forward to opening our doors to partners, exhibitors and visitors from around the world.”
Meanwhile, 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.
“In healthcare, this disruption carries consequences far beyond operational inefficiencies.
“They threaten the reliable availability of essential medicines, medical products and life-saving treatments, and this is why platforms like IHW matter now more than ever.”
He added that Malaysia’s commitment to strengthen and diversify supply chains reflects its responsibility to anticipate emerging risks and safeguard uninterrupted access to healthcare, while positioning the country as a dependable partner in the global healthcare ecosystem.
He added that 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 also said Malaysia’s healthcare sector continues to demonstrate strong export performance, underpinned by its medical manufacturing base.
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.
