Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysia is striving to establish itself 🐠as a global healthcare hub through industrial reforms, international partnerships, and growing trade diplomacy, Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said on July 16.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of International Healthcare Week 2025 (IHW 2025) at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Tengku Zafrul identified healthcare as one of five priority sectors under Malaysia’s national industrial policy framework. In 2024 alone, the sector attracted 2.13 billion MYR (approximately 500 million USD) in investments in medical devices and pharmaceuticals, generating over 2,700 high-value jobs. Malaysia now hosts eight of the world’s top 30 medical device manufacturers and more than 300 active healthcare companies, reflecting the country's mature supply chain, skilled workforce, and investor confidence. As ASEAN Chair 2025, Malaysia aims to use IHW 2025 as a platform to promote deeper regional healthcare integration, while also contributing to shaping a more connected and innovative furture for ASEAN and the world, the minister said. IHW 2025, co-hosted with Informa Markets, is one of the region’s largest healthcare events. It features five major healthcare trade shows across a total of 26,000 square metres, encompassing pharmaceutical supply chains, medical devices and hospital technology, diagnostics and laboratory equipment, medical device design and manufacturing, and digital health innovations. The event brings together over 900 exhibitors and is expected to attract more than 21,000 visitors from 50 countries, with 125 conferences and forums./.