MALAYSIA is positioning its healthcare industry for stronger export growth and deeper integration into global supply chains as Kuala Lumpur prepares to host International Healthcare Week (IHW) 2027 from July 13 to 15.
The event, to be held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), will bring Malaysian exporters and small and medium-sized businesses together with international buyers, investors and healthcare industry players under a strategic partnership between the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Informa Markets.
The move comes as Malaysia’s private healthcare market is projected to grow to RM158 billion by 2029 from RM74 billion in 2022, representing an annual growth rate of 11.4 per cent, according to Frost & Sullivan.
IHW 2027 will bring together three major international exhibitions — CPHI South East Asia, World Health Expo Kuala Lumpur and Medtec Southeast Asia — covering pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical technology, hospital solutions and related healthcare supply chains.
MATRADE chief executive officer Datuk Indera Abu Bakar Yusof said the event would provide Malaysian exporters and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with direct access to international buyers while strengthening the country's position in the global healthcare value chain.
“Healthcare is one of Malaysia’s most promising export sectors. International Healthcare Week 2027 gives our exporters and MSMEs a direct platform to meet international buyers and form new partnerships.
“The components present during IHW 2027 will ensure the supply chain resilience. For MATRADE, this is more than an exhibition, it is a strategic ecosystem marketplace to attract strategic collaboration that will strengthen Malaysia’s position in the global healthcare value chain,” he said.
Demand for healthcare capacity is also expected to rise, with the number of private hospital beds projected to reach 23,500 by 2028.
Malaysia’s medical tourism industry further strengthens the sector’s regional appeal, generating RM3.35 billion in revenue in 2025.
Informa Markets regional portfolio director for ASEAN Rungphech Chitanuwat said IHW would serve as a platform connecting businesses across Southeast Asia’s healthcare ecosystem.
“Malaysia’s healthcare market is rapidly growing fast, and the opportunity reaches well beyond its borders.
“International Healthcare Week was created to support the growth of Southeast Asia’s healthcare industry, and we are proud to bring it to Malaysia for the second time.
“We are ready to serve as the bridge and the platform that connects healthcare businesses across the region. CPHI South East Asia links pharmaceutical manufacturers with suppliers of ingredients, contract manufacturing and packaging; World Health Expo Kuala Lumpur connects hospital buyers and distributors with medical equipment and healthcare solution providers; and Medtec Southeast Asia serves the medical device supply chain.
“Together with MATRADE, we look forward to welcoming exhibitors, buyers and investors to MITEC in July 2027,” she added. - October 1, 2026
