Hosting IHW 2025 solidifies Malaysia's status as premier healthcare hub in Asean
Informa Markets' regional portfolio director for Asean, Rungphech Chitanuwat, said this event will solidify Malaysia's status as a premier healthcare hub in Asean and serve as a gateway for global healthcare collaboration.
'As Asean Chair in 2025, Malaysia plays a pivotal role in promoting regional healthcare cooperation, addressing critical challenges such as supply chain resilience, digital health adoption and sustainable health financing through platforms like the EU-Asean Health Summit,' she told SunBiz.
Rungphech said exposure at IHW 2025 can lead to increased export opportunities and attract investment for local manufacturers, allowing them to penetrate international markets more effectively.
With medical tourism revenues expected to triple by 2032, IHW 2025 strengthens Malaysia's global appeal by showcasing its affordability, service quality and innovation in treatment options.
'The event reinforces Malaysia's status as a trusted healthcare destination for international patients,' Rungphech said.
She noted that the success of IHW 2025 relies on robust partnerships between government bodies and private sector leaders to position Malaysia as a leading healthcare hub and gateway to the Asean market.
'IHW 2025 conference sessions lead conversations on new tech, policy innovation and public-private collaboration to the table with tangible solutions. We are not just showcasing products – we're helping shape systems,' Rungphech said.
She added that IHW 2025 will integrate five major international trade exhibitions under one roof, covering the healthcare value chain, enhancing opportunities to learn, fostering meaningful collaboration and investment, and showcasing innovation across various healthcare sectors.
Each exhibition is accompanied by dedicated conferences tailored to the specific needs and developments of their respective industries.
Notable mentions include CPHI South East Asia, which encompasses the entire pharmaceutical production supply chain, and WHX Kuala Lumpur (formerly Asia Health), which focuses on medical devices, hospital services and healthcare systems.
WHX Labs Kuala Lumpur (formerly Medlab Asia) will feature its premier medical laboratory event in the region, while Medtec Southeast Asia specialises in the design and manufacturing of medical devices and technologies.
HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society) is a leading global conference that will explore key themes in digital health, including artificial intelligence, data innovation, workforce transformation, and equitable care delivery.
'By hosting IHW 2025 in Malaysia, we are not only enhancing the country's position as a key player in pharmaceuticals but also supporting national objectives for drug security and export development.
'We aim to create a lasting impact by advancing Malaysia's healthcare capabilities, fostering resilient supply chains, and enabling the region to meet future public health challenges through collaboration, education and innovation,' Rungphech said.
Touching on key trends in digital health, she noted that Malaysia's healthcare IT market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 17.9%.
IHW 2025 provides a global platform to accelerate digital adoption and innovation in this space.
'HIMSS, one of our co-located events, highlights digital transformation, AI, cybersecurity and workforce efficiency.
'There will be exclusive keynotes on cutting-edge health IT topics, interactive demonstrations, and a digital health technology exhibition, all designed to enhance knowledge and foster innovation in healthcare in Malaysia and the APAC region,' Rungphech said.
She added that IHW 2025 is a catalyst for innovation where local companies and startups will benefit from exposure to global investors, access to business matchmaking platforms and opportunities to showcase solutions alongside international players.
This is especially timely as Malaysia ramps up digital healthcare adoption, she said.
Furthermore, Rungphech said, there will be more than 125 conference sessions, with over 15,000 products on display and an anticipated attendance of over 21,000.
'We aim to create a lasting impact by advancing Malaysia's healthcare capabilities, fostering resilient supply chains and enabling the region to meet future public health challenges through collaboration, education, and innovation. Essentially, this would mean more collaborations between industry players on the ground, easier access and likely partnerships,' Rungphech said.
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow, she said.
'At IHW 2025, we provide marketplace participants around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, targeted digital services and actionable data solutions. We encourage the opportunity to connect buyers and sellers across more than a dozen global verticals.
'These conference sessions provide platforms for healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers and industry leaders to share the latest research, clinical guidelines and successful strategies for NCD (non-communicable disease) prevention, early detection, management, and rehabilitation,' Rungphech said.
IHW 2025 brings together health ministers, policymakers, public health experts, and industry stakeholders from across Asean and beyond, she said, adding that this facilitates crucial networking and partnership-building for cross-border collaboration on pandemic preparedness.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
26 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
MEF welcomes Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has welcomed the immediate and unconditional ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, calling it as timely amid rising global uncertainties. MEF president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said Malaysian employers, particularly those with regional operations, supply chains and investments in both countries, were grateful for the ceasefire, brokered through the "tireless efforts and leadership" of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. "At a time when employers are grappling with an increasingly complex global business environment, marked by slowing global trade, ongoing geopolitical tensions and recent disruptions linked to the United States tariff rates, this ceasefire is a welcome and much-needed development," he said in a statement today. He added Malaysia maintained substantial trade and investment ties with both Thailand and Cambodia. "Thailand is one of Malaysia's top trading partners in Asean, with bilateral trade exceeding RM100 billion annually. Many Malaysian companies operate factories, logistics hubs and retail outlets in the country. "Cambodia, while smaller in volume, is a growing trade partner. Malaysia's total investments in Cambodia surpassed RM 12.6 billion in recent years, particularly in the construction, banking, agriculture and telecommunications sectors. "As such, any instability in Thailand and Cambodia poses real risks to business continuity, supply chains and regional confidence." Syed Hussain said the swift de-escalation would ease concerns raised among members of the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Employers with direct operations or investment interests in both nations. "This proactive resolution helps prevent further commercial losses, supply chain disruptions and reputational risks that can emerge from prolonged conflicts. "Employers across the region, particularly those in labour-intensive manufacturing, agribusiness, logistics and cross border retail now have the opportunity to continue operations without disruption, while maintaining the safety of their workforce and facilities." He added that MEF reiterated its support for all regional efforts that protect business continuity, promote peaceful engagement and encourage robust intra-Asean economic cooperation. "MEF looks forward to continued stability in the region and encourages all parties to sustain this momentum towards lasting peace and mutual prosperity. Yesterday, Cambodia and Thailand agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire amid an ongoing border conflict. The announcement followed a special meeting involving Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, hosted by Anwar in his capacity as Asean chair. The ceasefire took effect starting midnight on July 28.
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Oil steady amid economic concerns, US rate decision awaited
SINGAPORE: Oil prices were steady on Tuesday amid uncertainty about the global economic outlook following the U.S.-EU trade deal, and as investors awaited the U.S. Federal Reserve's interest rate decision. Brent crude futures were up 1 cent at $70.05 a barrel at 0610 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at $66.69, down 2 cents. Both contracts settled more than 2% higher in the previous session, and Brent touched its highest level since July 18 on Monday. The trade agreement between the United States and the European Union, while imposing a 15% import tariff on most EU goods, sidestepped a full-blown trade war between the two major allies that would have rippled across nearly a third of global trade and dimmed the outlook for fuel demand. The agreement also calls for $750 billion of EU purchases of U.S. energy in the coming years, which analysts say the EU has virtually no chance of meeting, while European companies are to invest $600 billion in the U.S. over the course of President Donald Trump's second term. While the U.S.-EU trade deal finalisation came as a relief for global markets amid heightened uncertainty, the timeline and milestones targeted for the investments are unclear, said ANZ analysts in a note. "We think the 15% rate will pose headwinds to the Euro area's growth outlook but is unlikely to push the economy into recession." Meanwhile, top economic officials from the U.S. and China met in Stockholm on Monday for more than five hours of talks to resolve longstanding economic disputes at the centre of a trade war between the world's top two economies. The discussions are expected to resume on Tuesday. Oil market participants are also awaiting the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee meeting on July 29-30, where the Fed is widely expected to hold rates but could signal a dovish tilt amid signs of cooling inflation, said Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at brokerage Phillip Nova. "Momentum favors the upside in the near term, but the market is vulnerable to volatility triggered by central bank surprises or a breakdown in trade negotiations," said Sachdeva. "The likelihood of an economic slowdown and the Federal Reserve's potential rate cuts remain uncertain, limiting the upside in oil." Meanwhile, Trump set a new deadline on Monday of "10 or 12 days" for Russia to make progress toward ending the war in Ukraine or face sanctions. Trump has threatened sanctions on both Russia and buyers of its exports unless progress is made. - Reuters
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Sabah puts forestry, climate at heart of economic strategy
KOTA KINABALU: Forestry and climate are at the heart of Sabah's economic strategy, with sustainability viewed as key to creating jobs, driving growth, and attracting investment, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. "We are no longer treating sustainability as optional. It is part of how we create jobs, attract investment, and strengthen resilience. "Our forests and communities are already doing the hard work of carbon sequestration, biodiversity protection and sustainable use. But we cannot do this alone. "We welcome those who bring capital, expertise and long-term partnerships from Asean and beyond," he said, adding Sabah is stable, strategic, and serious about a green future. Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun delivered Hajiji's speech at the Asean Sustainable Forestry Summit 2025 today. With clear laws, strong institutions, and the Sabah Maju Jaya Roadmap to guide implementation, the chief minister said that Sabah is well-prepared for the carbon market. The passing of the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025 at the recent Sabah State Assembly sitting has opened up opportunities for Sabah to attract investors. "This legal foundation gives investors the certainty they need. But the bigger opportunity lies in Asean cooperation. "To grow in this space, we need a functioning regional carbon market. That means common standards, regulatory alignment, and mutual recognition of credits across borders. A fragmented system will only delay investment. "Sabah is ready to work with other Asean countries to push this agenda forward. Our forests are already doing their part. Now the frameworks must catch up," he said. As for forestry, Sabah has introduced a 15-year Forest Plantation Development Action Plan in 2022 to rehabilitate 400,000 hectares of degraded forest. The initiative is about securing a reliable timber supply, generating green jobs and strengthening rural economies. "Achieving the targets set out in this plan requires the continued commitment of Forest Management Unit (FMU) licence holders and working in close partnership with the Sabah Forestry Department," he said. In this regard, Hajiji urged all FMU licence holders to fulfil their obligations while the Sabah Forestry Department strengthens its role in tracking progress and ensuring that implementation stays on course. Once fully realised, the plan is projected to contribute more than RM11 billion to Sabah's GDP and create 40,000 jobs across the value chain, he said. Hajiji also said timber remained a strategic sector for Sabah, with timber royalties rising to RM171 million in 2024, marking an increase of RM16 million from the previous year. "Export volumes have also grown steadily, especially to Japan, the United States and Taiwan. Our target is clear: to reduce dependence on natural forests and scale up plantation-based, sustainable timber production," he said.
