In a landmark moment for both Malaysia and Southeast Asia, International Healthcare Week (IHW) 2025 opened in Kuala Lumpur with resounding success. The event gathered over 900 exhibitors and 21,000 visitors from more than 50 countries, signaling Malaysia’s rise as a regional hub for healthcare innovation, manufacturing, and medical tourism.

Organized by Informa Markets Asia in collaboration with MATRADE and the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI), IHW 2025 united five leading health-focused expos under one roof: CPhI Southeast Asia (pharmaceutical ingredients), WHX (World Health Expo), WHX Labs (diagnostics and lab tech), Medtech Southeast Asia (medical devices manufacturing), and HIMSS (digital health and hospital information systems).

During the opening ceremony held at MITEC last July 16, 2025, Margaret Connolly, CEO of Informa Markets Asia, said, “This integrated format promotes essential cross-border collaboration to address complex global health challenges. Malaysia has the infrastructure, talent, and strategic trade relationships to lead this charge.”

YB Dato' Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, chairman of MATRADE, highlighted Malaysia’s exponential growth in medical exports, noting that the country's medical device trade increased from RM13.5 billion in 2013 to RM46.5 billion in 2024—a remarkable 300 percent growth.

“In 2024 alone, our medical device exports rose by 31.6 percent, with the U.S. accounting for 37 percent of that trade,” he said. “This is not just about numbers. It’s about Malaysia being recognized globally for both quality and affordability in healthcare.”

Reezal called for the creation of a national strategic roadmap for the healthcare industry. He emphasized, “We must now formalize Malaysia’s position as a global leader in healthcare.”

In his keynote speech, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, positioned Malaysia as a country ready to lead—not just follow—in global healthcare innovation and trade.

“Malaysia is not just participating in the global healthcare race—we are helping shape it,” he said. He spoke candidly about Malaysia’s ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, particularly regarding tariffs, and reassured attendees of the government’s firm stance on national interest: “There are several red lines that our government will not cross in trade negotiations. We will not sacrifice the country’s sovereignty. Our people’s rights and our trust with valued partners are not bargained.”

He also addressed the risks of hasty international deals: “You can have catchy, feel-good headlines. They might last a week. But poor deals will have longer-term consequences for our people, our industries—including the healthcare industry—and our economy.”

As chair of ASEAN 2025, Malaysia used IHW as a platform to reinforce regional integration in healthcare—from regulatory harmonization to aging population solutions and halal medicine standards.

“When we stand together with ASEAN, we are one of the largest healthcare markets in the world,” Reezal Merican emphasized.

Officials also highlighted mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) being developed between Malaysia, Singapore, and other ASEAN nations to streamline pharmaceutical and medical device approvals, noting this would boost both trade and regional resilience.

Here’s a closer look at the standout lifestyle-friendly products and tech trends showcased at International Healthcare Week 2025

Talking about skin-worn sensors that deliver real-time glucose readings—these stick to the arm and offer non-invasive diabetes tracking without pricks or test strips.

These devices automatically log inhaler use, send reminders, and sync securely to your app.

Plant-based pullulan or HPMC capsules (instead of gelatin) are fully halal certified—ideal for Muslim patients and wellness tourists.

Designed to combine multiple chronic condition meds—like hypertension, cholesterol, and diabetes—into one daily capsule, poly-pills simplify daily routines, especially for elderly users.

Point-of-care diagnostic devices delivering same-day results—making it easy and quick, illustrated through WHX Labs and Medtec SEA exhibitor

These discreet trackers monitor vital metrics continuously and alert irregular rhythms or stress spikes

Biodegradable or recyclable components in single-use medical devices, aligning with global sustainability movements in healthcare manufacturing.

Sensor-infused activewear measuring posture, respiratory rate, and performance

VR-based rehab devices designed for physical recovery or stroke therapy were reflected in discussions about elder-friendly innovation and wellness tech targeting aging populations.

IHW 2025 proved that healthcare is no longer just about hospitals, prescriptions, or policy. It is increasingly about design, data, accessibility, and lifestyle.

With Malaysia now firmly positioned as a global healthcare player and ASEAN collaborator, IHW 2025 wasn’t just a showcase—it was a vision of where wellness, technology, and everyday life are headed next.