SEACARE: Redefining healthcare trade in Southeast AsiaFebruary 29, 2024
Datuk Mohd Mustafa, MATRADE's Chief Executive Officer said the collaboration between MATRADE and Cube offers an additional platform for sourcing medical devices and pharmaceutical products in the region through MATRADE's International Sourcing Programme (INSP).
The Southeast Asian Healthcare & Pharma Show (SEACARE) has undergone a significant rebranding initiative with a sharp focus on amplifying trade and business potential.
Forging strategic partnerships Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the event organizer, has forged strategic partnerships with key industry players, including the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and the Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS). These partnerships bring forth new business-focused programs, such as specialized business facilities and a knowledge-sharing forum, aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation within the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. At a soft launch ceremony held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Qube and MPS, signifying a commitment to advancing the industry through collaborative efforts. Empowering SMEs for global success Richard Teo, Executive Chairman of Qube, emphasizes SEACARE's role in equipping Malaysian SMEs with the tools and resources necessary to thrive in the global medical and healthcare industry. Through enhanced trade and business content, SEACARE accelerates export readiness, granting SMEs access to international markets and fostering sustainable growth for Malaysian companies. Facilitating International collaborations Kevin Teo (pix), the General Manager of Qube, provided insights into the upcoming tradeshow scheduled to take place at Hall 5, KLCC from April 17th to 19th. Teo highlighted the significant shift in focus since Qube, a local Malaysian company, took over SEACARE. He highlighted a stronger focus on business matching to attract industry professionals directly involved in the healthcare sector. Teo explained the collaboration with MATRADE, leveraging their extensive network of 49 officers worldwide to source medical devices and pharmaceutical products specifically within the Southeast Asian region. This strategic partnership aims to position Malaysia as a premier destination for medical sourcing in the region, akin to well-known exhibitions such as Arab Health or Medica in Europe. Reflecting on the transition, Teo noted the importance of aligning SEACARE with Malaysia's healthcare landscape, supported by local organizations, including the Ministry of Health and private associations such as the Malaysian Association of Private Hospitals. The collaboration extends to entities like the Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society, focusing on content creation to showcase regional healthcare trends. Addressing regulatory challenges in Malaysia's healthcare industry, Teo emphasized the need for clarity on licensing and compliance issues, particularly concerning import and export regulations. By addressing these concerns, SEACARE aims to provide valuable insights to business decision-makers, especially those operating within private hospital settings, thus facilitating increased sales and business opportunities for local and international buyers. Looking ahead, Teo expressed optimism about fostering greater collaboration between the government sector and Malaysia's associations, positioning Malaysia as a key sourcing hub in the healthcare industry. This marks a departure from the previous approach, which focused primarily on niche markets and international players, resulting in stagnation. The upcoming SEACARE will highlight a diverse range of exhibitors, including medical device manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and providers of facility management and equipment technologies from Korea, China, Belgium, Europe, Denmark, United Kingdom, Portugal and 2 new countries - Iran and Latvia. With a target of 120 to 140 exhibitors, SEACARE aims to showcase Malaysia's competitive advantage in producing high-quality medical and pharmaceutical products, particularly in comparison to overseas manufacturing hubs like China. Teo emphasized Malaysia's reputation for producing polished generics and its commitment to quality in the healthcare industry. Through SEACARE, Malaysia seeks to assert its position as a leading player in the Southeast Asian healthcare landscape, driving innovation, collaboration, and growth in the sector. Driving growth and innovation Meanwhile, Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, CEO of MATRADE emphasizes the value of the healthcare sector to the economy and its role in providing essential services to the populace. "At MATRADE, we recognize the importance of regional healthcare exhibitions such as SEACARE and are thrilled to partner with Qube for this year's event. The collaboration enables us to offer an additional platform for sourcing medical devices and pharmaceutical products in the region through our International Sourcing Programme (INSP). Our renowned INSP plays a crucial role in this collaboration, boasting a track record of successfully connecting local companies with international buyers. With 49 overseas offices spanning 41 countries worldwide, we target to bring approximately 20 buyers for healthcare and pharmaceutical products to match with our local suppliers. Furthermore, Malaysia's healthcare sector offers numerous untapped opportunities for businesses involved in supplying healthcare goods and services. These opportunities encompass various areas, including medical devices, health technology, healthcare partnerships, medical travel, and clinical research. In 2023, Malaysia's exports in the healthcare sector amounted to RM28.1 billion. Medical instruments, apparatus, and appliances accounted for 30% of these exports, valued at RM8.35 billion, while catheters, syringes, needles, and sutures contributed 20%, valued at RM5.66 billion. Additionally, medical equipment exports were worth RM4.11 billion. SEACare receives support from prominent healthcare bodies, including MAHSA University, the Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia (APHM), Manipal Alumni Association Malaysia (MAAM), Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS), and the Medical Device Authority (MDA) of the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH). |
SUPPORTED BY
|
EXPLORE FURTHER
|
The Lim dynasty: Nurturing 46 doctors across generations in PenangA journey of sacrifice, determination and medical triumph
|
|
Navigating monsoon season: Health impacts and safety precautionsReflecting on the impact of Taman Sri Muda floods
|
|
SEACARE 2024: A Gateway to Southeast Asia's healthcare and pharmaceutical industryUniting global industry players for growth and collaboration
|
|
National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) launches digital libraryFirst cancer digital library in four languages
|
|
Yayasan Chow Kit leads discourse on child protection onlineDriving policy change and advocacy, collaborating to shield children from abuse and exploitation.
|
|
Join the healthcare revolution at Future Healthcare Asia 2024Explore the latest innovations and strategies that are redefining healthcare
|
