Try GOLD - Free

A milestone for trade, innovation, and everyday wellness

Manila Bulletin

|

July 30 2025

From billion-ringgit trade targets to AI wearables and halal-certified pills, International Health Week 2025 put Malaysia at the center of healthcare's global future

- KRIZETTE CHU

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.

MORE STORIES FROM Manila Bulletin

Manila Bulletin

Megaworld, gov't agencies unite for earthquake preparedness drive

Property giant Megaworld Corporation convened the inaugural Earthquake People and Real Estate Preparedness (PREP) Summit, bringing together key government agencies and private sector leaders to advance a whole-of-nation approach to resilience during the event held at The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion in McKinley Hill, Taguig City.

time to read

1 mins

November 4, 2025

Manila Bulletin

DOJ starts on Nov. 10 preliminary probe on 5 Bulacan 'ghost' flood control projects

The preliminary investigation against respondents in five \"ghost\" flood control projects in Bulacan starts on Nov. 10 and charges may be dismissed or filed in court 30 days thereafter.

time to read

2 mins

November 4, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Make people come in that my home may be filled

The Gospel reading is the third in a series of teachings about banquets and invitations. This time it is the Messiah who throws a banquet.

time to read

2 mins

November 4, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Marcos: It's possible to write a good, clean budget

President Marcos is confident that the government will be able to craft “a good, clean budget” for next year as Congress continues its deliberations on the proposed national spending plan.

time to read

1 mins

November 4, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Balisacan sees dismal Q3 growth

The country's chief economist expressed a less optimistic outlook for thirdquarter growth, noting that both domestic-including the flood control corruption scandal-and external economic conditions may have influenced the possibly dismal performance.

time to read

2 mins

November 4, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Manila Bulletin

China marks 76th founding anniversary with message of progress, peace, and friendship

In a heartfelt celebration marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Chinese ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian delivered a powerful message of unity, progress, and enduring friendship between China and the Philippines.

time to read

2 mins

November 4, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Factory activity returns to growth in October

Despite weather disturbances, the Philippines' manufacturing sector returned to growth in October, with the purchasing managers' index (PMI) climbing back above the 50 mark after September's slowdown.

time to read

2 mins

November 4, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Navigating the customer service maze

Despite the many digital channels available for customer service, many feel that getting support from their favorite telecom provider, bank, or even government office is becoming a struggle.

time to read

3 mins

November 4, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Reflections on a historic week in Asia

Returning from the capital of the Republic of Korea, I appreciated being there while the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) convened, and the high-level summits between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place. Here are some reflections worth sharing with my readers.

time to read

2 mins

November 4, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Manila Bulletin

Mayor Isko eyes commerce and culture balance in Halal Town plan, Golden Mosque rehab

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Monday, Nov. 3, expressed the city government’s eagerness to find the perfect balance between sustaining the economy of Manila and preserving its rich history and culture as plans for the development of the long-awaited Halal Town and the major rehabilitation of the Golden Mosque Complex in Quiapo received the green light from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

time to read

3 mins

November 4, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size