General : Malaysia Aims To Surpass RM50 Bln In Medical Device Exports By 2030 - Ahmad Zahid
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia should aim to surpass RM50 billion in medical device exports by 2030, up from RM34.54 billion recorded last year.
Malaysia aims to increase its medical device exports to exceed RM50 billion by 2030, surpassing the RM34.54 billion recorded last year, according to Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The target is one of three ambitions proposed to gauge the country's advancement in its medical technology (MedTech) industry by 2030. Zahid emphasized that Malaysia possesses a manufacturing base, market access, and global confidence, but the focus should now shift towards producing higher-value products.
The second ambition is to nurture at least 10 Malaysian MedTech champions, capable of competing in regional and global markets. Zahid reiterated Malaysia's openness to welcoming leading international MedTech companies while simultaneously fostering local firms that develop technology, own intellectual property, and compete internationally.
The third ambition is to ensure that at least 50% of the jobs generated by new MedTech investments by 2030 are managerial, technical, and supervisory (MTS) positions. Currently, the MTS index stands at 33.1% in 2025. Zahid stressed that capital may flow into Malaysia, but the critical aspect is that the capability must remain within Malaysia. He cautioned that if Malaysia claims to have a high-value industry, the jobs created should also be high-value.
Zahid, also serving as the chairman of the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training Council, stressed the importance of nurturing talent before investments arrive rather than only addressing workforce shortages after companies face them. He urged international companies to participate in shaping programs, identifying future skills, providing industrial exposure, and creating more apprenticeship pathways.
In 2025, RM4 billion in new medical device investments were approved across 46 projects, creating nearly 3,400 employment opportunities.
The IMDEC 2026, held from August 26 to 28, attracted over 160 exhibitors and more than 50 regional and international speakers, focusing on regulation, innovation, and healthcare transformation.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
