Malaysia’s commitment to transforming its healthcare system takes centre stage this week as SEACare 2025, the SEA Healthcare and Pharma Show, opens its doors at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). With RM45.3 billion allocated to healthcare under Budget 2025, the nation is intensifying efforts to enhance infrastructure, promote innovation, and expand equitable access—positioning SEACare as a vital platform to catalyse regional healthcare advancement.
Officiated by YB Datuk Seri Dr. Haji Dzulkefly Ahmad, Minister of Health Malaysia, the event runs from 23 to 25 April and features 130 exhibiting brands from 13 countries and markets, with 250 booths spread across Hall 2 and Hall 3 of MITEC. This year’s theme, “Strategic Partnerships in Healthcare Innovation: Fostering Collaboration for Digital Transformation,” highlights the importance of stakeholder collaboration in driving the digital healthcare agenda. Supported by key agencies including Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Medical Device Authority (MDA), and SIRIM Berhad, the exhibition also brings back its successful International Sourcing Programme (INSP) and Hosted Buyers Program, which connect Malaysian businesses with international procurement networks.
YB Datuk Seri Dr. Haji Dzulkefly Ahmad, Minister of Health Malaysia said “As we embrace digital transformation and move toward universal healthcare access, SEACare 2025 plays a critical role in accelerating cross-border collaboration, advancing public-private partnerships. Through shared knowledge and collective action, we can strengthen ASEAN’s healthcare resilience and improve lives.”
Richard Teo, Executive Chairman, Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd said “Healthcare in Southeast Asia is evolving through technology and real-world solutions. SEACare 2025 creates opportunities for medical breakthroughs, policy alignment, and strategic partnerships. We are proud to establish a platform that is both commercially impactful and socially driven.”
Prioritising the Exchange of Knowledge
SEACare 2025 also integrates a strong social responsibility component by collaborating with the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM). Besides fundraising to support NCSM’s cancer awareness and care initiatives, this year’s event hosts the inaugural SEA Healthcare and Pharma Conference 2025, co-organised by NCSM and Five Pillars Venture Capital, and endorsed by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) and Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS), will offer up to 20 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points each and a certificate of attendance.
The conference will host expert speakers and healthcare industry leaders, among them are
- Dr Terence Tan, Healthcare/Life Sciences Lead, Venture Capital and Startups, Asia Pacific and Japan of Amazon Web Services
- Dr Izzuna Mudla Mohamed Ghazali, Deputy Director of the Medical Development Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia & Head of MaHTAS
- Dr. Jomo Kwame Sundaram, Senior Research Adviser at Khazanah Research Institute
- Dr Yap Wei Aun, Chief Executive Officer of the Health Transformation Office, Ministry of Health Malaysia
- Seth Finegan, Director of Informed Solutions, UK
- Jonathan Teoh, Founder and CEO of KALSIS
- Dr Venkat Panneer, Senior Consultant Surgical Oncologist, Robotic and Breast Surgeon of Apollo Hospitals
- Dr Vinod Seetharaman, Director, Life Sciences & Healthcare of Deloitte Consulting
- Dr Mazin Gadir, Director of Alvarez & Marsal Healthcare and Life Sciences, Dubai
- Dr Azrin Zubir, Chief Executive Officer of MHNexus Sdn Bhd
Besides the conference, SEACare 2025 will showcase a dedicated three-day Industry Spotlight series lead by local agencies and partners, including the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), SIRIM Berhad, Amazon Web Services, CapBay, Neudebri surgical tools and WeAssist. These industry-led sessions will explore regulatory pathways, pharmaceutical safety, manpower and staffing, and the evolving role of health technology assessment in Malaysia’s healthcare landscape.
Strengthening Cross-Sector Alliances
The opening ceremony also marked several key announcements to deepen regional healthcare collaboration. One of them is the launch of the Zafar VC Fund by SEACare 2025 Conference Partner, 5 Pillar Ventures. Launched in collaboration with Founder Institute, the fund introduces the Medexel Accelerator Program to support early-stage healthtech and medtech startups in ASEAN. Selected startups will gain up to USD $250,000 in funding, a tailored growth curriculum by Frost & Sullivan, and access to mentorship and market opportunities through SEACare’s ecosystem.
The opening ceremony also witnessed the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs):
- Cancer Symposium Series 2025 between Prince Court Medical Centre, Alliance Bank and NCSM;
- An MoU between Qube and the Malaysian Dental Association (MDA) for a strategic alliance introducing a new component for SEACare 2026 by integrating MDA’s Scientific Convention and Trade Exhibition (SCATE) convention.
Richard Teo, Executive Chairman, Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd said “This partnership sets the stage for an exciting new component at SEACare 2026. Together with MDA, we are building a diverse, multi-disciplinary platform that will elevate knowledge exchange, foster innovation, and bring together the healthcare community across various specialties. Qube remains committed to raising the bar and reinforcing Malaysia’s leadership in the regional healthcare and pharmaceutical trade landscape.
SEACare 2025 is also supported by industry partners committed to advancing the healthcare and wellness sector. Strategic Partners include Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS), International Wellness Expo (IWE), and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). Supporting Sponsors are Affin Bank and Hubei Qianjiang Kingphar Medical Material Co., LTD. Corporate Sponsors are Berjaya Food Berhad and CoffeeBot. Supporting Partners are the Department of International Trade Promotion (Thailand), German Health Alliance, IMU University, the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), the Malaysian Convention and Exhibition Bureau, and the Malaysia Medical Device Manufacturers Association (PERANTIM). The Official Airline Partner is Malaysia Airlines.
Business, Learning and Networking Opportunities Abound
SEACare 2025 is open to all healthcare industry professionals with free admission. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with global leaders, explore the latest innovations, and forge strategic partnerships that will shape the future of healthcare in Southeast Asia. Register now at https://sea-healthcare.com/visitor/registration/ to secure your access.