MFA TO ORGANISE INAUGURAL ASEAN FRANCHISE CONVENTION NEXT YEAR

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) will host the ASEAN Franchise Convention (AFC) for the first time next year, focusing on franchise sustainability, digitisation, and growth, with the aim of forging an important declaration among ASEAN countries.

MFA chairman Datuk Dr Radzali Hassan said the AFC, scheduled to be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from May 21 to 22, reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the regional franchise industry, mooted by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

"Themed 'Shaping the Future of Franchising in ASEAN: Sustainability, Digitisation, and Growth', the convention also aims to position Malaysia as the leading franchise hub in ASEAN," he said at the launch of the AFC and Franchise International Malaysia (FIM) 2025 here today.

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He said the FIM exhibition, supported by the World Franchise Council (WFC) and the Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation (APFC), will also be held at the same venue from May 22 to 24.

This year's FIM attracted over 30,000 visitors and recorded almost RM716 million in sales, demonstrating the significant potential and appeal of the franchise sector in the global market despite challenging economic conditions.

In light of this year's success, Radzali said it was important for the FIM exhibition to be continued as one of the key platforms to assist entrepreneurs, particularly MFA members, in promoting and expanding their businesses.

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He said next year’s FIM will be organised alongside several other significant programmes designed to add value and enhance the event's impact and effectiveness.

"In addition to exhibition activities to secure potential investors and franchise prospects, we encourage exhibitors to actively participate in the Franchise In-Buying Mission (FIBM) business matching sessions and edutainment activities planned throughout the event," he said.

Radzali said more than 250 exhibition spaces will be available at FIM2025 and urged industry players and entrepreneurs to participate in the various activities organised.

"Those who are interested can contact the MFA Secretariat for further information," he said.

Additionally, he highlighted that Malaysia's franchise industry recorded over RM14 billion in sales last year, with more than 1,000 registered franchise brands.

"This industry has also expanded internationally, with over 70 Malaysian franchise brands now operating in more than 80 countries. Key destinations include Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa. This success proves the ability of local brands to compete on the global stage," he said.

-- BERNAMA