KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) has announced plans to host the first ASEAN Franchise Convention (AFC) next year, with a focus on franchise sustainability, digitisation, and growth, aiming to establish a key declaration among ASEAN nations.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MFA chairman Datuk Dr Radzali Hassan confirmed that the AFC will take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from May 21 to 22. The convention reflects a collective effort to fortify the regional franchise industry, as proposed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Themed “Shaping the Future of Franchising in ASEAN: Sustainability, Digitisation, and Growth,” the event also seeks to position Malaysia as ASEAN’s leading franchise hub.
The Franchise International Malaysia (FIM) 2025 exhibition, supported by the World Franchise Council (WFC) and the Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation (APFC), will be held at the same venue from May 22 to 24. The previous FIM event attracted over 30,00
0 visitors and generated nearly RM716 million in sales, underscoring the franchise sector’s global market potential amid economic challenges.
Radzali emphasized the importance of continuing the FIM exhibition as a key platform for entrepreneurs, particularly MFA members, to promote and expand their businesses. Next year’s FIM will include several major programs designed to enhance the event’s impact.
“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,” Radzali stated.
He noted that more than 250 exhibition spaces will be available at FIM2025 and urged industry players and entrepreneurs to engage in the various organized activities. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the MFA Secretariat for more information.
Radzali also highlighted that Malaysia’s franchise industry recorded over RM14
billion in sales last year, with more than 1,000 registered franchise brands. The industry has expanded internationally, with over 70 Malaysian franchise brands operating in more than 80 countries, including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, demonstrating the global competitiveness of local brands.