Kuala Lumpur, 21 Aug – Malaysia’s biggest franchise event, the Franchise Expo Malaysia (FEM) 2025, returns in its 8th edition at the KL Convention Centre. The three-day expo, themed “Invest in the Future,” will be the largest exhibition in the event’s history, featuring over 400 booths across four halls.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Yang Berhormat Datuk Ewon Benedick, Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, reflecting the government’s strong support for the growth of Malaysia’s retail and franchise sector.
“Franchise businesses are vital engines of growth for Malaysia’s economy. Platforms such as FEM 2025 not only showcase our home-grown talent, but also position Malaysia as a regional hub for franchising and entrepreneurship,” said YB Datuk Ewon Benedick.
The expo, held from 21 to 23 August, is projected to generate RM120 million in transaction value, registering a 20% increase from last year‘s event and attracting 18,000 visitors. Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (PERNAS) is a strategic partner for this expo.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Terry Tay, FEM 2025 Organising Chairperson, highlighted Malaysia’s remarkable retail transformation. “The exhibition’s growth reflects a rising interest in franchising and entrepreneurship in the region, offering a one-stop-shop for aspiring business owners to explore a wide range of opportunities.”
“Malaysia is more than a test market—it’s a launchpad for regional success,” Tay added, noting the strong international participation from established master franchisors from Taiwan, China and Thailand to emerging brands across ASEAN. This year’s exhibition also spans multiple sectors, from food and beverage to education, wellness, mini-retail and retail tech solution providers.
This year also marks Thailand’s first participation in the event, showcasing ten dynamic Thai franchise brands to promote their expansion into the ASEAN market and beyond.
A key milestone at FEM 2025 was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) to help MSMEs accelerate digital adoption. The MoU was signed by Datuk Dr. Ken Phua, President of MRCA and Wan Murdani Bin Wan Mohamad, Head of Digital Adoption of MDEC and will remain in effect for two years.
The collaboration focuses on empowering MSMEs to compete globally, driving joint educational and marketing initiatives for digital adoption, raising awareness of cost-saving and efficiency benefits through digital tools, and fostering innovation by providing access to emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, and blockchain.
In addition, RHB Bank and MRCA have partnered to promote digital payments and business efficiency. This collaboration, formalised through two MoUs worth over RM200,000, provides MRCA members with free DuitNow QR Sound Boxes and exclusive packages for an integrated DuitNow QR POS system.
As an event endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the Franchise Expo Malaysia (FEM) is a key platform for promoting economic growth. With strong support from PERNAS as the strategic communication, the event plays a vital role in encouraging entrepreneurship by providing a wide array of franchise opportunities.
Originally launched in 2016, FEM has evolved into Southeast Asia’s premier regional showcase of retail and franchise excellence. This event is sponsored by Nu Vending as Platinum Sponsor, Auntea Jenny (Gold Sponsor), Xilnex (Silver Sponsor), and Gintell (Bronze Sponsor).
This year also welcomes U Mobile and Microsoft as MRCA’s newest corporate patrons, further strengthening industry support for the association’s mission to drive innovation and digital transformation in the retail and franchise landscape.