Kuala Lumpur, 30 June – The Malaysian Retail Chain Association (MRCA) is targeting RM120 million in transaction value for the 8th Franchise Expo Malaysia (FEM) 2025, set to take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from August 21 to 23. This represents a 20% increase from the RM100 million achieved in 2024, highlighting the resilience and innovation of Malaysia’s retail and franchise sectors while solidifying FEM’s status as a premier platform for growth, collaboration, and regional engagement.
The three-day event is expected to welcome around 18,000 visitors and will feature 364 exhibition booths thoughtfully arranged across 4 exhibition halls at KLCC. Participating countries include Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Cambodia, and India, with China and Taiwan each having dedicated pavilions to showcase distinctive offerings from their respective regions.
An International Business Exchange program between MRCA, the Royal Thai Embassy, and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) took place at today’s press conference. The exchange program aims to strengthen trade ties and commercial links, via the set up of an international franchising pavilion in the upcoming FEM 2025.
This diversity reflects the expo’s regional significance and reinforces Malaysia’s role as a strategic launch pad for cross-man franchising into Southeast Asia.
FEM Organising Chairperson Terry Tay said: “This year’s theme, ‘Invest in the Future’, reflects the power of collaboration in today’s interconnected world. With over 400 booths across four halls, this expo is a testament to the unwavering confidence in our industry.”
MRCA President, Datuk Ken Phua, echoed these sentiments, calling attention to the transformative opportunities arising from digitalisation, tourism resurgence, and regional integration. “The theme, ‘Invest in the Future,’ captures the essence of what lies ahead. Strong consumer spending and the strengthening ringgit have created fertile ground for local businesses to thrive.”
In addition, MRCA welcomes Tourism Malaysia as a supporting partner for FEM 2025. With Malaysia assuming the ASEAN Chairmanship this year, FEM 2025 also provides a timely platform for the retail and franchise ecosystem to interface with regional stakeholders, elevating the nation’s reputation as a hub of cultural convergence, commercial sophistication, and hospitality excellence.
Since its inception in 2016, FEM has evolved from the Malaysia International Retail and Franchise (MIRF) exhibition to become a cornerstone event in Malaysia’s retail landscape. FEM 2025 aims to attract even more franchisees and retailers, reinforcing MRCA’s mission to foster a resilient, dynamic, and future-ready retail ecosystem.
The expo provides a platform where innovation thrives, partnerships flourish, and actionable strategies take shape. With over 550 MRCA members representing 40,000 outlets and 400,000 employees nationwide, the association remains dedicated to advancing the retail industry through unity, innovation, and collaboration.