KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 — Malaysia should aim to surpass RM50 billion in medical device exports by 2030, up from RM34.54 billion recorded last year.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the export target was one of three ambitions proposed to measure the country’s progress in developing its medical technology (MedTech) industry by 2030.

“We have the manufacturing base, market access and global confidence. 

“But the next phase of export growth must increasingly come from higher-value products,” he said at the closing ceremony of the International Medical Device Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC) 2026 here today.

The second ambition is to develop at least 10 Malaysian MedTech champions capable of competing regionally and globally.

Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia would continue welcoming leading international MedTech companies while developing local firms that create the technology, own intellectual property and compete internationally.

The third ambition is for at least 50 per cent of jobs created by new MedTech investments by 2030 to be managerial, technical and supervisory (MTS) positions.

He said the medical device sector’s MTS index stood at only 33.1 per cent in 2025.

“Capital may enter Malaysia, but capability must remain in Malaysia. If we are serious about calling this a high-value industry, then the jobs it creates must increasingly be high-value jobs as well,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also National Technical and Vocational Education and Training Council chairman, said talent must be developed before investments arrive, rather than only after companies face workforce shortages.

“Do not come to us only when you need workers. Come earlier. Help shape programmes, identify future skills, provide industrial exposure and open more apprenticeship pathways,” he said.

In 2025, RM4 billion in new medical device investments was approved across 46 projects, creating nearly 3,400 employment opportunities. 

The global medical device industry, valued at more than US$572 billion (RM2.3 trillion) last year, is projected to exceed US$1 trillion by 2034.

Held from August 26 to 28, IMDEC 2026 brought together more than 160 exhibitors and over 50 regional and international speakers in regulation, innovation and healthcare transformation. — Bernama