MMDA President Visits Healthcare+ Expo Taiwan, Seeks for Strategic Digital Health Alliances

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Driven by the global aging trend and rising healthcare demands, Malaysia is actively planning the next phase of its medical industry strategy. As one of the five priority sectors in the government’s 2030 industrial blueprint, the medical device field plays a crucial role. Against this backdrop, Yong Tuan Heng, President of the Malaysia Medical Device Association (MMDA), led a delegation to attend the 2024 Healthcare+ Expo Taiwan. He clearly expressed the desire to deepen cooperation with Taiwan and accelerate bilateral investment and technology exchange. Yong stated directly, “We intend to purchase Taiwanese technology and collaborate with you.”

Yong Tuan Heng, President of the Malaysia Medical Device Association (MMDA), emphasizing the importance of bilateral investment and technology exchange between Malaysia and Taiwan in the medical device sector at the 2024 Healthcare+ Expo Taiwan.

ASEAN Integration Takes Shape, Taiwan Welcomes New Export Opportunities
With nearly 700 million people, ASEAN is forming an integrated economic bloc that will soon include East Timor as its 11th member. The region is advancing regulatory harmonization for medical devices, such as the ASEAN Medical Device Directive (AMDD), opening a scalable export window for Taiwanese companies.
Despite growing demand, most ASEAN countries spend less than 4% of GDP on public healthcare, and universal health coverage remains limited. This creates urgent needs for cost-effective smart healthcare solutions and home care products-areas where Taiwan excels.

Alongside growing demand, most ASEAN countries spend less than 4% of GDP on public healthcare, and universal health coverage remains limited. This creates urgent needs for cost-effective smart healthcare solutions and home care products-areas where Taiwan excels.

AI and Digital Health Key to Breakthroughs; Malaysia Names Taiwan as Top Choice
Yong highly praised Taiwan’s achievements in medical technology, especially AI and digital health. He emphasized that Malaysia’s breakthroughs in addressing aging and primary care challenges could be significantly enhanced through Taiwan's technological expertise. “Taiwan is ahead of us in medical AI and telehealth solutions and is our top choice for collaboration.”

Three Cooperation Models Open Fast Track for Taiwanese Firms into ASEAN
Yong proposed three cooperation models for Taiwanese businesses entering Malaysia: direct export sales to Malaysia or ASEAN markets; investing in 100% foreign-owned factories in Malaysia to leverage lower manufacturing costs; and strategic partnerships with local firms for joint development or OEM production, building strong brands and market presence in both regions.

He noted that companies producing in Malaysia are considered local ASEAN manufacturers, benefiting from tariff exemptions and streamlined customs. Taiwanese firms can also obtain HALAL certification to access the medical markets of the Middle East and 1.3 billion Muslims worldwide.

“Taiwan Innovation + Malaysia Mass Production + ASEAN Market” Forms a Golden Combination
Yong described the winning formula as “Taiwan innovation + Malaysian mass production + ASEAN market.” He said, “Our industry foundation is strong-Malaysia once supplied 80% of the world’s gloves. Now, we want to leverage Taiwan’s R&D and design strengths to create the next medical growth engine.”

Currently, the Malaysia Medical Device Association (MMDA) has 165 member companies across R&D, manufacturing, and distribution. The association is eager to serve as a key bridge for Taiwanese firms, providing local policy guidance, market intelligence, and networking opportunities.

As the world faces healthcare and caregiving challenges from aging populations, Taiwan’s innovative medical technology and Malaysia’s market access, manufacturing capacity, and Muslim market channels form a highly complementary partnership. This dialogue at the Taiwan Healthcare+ Expo marks not only the start of bilateral cooperation but also a gateway for Taiwan’s medical industry to access rapidly expanding global markets.