After securing RM100 million in multinational investments in 2022, the Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) has announced a target of securing RM120 million in investments for local retailers and franchisors through the Franchise Expo Malaysia International Retail and Franchise 2023 (FE MIRF 2023). This effort seeks to strengthen the retail and franchise industries’ contribution to national economic growth.
Previously known as the Malaysia International Retail and Franchise (MIRF) exhibition, its sixth edition this year observed its official rebranding to Franchise Expo MIRF (FE MIRF) 2023. The exhibition is the latest world-class stage for companies to gather and showcase their best offerings, with the intention of exporting their products and services internationally. This coincides with the theme of FE MIRF 2023 – “Everyone Wins”, establishing itself as an all-new platform with boundless business opportunities in Malaysia and across the world.
Through its program, a total of 1,110 franchises have been registered under the previously known Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) in 2022, while 68 local brands have successfully penetrated the international market and are now available in over 70 countries – generating a total sum of RM100mil in multinational investments through its last edition. Notable retail and franchise brands that contributed significantly to this success include Marrybrown, Bask Bear Coffee, MyKori, Gigi Coffee, and LaundryBar, among others.
Mr. Ken Phua, Deputy President of MRCA said, “FE MIRF is returning with its new tagline Everyone Wins because simply it is a platform meant to benefit both parties not only in the Retail Sector but also parties that are providing services to the Retail Sector. The name also shows that the expo places Franchise as a Key Element and is set to be the leading largest franchise exhibition in Malaysia, with over 400 booths, and 4 halls. We will be welcoming the participation of retailers from across the globe – this will allow us to improve and strengthen our relationship with different nations and encourage investment and business development between Malaysia and abroad.”
As the organizer of the largest retail and franchise expo in Malaysia, MRCA is proud to announce that they are back stronger than ever to spearhead the country’s franchise development. This year, FE MIRF 2023 is expected to attract 15,000 visitors from across the ASEAN region, in contrast to last year’s 10,000 visitors. In addition to that, FE MIRF 2023 will boast a whopping 450 booths across four exhibition halls for retail franchises and licensing brands to operate from.
Franchise Expo MIRF (FE MIRF) 2023 welcomes the participation of all retail franchises and licensing brands from Malaysia, China, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, USA, India, Thailand, Indonesia, etc. – to develop bilateral trade relationships, while strengthening existing partnerships. MRCA strives to keep achieving its objective of maintaining the strongest network of affiliates in the region to bring the industry to greater heights.
Through endorsements garnered from the government and strategic partners, MRCA is confident that Franchise Expo MIRF (FE MIRF) 2023 will play a significant role in revitalizing the country’s economy through the development and growth of the franchise sector.
Ms. Christine Tan, Organizing Chairperson of FE MIRF 2023 said, “With our extensive capabilities and experience, we understand what it takes to expand internationally, and we are prepared to assist brands in expediting their global expansion. I am confident that the rebranding and expansion of this year’s FE MIRF 2023 will bring much-added value for our local retailers and franchisors, and we look forward to aiding them in generating overseas investments into Malaysia.”
Participants and delegates will be given opportunities to build brand awareness, forge connections with new business partners, and accelerate business growth in Southeast Asia. FE MIRF 2023 will also provide services such as business matching, career matching, on-ground engagement, round table discussions, and more for participants and delegates to meet with potential franchisees from all over Malaysia and overseas. As such, MRCA invites more franchisees to take advantage of the growth opportunities at Franchise Expo MIRF (FE MIRF) 2023.
For the first time ever, a Best Booth Competition will be held for all exhibitors to show off their best designs. Judges will score the booths after the opening ceremony to determine the winner; The Best Booth Award will be presented during the Networking Dinner on 7 July, with a Grand Prize worth RM15,000.
Franchise Expo MIRF (FE MIRF) 2023 will be held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from 7 to 9 July 2023. For more information on Franchise Expo MIRF (FE MIRF) 2023, visit https://mirf.my/ or its Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MIRF.MRCA
