MRC News Archives 2020

Automechanika Shanghai 2020, which went ahead in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic had closed its 16th chapter with success. The four-day event took place from 2 – 5 December 2020 at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC), Shanghai, China. Reaching across six continents, the show convened 3,845 exhibitors from 29 countries and regions and a total of 79,863 domestic visitors. All foreign exhibitors were represented by their local representatives in China, including MRC. Despite uncertainties surrounding the pandemic, MRC endeavoured to maintain its presence in the event with a promotional booth to showcase a wide array of Made-in-Malaysia quality rubber products for automotive and transportation sectors such as rubber automotive components, industrial gloves, retreading materials as well as green rubber, namely Ekoprena and Pureprena. MRC received trade enquiries only from the locals as China is still suspending the entry of most foreign nationals. MRC also took up prominent advertising signage at strategic areas within the fairground to increase awareness on Made-in-Malaysia rubber products among the potential buyers. The show's next edition is scheduled to be held from 24 – 27 November 2021 at the same venue.

The Covid-19 pandemic has restricted travelling and movement of people, including the business community globally hence MRC has taken the initiative to create an online business matching platform, namely MRC e-Global Sourcing Mission (e-GSM) for Malaysian rubber and rubber product manufacturers to meet potential buyers virtually. Organised from 1 – 4 December 2020, the e-GSM programme provided a safe online platform for global buyers to meet with genuine Malaysian manufacturers virtually to source quality rubber and rubber products from Malaysia. A total of 24 business matching have been coordinated between 12 potential buyers and nine Malaysian rubber and rubber products manufacturers. The buyers participated in the e-GSM were from Brazil, India, Indonesia, and Poland while their product interests are rubber automotive components, engineered rubber products, precured treads and retreading materials, latex foam and latex mattresses, as well as specialty rubber materials – Ekoprena and Pureprena.

MRC's participated in the very first virtual.MEDICA 2020 which was held from 16 – 19 November 2020. There was a total of over 1,300 virtual exhibitors representing 61 countries took part in the event. A wide variety of healthcare products amounting to over 15,000 items were displayed in the online showrooms and over 100 live web sessions were presented for the healthcare community. Over 45,000 professional visitors from 169 nations had connected to the virtual platform and generated 405,000-page impressions with 78% were accounted by international online visitors. MRC featured a total of 38 rubber medical devices under eight different product categories during the virtual event. For the first time, MRC introduced new animated rubber medical devices directory specially for this virtual event. The directory included full range of medical gloves as well as the non-glove items such as condoms, catheters, respirators, etc. Throughout the four-day virtual event, MRC Marketplace recorded an increase of 50% views per day. MRC also received encouraging number of trade enquiries and most of the enquiries were on medical gloves, particularly nitrile and latex examination gloves. Majority of the enquiries were received from European and Asian countries. The Matchmaking platform in virtual.MEDICA had successfully linked MRC with a number of potential buyers that are interested to source rubber medical devices from Malaysia. Apart from MRC, the other three Malaysian rubber medical device manufacturers, namely Alliance Rubber Products, Diptech Industries and Smart Glove Corporation, were also tuned in to the digital platform and showcased their products virtually in this event to stay connected with the global healthcare players. The next edition of MEDICA will be held from 15 – 18 November 2021 as a hybrid event which also consists of live platforms for professional visitors to the Düsseldorf trade fair centre.

MRC continues to participate in Automechanika Shanghai 2020, a significant annual event for the automotive industry in China, particularly the aftermarket segment. This international event marks its 16th edition and has become Asia’s largest trade fair for automotive parts, accessories, equipment and services. This year, the trade fair is themed ‘Navigating a dynamic automotive ecosystem’ and will be held from 2 - 5 December 2020 at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre, Shanghai, China. For the first time in the history of the event, Automechanika Shanghai 2020 has introduced an online virtual exhibition platform to cater to overseas visitors who could not attend the show physically due to the COVID-19 restrictions. AMS Live platform will allow visitors to interact with exhibitors virtually as well as providing access to webinars on the latest innovations in the automotive industry commencing from 30 November - 6 December 2020. Apart from MRC, there are two other Malaysian rubber automotive component manufacturers participating virtually via the AMS Live platform. MRC booth, which will be manned by MRC Shanghai representatives, will showcase a wide range of high quality automotive components, re-treading materials and green rubber such as Ekoprena and Pureprena. Come and visit us at Hall 1.1, Booth 1.1B74, to source for high quality rubber products from Malaysia!

The current COVID-19 pandemic has forced many companies to adapt to the new norm and many businesses are embarking on virtual meetings. In light of this, MRC would like to announce its inaugural E-Global Sourcing Mission (e-GSM) to be held from 1 – 31 December 2020. The e-GSM is a programme which provides a safe online platform for global buyers to identify and meet with genuine Malaysian manufacturers to source for quality rubber products from Malaysia. The key rubber products that are promoted under the e-GSM programme this year are Rubber Automotive Components, Engineered Rubber Products, Precured Treads & Retreading Materials, Latex Foam & Latex Mattresses and Specialty Rubber Materials (Green Rubber). Interested buyers, importers or distributors are invited to register at the e-GSM Online Registration Form. The registration is opened now until 22 November 2020.

For more information, please contact Mr Syazwan (syazwan@myrubbercouncil.com) or Ms Zafirah (zafirah@myrubbercouncil.com)

MRC concluded another successful participation at the 83rd China International Medical Equipment Fair, also known as CMEF Spring 2020 which was held from 19 – 22 October 2020 at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Shanghai, China. Despite postponements and uncertainties resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, MRC endeavoured to continue its presence in the event by hosting the MRC Malaysia Pavilion, together with three other Malaysian rubber medical device manufacturers and exporters. The representatives from MRC’s Shanghai office attended and manned MRC’s booth during the show. MRC Malaysia Pavilion attracted visitors who were keen in seeking high quality Made-in-Malaysia rubber medical devices, particularly medical gloves, the most sought-after products due to the pandemic. MRC received considerably good number of trade enquiries despite the lack of international visitors due to travel restrictions imposed in China to curb the spread of COVID-19. Concurrent business-matching sessions between the participating Malaysian companies and prospective buyers were coordinated by MRC throughout the four-day trade exhibition with encouraging number of potential sales recorded. On social media, there was a significant increase in the number of new followers registered with MRC’s account. The show's next edition will be held from 13-16 May 2021 at the same venue.

MEDICA 2020, the world’s leading information and communication platforms for the medical technology and supplier industry, customarily held in Dusseldorf, Germany has been remodelled into virtual.MEDICA 2020 in light of the current coronavirus pandemic. This entirely online event will take place from 16 – 19 November 2020 and continues to serve as an important medical global platform for the industry players to transfer knowledge and stay up to date on the latest developments. virtual.MEDICA 2020 will consist three focal areas namely the ‘Conference Area’ where the virtual visitors will be able to access exciting lectures, discussion groups, live pitches, product and company presentations, ‘Exhibition Space’ which enables the exhibitors to showcase their products and innovations virtually as well as the ‘Networking Plaza’ that allows networking and video meeting via the matchmaking tool. The Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) is actively exploring new experience as a virtual exhibitor to continue being the avenue for the world to source high quality rubber medical devices from Malaysia. Explore virtual.MEDICA 2020 at https://virtual.medica-tradefair.com/ to connect with MRC and know more about the strengths and capabilities of Malaysian manufacturers in producing wide array of high quality rubber medical devices required by the global healthcare industry.

The Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) invites advertising and creative agencies to participate in a tender briefing for Global Branding Campaign 2021 for Made-in-Malaysia rubber products. Only qualified advertising and/or creative agencies are eligible to participate in the tender. The criteria for pre-qualification of Advertising and/or Creative Agencies are as follows:

1. Must be a registered company with Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM)
2. Agency must be established for at least 3 years
3. Experience in handling at least five (5) branding campaigns - provide examples and a brief description of work that you have worked on in the last three years, as below:
Agency Experience & Portfolio
1. Portfolio of Work
Provide examples of past branding campaigns according to:
1. Creative Campaign Experience
Agency to provide portfolio showcasing its experience in branding campaign (provide sample of work, list of clients, markets served). Agency that has international branding campaign experience would be an advantage.
2. Multi-media Advertising Experience
Agency to demonstrate portfolio of experience in various media for advertising. Agency that has experience in both traditional (print, trade, outdoor) and non-traditional media (online & social media) would be an advantage.
2. Project Team
Provide profile and experience and the number of proposed key personnel/engagement team for the project.
3. References
Minimum three client references must be provided. The information must include client’s current contact name, address, phone number and email.
4. Agency must NOT impose any fees to participate in the tender and to present a pitch for their proposal whenever required

Interested agencies will need to provide the necessary supporting documents including an updated company’s profile and portfolio to fulfil the above requirements to Ms Thania Ammanena at thania@myrubbercouncil.com. Due to CMCO, the original deadline which is Friday, 16 October 2020 at 12 noon will be extended to Monday, 19 October 2020 at 5 pm. The information submitted by the agencies will be verified by MRC and a notification will be sent to the qualified advertising agencies. The agencies will need to confirm their attendance at the agency briefing in advance with MRC personnel, Ms Thania Ammanena. Agencies that are not able to send their representative to attend the briefing will be excluded from the tender process. Details of the Tender briefing are as follows: DATE : Monday, 26 October 2020 TIME : 10.00 am VENUE : Online Meeting for Tender Briefing

The CMEF Spring 2020, originally scheduled on 9 – 12 April 2020, has been postponed twice with the new dates to be rescheduled to 19 – 22 October 2020 due to the prevention and control measures in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. CMEF Spring is deemed as the largest trade show of medical devices, related products and services in the Asia-Pacific region. CMEF serves the entire value chain of medical devices from the source of manufacturing to healthcare service providers and end users. The trade show is covering more than 15,000 products such as medical imaging, IVD equipment and reagents, medical electronics, medical optics, first aid, rehabilitation devices, nursing, telemedicine, wearable devices and outsourcing services. MRC continues its presence at the show as a country pavilion organizer by hosting three Malaysian rubber medical device manufacturers and exporters. The show will be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre, Shanghai, China. MRC Malaysia Pavilion will feature a wide range of innovative and high quality rubber medical devices at the event. Come and visit MRC (MREPC) Malaysia Pavilion at Hall 5.1, Booth T27 at CMEF Spring 2020 to source for quality rubber medical devices from Malaysia.

MRC participated in the first virtual edition of EVM Asia, hosted by the Malaysia Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) in partnership with the Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii). The virtual exhibition was held from 8 – 10 September 2020. The organiser reported that more than 1,000 visitors from 13 countries visited the virtual platform within the three-day period. The event hosted 89 virtual exhibitors representing six countries including Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore and Thailand. Besides MRC, three other Malaysian rubber product manufacturers also participated in the virtual exhibition, namely Kossan Industries, Doshin Rubber Products and Kumpulan Jebco. Apart from the virtual exhibition, the new products platform showcased latest innovation such as electric vehicle charging solutions, RFID products and systems. MRC’s virtual booth featured a comprehensive content of the strengths and capabilities of Malaysian manufacturers in producing a wide range of high quality rubber automotive components. The booth also provided live chat platform for instant communication between MRC’s officers and visitors.

MRC will be taking part in Asia’s first international exhibition dedicated for manufacturing of electric, hybrid and autonomous vehicles, known as EVM ASIA 2020. The exhibition is the region’s largest “hybrid” event on electric and hybrid vehicles, manufacturing technology and auto components. Themed “The Future of Mobility Technology”, the event which was initially scheduled to be held from 24-26 March 2020 at the Malaysian International Exhibition and Trade Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur had been postponed twice in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. EVM ASIA 2020 has now been transformed into a hybrid exhibition which includes a virtual edition that will be held from 8-10 September 2020 and a live edition from 23-25 March 2021 with the venue remained unchanged – at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur. EVM ASIA 2020 is hosted by the Malaysia Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) in partnership with the Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii). Since the automotive industry is moving towards electric and new energy vehicles as well as mobility solutions, the event will bring together automotive manufacturers, assemblers and vendors across the region to gather latest insights on electric vehicles manufacturing innovations, components, software and systems for navigation, safety and many others. The rapid changes with new and improved technologies being introduced regularly is expected to lead to the increase in consumer demands for environment-friendly vehicles. The virtual edition will be among the first in the region that will incorporate several numbers of new innovations designed to showcase new products, generate new sales contacts and business opportunities. Online visitors may call for ‘live’ virtual meetings with exhibitors while exhibitors may organise a pre-recorded talk or web seminar (webinar) and inviting visitors to their events. MRC’s virtual booth will feature a comprehensive content of the strengths and capabilities of Malaysian manufacturers in producing a wide range of high quality made-in-Malaysia rubber automotive components. Virtual visitors could also connect with MRC representatives via Live Chat platform during the virtual event period. Please visit the virtual exhibition at http://www.evmasia.com during the virtual show date to connect with MRC and know more about quality Malaysian rubber automotive components.

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 August 2020: In the recent announcement of the rebranding of MREPC to MRC on 4 August 2020, YB Dato' Dr. Mohd Khairuddin bin Aman Razali, the Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities announced that MREPC will be setting up a RM36 million special fund to encourage the hiring of local workers in the downstream sector of the rubber industry. As an agency under the ministry that is tasked to promote quality rubber products produced by Malaysia, especially in support of the SMEs industry, this fund is in line with the government's policy of prioritising the creation of more job opportunities for Malaysians while reducing the country’s reliance on foreign workers. The setting up of this fund is expected to generate 10,000 job opportunities for Malaysians. This fund is also expected to benefit more than 200 manufacturing companies in the rubber product industry, in particular the glove sector, which is still expanding following the drastic increase in demand for rubber gloves.

MREPC participated for the first time as a virtual exhibitor in the AIDS 2020: Virtual held from 6 – 10 July 2020. The event was organised by the International AIDS Society (IAS) and attended virtually by thousands of people from over 180 countries. The AIDS 2020: Virtual enabled the delegates to access and engage through virtual means on the latest HIV science, advocacy and knowledge traditionally presented at the conference. The event had also witnessed Datuk Professor Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman officially stepped into her new role as the IAS's president for the 2020-2022 term. Dr Adeeba, the chairman of Malaysian AIDS Foundation, was the first Asian to hold the position. MREPC's virtual booth featured contents highlighting the strengths and capabilities of Malaysian manufacturers in producing a wide array of condoms in various textures, flavors, colors and packaging. The booth also provided live chat platform for instant communication with the visitors. MREPC booth received over 600 visits virtually for the five-day event. Majority of the visitors were from the United States, South Africa, India, Mexico, United Kingdom, Brazil and Canada.

The 23rd International AIDS Conference, to be held from 6 – 10 July 2020, has been converted by the organiser into AIDS 2020: Virtual due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The AIDS 2020 will become the first virtual edition of the International AIDS Conference. Organised by the International AIDS Society, the biennial International AIDS Conference is the world’s largest conference on HIV and AIDS. This year, the AIDS 2020: Virtual, with the theme of “Resilience” enables the delegates to access and engage through virtual means with the latest HIV science, advocacy and knowledge traditionally presented at the conference. The conference will be a compelling combination of virtual sessions including pre-conferences, satellites, workshops, interactive posters, commercial exhibitions, Global Village and other collaborative community networking activities accessible from anywhere in the world. MREPC will continue its presence at the event and anticipates an exciting experience as a virtual exhibitor. The interactive 3D environment offers conference participants from all over the world to engage with exhibitors located in the Exhibition Hall virtually. MREPC virtual booth will feature a comprehensive content of the strengths and capabilities of Malaysian manufacturers in producing a wide range of high quality made-in-Malaysia condoms which are available in various textures, flavors, colors and packaging. Virtual visitors could also connect with MREPC representative via Live Chat platform to find out more information during the virtual event period.

KUALA LUMPUR, 20 MAY 2020: The Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council (MREPC), an agency under the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities tasked to undertake market promotion of quality Malaysian rubber products in world markets, today announced the appointment of Yang Mulia Raja Dato' Haji Idris Raja Kamarudin as its new Chairman. Having led various private limited, public listed and multinational companies, Yang Mulia Raja Dato' Haji Idris brings an incomparable wealth of experience and strategic vision to the Council. He has served in leadership roles at Siemens Malaysia, TDM Berhad, Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Berhad, and Kumpulan Perangsang Selangor group of companies among others. MREPC Chief Executive Officer Brandon Chan said, “We are delighted to welcome Yang Mulia Raja Dato' Haji Idris Raja Kamarudin to the MREPC Board of Trustees. Under his stewardship, we are confident that the Council will continue to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a leading global sustainable rubber products player.” Yang Mulia Raja Dato' Haji Idris brings to MREPC more than thirty years of experience and is currently helming TDM Berhad, a public listed subsidiary of Terengganu Incorporated Sdn Bhd (TI), the strategic investment arm of the Terengganu State Government, as the Director and Chairman. He also serves as a Board member of Perbadanan Kemajuan Iktisad Negeri Kelantan (PKINK) and a member of the advisory board of Majlis Penasihat Ekonomi Negeri Kelantan (MPEN). A Fellow of the British Computer Society (FBCS) and the Chartered Management Institute (FCMI) in United Kingdom, Yang Mulia Raja Dato’ Haji Idris also holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Strategic Management from University of Derby, UK.

The Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council (MREPC) invites Malaysian contractors to participate in a tender on booth design and construction of MREPC pavilion at international trade shows from July to November 2020. Only prequalified booth contractors are eligible to participate in the tender. The criteria for Prequalification of Booth Contractors are as follows:-

• Must be a registered company with Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM).
• Company must be established for at least 3 years.
• At least 2 years of experience in handling international trade shows.
• Experience in designing and constructing custom-made booths in at least 6 projects for international trade shows.
• Not suspended from participating in the booth construction and design tenders by MREPC.

Interested companies will need to provide the necessary supporting documents including an UPDATED company's profile and portfolio to fulfil the above requirements to Ms Sheen at sheen@mrepc.com by 12.00 noon, 23 March 2020 (Monday). The information submitted by the companies will be verified by MREPC and a notification will be sent to the prequalified booth contractors/companies. The prequalified booth contractor will receive a tender document via email on 2 April 2020, Thursday.

MREPC's participation in the 45th edition of Arab Health which was held from 27 - 30 January 2020 at the Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai, UAE turned out to be very successful. The newly located MREPC Malaysia Pavilion at Hall 7 which housed 12 Malaysian rubber product companies as co-exhibitors received high number of visitors of more than 3,000 people throughout the event. MREPC also facilitated more than 100 business matching sessions between the potential buyers and Malaysian rubber medical device companies. MREPC embarked on new on-site promotional platforms which included prominent advertisements at the main entrances and huge grid banners on the outside of main exhibition hall that proved to be impactful in branding Malaysia as the source of quality rubber medical devices and garnering more footfall to the MREPC Malaysia Pavilion. MREPC also recorded its highest ever trade leads received which was over 400 enquiries compared to the previous editions. Rubber medical glove was the most sought after products, followed by catheters, condoms and other rubber medical devices. Majority of the enquiries were from the Middle East, Africa and South Asian countries. MREPC was also honoured to receive the visit of Ambassador of Malaysia to the UAE, His Excellency Mohd Tarid Bin Sufian. For the first time, MREPC organized a Chinese New Year's Celebration Dinner which was attended by the Malaysian exhibitors and government agencies in Dubai. The show's next edition will be held from 1 - 4 February 2021 which will also coincide with the World Expo 2020 Dubai.

Chinese New Year Celebration Dinner with Malaysian participants and agencies in Dubai

The Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council (MREPC), Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA) and Malaysian rubber glove manufacturers have collaborated and pledged to donate 18 million pieces of medical gloves to Wuhan, China to assist in the fight against the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) epidemic. The initiative was announced by the Minister of Primary Industries, YB Teresa Kok during a press conference which was held on Friday, 31 January 2020 at the Ministry of Primary Industries. During the event, YB Minister together with the Malaysian rubber glove manufacturers symbolically handed over medical gloves to His Excellency Bai Tian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Malaysia. The glove companies that came forward to support the humanitarian drive are Smart Glove, Top Glove, Hartalega, Supermax, Kossan, YTY, Brightway, Koon Seng and Careplus while MREPC is also contributing 2.12 million pieces of gloves. The medical gloves, both natural rubber and nitrile, will be sent to China in batches at the soonest.

YB Minister of Primary Industries together with His Excellency Bai Tian (right) and Mr Ravi Muthayah (left), Secretary General of the Ministry of Primary Industries during the press conference

The annual International Conference on Building Resilience was held for the ninth time in Bali, Indonesia from 13-15 January 2020 which saw participation from researchers and engineers worldwide. More than 130 papers were presented at the conference that carried the theme "Investing in Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Building Resilient Cities". MREPC participated in the event together with a Malaysian manufacturer, Doshin Rubber in an "umbrella concept" booth. MREPC also managed to secure a presentation slot and presented a paper entitled "Damping Requirement in Seismic Isolation for Earthquake Protection of Structures" during the conference. During the conference, MREPC received enquiries from researchers and engineering experts who were interested to know more about seismic isolation system, particularly the High-Damping Natural Rubber Bearings from Malaysia.

For 45 years Arab Health has prided itself as the leading healthcare business platform in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region. This year, Arab Health will be taking place from 27 - 30 January 2020 at Dubai World Trade Center. The event is expected to welcome over 4,000 exhibiting companies, 37 country pavilions and 55,000 attendees from 159 countries. MREPC continues its effort in promoting Malaysia as the source of quality rubber medical devices by having its largest pavilion to date that hosts 12 Malaysian rubber product manufacturers and exporters. The MREPC Malaysia Pavilion, which is located in the main hall, is an ideal sourcing place for high quality Made in Malaysia rubber medical devices such as medical gloves, condoms and Foley catheters. Come and visit MREPC Malaysia Pavilion at Hall 7, Booth H7.A30 for a wide range of high quality rubber medical devices from Malaysia at Arab Health 2020!

MREPC, together with a Malaysian manufacturer will be participating in the 9th International Conference on Building Resilience in Bali, Indonesia from 13 – 15 January 2020. The conference’s theme is “Investing in Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Building Resilient Cities” and it will bring together the full diversity of the science community, policy makers, practitioners and researchers globally. This year’s event is organised by Institute Technology of Bandung (ITB) and the Global Resilience Centre at the University of Huddersfield (UK) in association with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR). MREPC will be using this platform to increase awareness on Made-in-Malaysia engineering rubber products among the engineering experts from Indonesia and other countries attending this international conference. Come and visit MREPC Umbrella-concept booth at Booth# S2 and S3 to find out more information about High-Damping Natural Rubber Bearings and other quality engineered rubber products from Malaysia!