MALAYSIA is positioning itself as a stronger regional player in the apparel and textile industry, with the launch of the inaugural Apparel & Textile Exhibition Malaysia (ATEX Malaysia 2026) bringing together manufacturers, buyers and suppliers from across Asia.
Held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) from June 25 to 27, the exhibition comes as Malaysia’s textile and apparel sector continues to record steady growth amid shifting global supply chains.
According to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), the country’s apparel and clothing accessories industry recorded RM18.24 billion in total trade last year, up 8.3% from 2024. Exports reached RM6.88 billion, while shipments in the first five months of 2026 rose 27.8%, signalling stronger demand for Malaysian-made products.
Organised by Kaizer Exhibitions & Conferences Sdn Bhd, the event is endorsed by MATRADE and supported by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), alongside several industry associations from Malaysia and Bangladesh.
The exhibition was officially opened by MATRADE deputy chief executive officer (Export Acceleration) S. Jai Shankar, with Yang Amat Mulia Hajah Sharifah Khatreena Nuraniah Jamalullail, daughter of the Raja Muda of Perlis, among the distinguished guests. Also in attendance were Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury, government officials, ambassadors, industry representatives, exhibitors and buyers.
Spanning more than 4,200 sq m, ATEX Malaysia features 79 exhibitors from Malaysia, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia and Japan, showcasing products and technologies covering the entire apparel and textile supply chain.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Jai Shankar said that changing global trade patterns are creating fresh opportunities for Malaysia to strengthen its position as a sourcing and manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia. He said the local textile industry is evolving beyond traditional manufacturing by adopting automation, sustainable production methods and higher-value design capabilities, making it more attractive to international buyers and investors.
Kaizer Exhibitions & Conferences business development manager Andy Poh said the exhibition aims to serve as a regional sourcing platform that connects manufacturers, suppliers and buyers while encouraging new business partnerships across the industry.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh High Commissioner Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury said the exhibition offers an opportunity to deepen trade ties between Malaysia and Bangladesh, particularly in ready-made garments, knitwear and textile products. He said Bangladesh hopes to expand collaboration through business matching programmes, buyer missions and a proposed Bangladesh-Malaysia Textile Forum in Kuala Lumpur to strengthen supply chain cooperation between the two countries.
Throughout the three-day exhibition, visitors can take part in business matching sessions, networking events and industry forums, while exploring the latest developments in textile machinery, automation, sustainable manufacturing, fabrics, printing technologies, fashion accessories, home textiles and digital production solutions.
Organisers said the exhibition is intended to strengthen regional collaboration and create new business opportunities as Malaysia continues to expand its role in the regional apparel and textile ecosystem.
