Kuala lumpur: The Franchise International Malaysia (FIM) Exhibition, scheduled to take place from May 21 to 23 next year, is expected to attract more participation from franchise companies from home and abroad, thus further enhancing the competitiveness of local entrepreneurs. Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) chairman Datuk Dr Radzali Hassan said the 33rd FIM, featuring over 150 franchise brands from around the world, was more than just an exhibition as it serves as a gateway to new business opportunities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, for FIM 2026, the target is around 30,000 visitors. Based on previous editions, there is usually an increase of 10 per cent or more from the set target. This was shared by Radzali during a press conference after officiating the launch of FIM. Earlier, in his opening address, Radzali stated that FIM 2025 recorded RM500 million in sales and attracted 25,000 visitors, showcasing the potential and appeal of the franchise sector despite the current economic climate.

Radzali added that participation in FIM 2026 would expand to include local and international franchise companies, covering the entire franchise industry ecosystem. This initiative aims to add value and enhance the impact and effectiveness of FIM. The exhibition will take place at Halls 1 and 2 of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), offering more than 250 exhibition spaces.

The FIM 2026 exhibition will serve as a platform to showcase products and services to attract investors and potential franchisees. It also offers a range of business matching activities and segmentation sessions, providing visitors with a more comprehensive experience. FIM is the only franchise exhibition in Malaysia to receive full recognition from the World Franchise Council (WFC) and the Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation (APFC), underscoring its position as the leading platform for industry players to showcase their offerings both locally and abroad.