KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) officially launched the highly anticipated Malaysian Wood Expo (MWE) 2025 at The GlassHouse at Seputeh, here, today.

The launch event was graced by the Honourable Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Chan Foong Hin, who officiated the ceremony on behalf of the Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani.

MWE, a premier international trade fair dedicated to the wood and woodworking machinery sector, is one of MTC's flagship programmes. The 2025 edition will mark the third edition of the Expo, following the success of its debut in 2019 and the equally well-received return in 2023.

With each iteration, MWE has grown in stature, attracting world-renowned machinery manufacturers and a distinguished lineup of international buyers and industry professionals. Previous editions of the event had generated an impressive RM320 million in sales revenue, underscoring the Expo's significant role in driving growth and business prospects within the timber sector.

The 2025 edition promises to build on this success and further elevate the timber trade, offering local and international businesses a platform for enhanced collaboration and market expansion.

Also present at the launch ceremony were the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities Dato' Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof; MTC Chairman Tuan Haji Zainal Abidin Abdullah, MTC's Board of Trustees, and MTC CEO Madam Noraihan Abdul Rahman.

"The two previous editions of MWE generated an astounding RM320.78 million in sales revenue, reaffirming the Expo's vital role as a key business platform in Southeast Asia," said Tuan Haji Zainal Abidin Abdullah.

The MWE 2025 is scheduled to take place from 10 to 12 November 2025 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur, marking another milestone for the region's timber industry.

One of the standout features of MWE is MTC's renowned business matching sessions, which offer unparalleled opportunities for industry players to forge meaningful, productive connections.

"MTC will continue to host the Incoming Buying Mission (IBM) to connect trade buyers from across the globe with the local timber industry players, fostering valuable global trade partnerships," said Madam Noraihan Abdul Rahman.

Additionally, MTC will facilitate high-impact meetings through its Inbound Overseas Suppliers (IOS) programme, connecting foreign timber suppliers with potential Malaysian buyers. The success of both the IBM and IOS programmes in previous editions has far exceeded expectations.

"MTC looks forward to building on that momentum and delivering an even more successful MWE 2025," Madam Noraihan added.