Franchise International Malaysia 2008 (FIM2008), a premium franchising expo which is awaited by the local and international players, will once again come back to meet you this August. Having held for the 15th consecutive year, this event will guarantee you with a better quality and more diversified products and participation, particularly the influx of the international participants. Being entrusted as the host country for the World Franchise Council (WFC) and Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation (APFC) meetings which will be held concurrently with the FIM2008, we will witness the presence of the heads of 38 franchise associations under the umbrella of WFC and 17 from the APFC together with their trade delegations to congregate here for business networking. As such, MFA believe that FIM2008 will be a terrific platform to encourage more foreign investors in the country to boost the local franchise industry and make it more competitive globally. Malaysia has a unique and diversified composition of socio-economy background. The multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious community, plus with the stable politics and resilient economy have made us a popular destination for international franchisors. The market penetration is very high because the products are acceptable everywhere nationwide. Presently, there are 113 or one third of the total 336 registered franchise systems are foreign brands and this indicates that local market share is still open wide for international brands. Thus, FIM must be deemed to be an excellent gateway for them to embark into Malaysia, and vice versa, for homegrown franchises to expand overseas.

The Malaysian government must be credited with its positive approach to develop the franchise industry in Malaysia. Foreign counterparts are confident with the prospect of the industry in Malaysia particularly the infrastructure and government’s franchise friendly policy which has set a role model for them. By having FIM annually, the government means to transform Malaysia as a regional hub for franchise products.

Jointly organised by the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development of Malaysia (MECD) and Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) and to be held on the 1st to 3rd August at the Putra World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, FIM2008 is aimed at upholding franchising industry in Malaysia and also to cultivate more entrepreneurs via franchising as we realise that franchising is a way to contribute to the national coffers, as which has already been testified in countries like the U.S. and Australia.

This internationally-acclaimed event is a melting pot that assembles key players from all over the world including eminent speakers who will address pressing issues related to the franchise industry, sharing ideas and experiences. The show embraces exhibition, international conference, national seminar and workshops. There are also special programmes for international delegates such as meeting with the government authority to get the latest franchise scene in Malaysia, shopping complex visit, reception dinner and city tour. On top of that, the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Malaysia Intellectual Property Organisation (MyIPO) and MFA will also jointly organise a seminar on the IP in franchising here.

The exhibition is an all-in-one franchise solution centre that you can find franchisors, master franchisees, consultants, legal firms, government agencies, financial bodies, property developers as well as media partners gathering under one roof providing the best one-stop service to those intending to jump into the bandwagon of franchising. It will prove to you that FIM is the best avenue to develop successful businesses because it offers ready-made solutions. FIM2008 is expected to attract some 10,000 expo visitors to a showcase of the franchise related businesses covering 120 booths and more than 1,450 sq ft of exhibition space. So far, 70 per cent booths have been reserved from countries like the U.S., Australia, Italy, Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, UAE and Taiwan. We are looking forward that the international participation will increase from the last year's 35 per cent. MFA hopes that FIM2008 this year will be the largest ever in its 15-year history. The numbers speak for themselves: more than 15 countries, 30 prominent speakers, 500 delegates, 10,000 quality visitors, RM250 million business transactions and 1,450 sq ft of exhibition space.