Zahid: Malaysia can be regional franchise powerhouse

Published on 21 May 2026 5:19:11 PM

Malaysia has the potential to emerge as a leading franchise powerhouse in the region, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

In his speech read out by Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali at the opening ceremony of the 33rd International Franchise Exhibition and Seminar (Franchise International Malaysia 2026) on Thursday (May 21), Ahmad Zahid said the sector contributed more than RM36bil to the economy in 2022 and has expanded beyond food and beverage into areas such as education, healthcare, logistics and technology.

The government is targeting RM100bil in franchise sales by 2030 through international expansion, innovation and digital adoption, while also emphasising the role of TVET in developing industry-ready talent.

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Keywords
news, thestartv, the star, deputy prime minister, dr ahmad zahid hamidi, franchise industry, economy, government, innovation, digital adoption, tvet, talent, domestic trade and cost of living minister, armizan mohd ali

Keywords:
news, thestartv, the star, deputy prime minister, dr ahmad zahid hamidi, franchise industry, economy, government, innovation, digital adoption, tvet, talent, domestic trade and cost of living minister, armizan mohd ali