KUALA LUMPUR, 8 SEPTEMBER 2026 — The Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA), together with the Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) as co-host, today officially opened the 12th International Rubber Glove Conference & Exhibition 2026 (IRGCE 2026) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
Themed “Synergising Innovation: Redefining the Future of the Rubber Glove Ecosystem,” IRGCE 2026 marks a significant milestone as the largest edition since the event was first held in 2002, with 605 booths and 215 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions.
The Opening Ceremony was officiated by YBhg Dato’ Sri Mohamad Suparadi Bin Md Noor, Chairman, Board of Trustees Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) who also delivered the speech of Minister of Plantation and Commodities, YB Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad, which stated the importance to have Malaysian-made glove backed by proper manufacturing, regulatory compliance, traceability and recognised industry standards for the international market place.
In the Minister’s speech, it was stated that Malaysia-Made Glove initiative undertaken by MARGMA, together with the Malaysian Rubber Board and the Malaysian Rubber Council are important in strengthening the identity of Malaysian gloves and reinforcing confidence in their quality, reliability and origin.
MARGMA President Mr Oon Kim Hung said IRGCE continues to play an important role in bringing together the global rubber glove industry at a time when companies are adapting to a more competitive and rapidly evolving business environment.
“Our future cannot depend only on scale. It must depend on how well we operate, how quickly we adapt, how effectively we innovate and how much value we can create.”
Mr Oon said the industry’s next phase of development must be driven by stronger productivity, innovation and technology adoption, particularly as automation, artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing and advanced materials reshape the way gloves are produced.
He added that innovation must go beyond technology and include closer collaboration between manufacturers, suppliers, researchers and universities, greater commercialisation of research and continued investment in talent.
Mr Oon also stressed the importance of strengthening confidence in Malaysian-made gloves as global customers increasingly look beyond price and product specifications.
“Customers around the world increasingly want assurance not only on quality, but also on reliability, compliance, traceability and responsible manufacturing. Protecting the reputation and credibility of Malaysian-made gloves remains an important priority for MARGMA.”
MARGMA continues to work closely with the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB), MRC and relevant Government stakeholders to strengthen the identity and credibility of Malaysian-made gloves and safeguard Malaysia’s reputation as a reliable and responsible global supplier.
MALAYSIAN RUBBER GLOVE INDUSTRY OUTLOOK
The Malaysian rubber glove sector continues to demonstrate resilience as market conditions normalise following a prolonged period of global oversupply.
For the first half of 2026, rubber gloves accounted for approximately 66% of Malaysia’s total rubber product exports, contributing more than RM7 billion in export value.
MARGMA believes rubber gloves will continue to be Malaysia’s principal export among rubber-based products, supported by the recovery in global demand and the industry’s continued focus on productivity, technology and higher-value manufacturing.
At the same time, manufacturers continue to navigate challenges arising from raw material cost pressures, geopolitical uncertainty, supply-chain disruptions and increasingly stringent sustainability and traceability requirements in international markets.
According to an earlier forecast by the Malaysian Rubber Council, global glove demand is projected at approximately 405 billion pieces in 2026, compared with about 290 billion pieces in 2019, reflecting the continued importance of gloves across healthcare, industrial and other applications.
IRGCE 2026 – CONNECTING THE GLOBAL GLOVE ECOSYSTEM
IRGCE 2026 combines a comprehensive Conference and Exhibition, providing participants with opportunities to exchange knowledge, explore new technologies and solutions, understand market developments and establish new business relationships.
The Exhibition spans Halls 1 to 5 at KLCC, while the Conference brings together industry leaders, technical experts, researchers and policymakers to address key developments shaping the future of the sector.
A new feature of this year’s event is INNOVATE@IRGCE Talk, a dedicated platform highlighting developments in next-generation materials, smart manufacturing and sustainable production.
The Conference programme also addresses key issues including market access, advanced materials, automation, artificial intelligence, sustainability, talent development and the future requirements of the global rubber glove industry.
MARGMA said the event reflects the industry’s continued efforts to strengthen competitiveness, embrace innovation and build a more resilient and sustainable global glove ecosystem.
IRGCE 2026 is supported by the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, the Malaysian Rubber Board, MATRADE, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), supporting industry associations, sponsors and other partners.
Press Release juga sudah tayang di VRITIMES