Malaysia Brand Day 2026: Kicking Off the New Year in Our Home Base

What better way to start 2026 than with Malaysia’s first-ever national exhibition dedicated to homegrown brands—right here in our home base?

Malaysia Brand Day 2026 runs January 8-10 at KLCC, featuring 300+ exhibitors across 16 industry sectors. The Prime Minister opens it. Ten government ministries back it. Admission is free. And we’ll be there.

Since launching Brandmine from Malaysia one year ago, we’ve discovered that this country is full of hidden gems—founder-led brands with remarkable stories that rarely reach international audiences. This event brings many of them together in one place.

The Brands We’re Watching

The exhibitor list reads like a showcase of Malaysian entrepreneurship. A few that caught our attention:

A Cut Above — Datin Dr. Winnie Loo built a 428-square-foot salon in 1979 into a 19-location empire with 300+ staff. She’s also the BAM President organizing this event—and the first woman to hold that role.

Ghee Hiang — The 169-year-old Penang institution famous for tau sar pneah (mung bean pastry) and sesame oil. Founded in 1856, now in its seventh generation. When the press mentioned “a 170-year-old Penang brand” would be speaking, we knew exactly which one.

ZUS Coffee — Malaysia’s fastest-growing coffee chain launched a 200-square-foot kiosk four months before COVID-19 hit. Today: 630+ outlets across Southeast Asia and IPO discussions.

BloomThis — Husband-wife founders Giden Lim and Penny Choo transformed online floristry, pivoting through COVID by adding cakes and desserts when revenue hit zero—then grew 160%.

Applecrumby — Parents Sean and Jesmine Tan couldn’t find safe baby products for their daughter, so they created their own. Now in 11 countries with Forbes Asia 100 to Watch recognition.

Why This Matters

BAM President Winnie Loo put it directly: “Malaysians often feel products from overseas are better. We want to flip that narrative.”

That narrative gap is precisely what Brandmine exists to address. The event programming aligns perfectly with our focus: founder talks, business matching sessions, and MATRADE bringing 20 premium buyers from ASEAN and China.

What’s Coming

In the days before the event, we’ll publish profiles on several of these brands and founders—documenting the transformation arcs and crisis moments that shaped their businesses.

We’re also searching for equivalent events in Russia, India, Brazil, and other Global South markets. If governments and industry associations are building formal platforms to elevate homegrown brands, we want to be present.

Know of similar brand exhibitions in your market? We’d welcome the tip.

Malaysia Brand Day 2026 runs January 8-10, 2026 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Free admission. Details at malaysiabrandday.com.