MIRF 2019 PROJECTS A 10% INCREMENT IN REVENUE GROWTH TARGETING RM 90 MILLION THROUGH THE FOCUS OF FRANCHISING

KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) has officially announced the 4^th Edition of the Malaysia International Retail & Franchise (MIRF) exhibition with the addition of a new zone titled “Hatchery” during the press conference held in Menara MATRADE, Kuala Lumpur. The addition of the Hatchery is an incubator trade program initiative for startups by MRCA. The press conference was graced by Datin Rusiah Mohamed, Director – Exports Promotion & Market Access Division of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).

The exhibition will be held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from 18^th to 20^th July 2019 and boasts to gather 18,000 visitors from 10 countries around the world with targeted revenue of RM 90 Million. Themed ‘Franchise Forward’, the exhibition will emphasize on the role of MIRF as a platform for franchisee to explore the franchise venture industry while businesses are able to showcase their established brand name. The exhibition will attract more than 200 exhibitors nearing 400 booths and kiosks for local and including 50 booths for foreign exhibitors namely from Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Singapore and more. The MRCA Retail Conference will be held on 19^th July 2019 at the KLCC Ballroom. In collaboration with the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH), there will be a Food Gift Mini Expo to introduce to the market of the new concept of food gifting.

Datin Rusiah Mohamed, Director – Exports Promotion & Market Access Division of MATRADE, said, “MATRADE is proud to be a collaborative industry supporter of MIRF 2019. The retail and franchise industry are an important part of our nation’s economy and this exhibition is a positive move to spur growth. This is an excellent avenue for the retail and franchise industry to develop effective strategies to operate in an increasingly dynamic and challenging environment.”

The 4^th edition of the exhibition will be centered around franchise brands which focuses on the two-way relationship between franchisors and franchisee. Franchisees are able to view the benefits of a ready-made business operation that includes the products, services and even well-established brand recognition. Meanwhile, the franchisors also do benefit from this mutual relationship such as speed of growth, increasing brand equity, customer loyalty and international expansion.

The Hatchery zone, introduced for the first time, is an incubator program by MRCA to assist in the establishment and development of new retail businesses. The dedicated zone serves as a multi-purpose platform for the retail industry. Firstly, it provides an avenue for startups to exhibit their products and services to the market and public. Secondly, it presents an opportunity for the retail industry to grow and develop further to meet the ever-changing consumers’ needs by presenting innovative ideas, services and products. Lastly, the incubator program is an initiative of MRCA to drive the industry by ensuring a fair marketplace for startups to cultivate.

“We believe that MIRF is a great place for innovation, economy stimulation, growth, development and exposure for the businesses involved in the retail and franchise industry. We aim to continuously provide the latest, best and the highest quality of products and services to the consumers. The convergence of many great brands and enthusiastic startups in one place is fantastic for networking, collaboration, partnerships and, most importantly, exposure. We have an increased in exhibitors and booths this year and we hope to continue this growth to become the leading exhibition for the retail industry in Southeast Asia,” said Organizing Chairman, Mr. Raymond Woo.

Dato’ Liew Bin, MIRF Advisor, mentioned, “I am proud to see the transformation in size of MIRF over the years and recognized as one of the most vibrant, innovative and prestigious retail trade show in the South East Asian region.”

The exhibition also aims to provide a platform as a catalyst for local and international exhibitors to interact and explore business matching opportunities locally and globally. In line with MRCA’s goal, the exhibition directed to maneuver cross-border retail expansion as well as a primary hub in Southeast Asia to seek retailers and franchisers prospects.

MRCA President Datuk Seri Garry Chua said, “I believe as MRCA, we have an obligation towards the industry, community and the public to organize MIRF to create exposure and opportunities for collaborations, partnerships and networking. I also believe that it is our responsibility to govern and ensure that all parties in the retail and franchise industry have a fair chance in the marketplace, therefore, we have initiated our incubator program called Hatchery zone. This will enable startups to have a chance to showcase to their peers and the public their innovative products and services. We hope with this initiative, we are able to assist them to solidify their brand foundation. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our partners, sponsors, the retail industry, the public and the media for their support over the years.”

MIRF 2019 is endorsed by Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). MRCA 2019 corporate patrons are Maxis, Fusionex International, Quill Automobiles and RHB Bank. MIRF 2019 is supported by Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), PIKOM, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), Department of Trade and Industry Philippines (dti) and Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS).

About Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA)
Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA), founded in 1992, is an association for chain store retailers and franchisors determined to enhance the retail and franchise environment in Malaysia and abroad. Today, the MRCA has grown to become an influential entity comprising of more than 400 leading retail chain stores and franchisors, including established brands such as Poh Kong, Secret Recipe, Focus Point, Rotol Food Chain, Subway, Senheng, 7-Eleven, OSIM, Bonia, Naza Motor, Mydin, Bently Music and many more. For more information on MIRF, please contact Kelly Ng at 03 – 5882 4333 or kelly@mrca.org,my 

Source: Global Creative Media Agency (GCMA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Kelly Ng
Assistant Manager
Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA)
Tel: 03 5882 4333 / 016 595 5561
Email: kelly@mrca.org.my

Name: Idan Ma’at
PR & Corporate Communications
Global Creative Media Agency (GCMA)
Tel: 03 7733 4262 / 011 1101 0062
Email: idan.maat@gcma.tv

--BERNAMA