Thursday 03/07/2025

^{Left Photo: (From Left to Right) Henri Tan, Exhibition Director, Comexposium APAC; YB Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy, Sabah Assistant Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship; YB Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Deputy Minister of Plantation & Commodities; Elaine Chia, APAC CEO Comexposium; and Nathalie Perraudin, Director of International Projects, Salon International de l'alimentation (SIAL) Network.
Right Photo: Presentation of SIAL Innovation Award Kuala Lumpur 2025 to 3 winners and 8 finalists by Henri Tan, Exhibition Director, Comexposium APAC (Left 6), YB Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Deputy Minister of Plantation & Commodities (Left 7) and Jean-Gabriel Mollard, Communication Director (Right 3)}


Bigger, Bolder, and More Future-Focused — Malaysia Cements Its Role as Southeast Asia’s Food Innovation Hub
 
KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 (Bernama) -- Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL 2025 (FDM 2025) reaffirmed its role as SEA’s premier platform for food innovation, strategic partnerships, and future-ready solutions. Organised by Comexposium as part of the globally recognised SIAL (Salon International de l'Alimentation) Network, this year’s edition brought together 18,000+ trade visitors, 500 exhibitors from 60 countries, and 20+ country pavilions across ASEAN, Europe, and North America.
 
Held across three days at MITEC Kuala Lumpur, FDM 2025 brought together influential decision-makers and stakeholders to shape the future of food. Officiated by YB Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Deputy Minister of Plantation & Commodities, the event underscored Malaysia’s public-private commitment to advancing its role in the global food supply chain and agri-food tech sector. He was joined by YB Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy, Sabah’s Assistant Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship.
 
“FDM by SIAL is more than a trade exhibition; it’s a catalyst for progress, empowering businesses to scale, enabling ideas to cross borders, and accelerating innovation across the entire food value chain,” said Henri Tan, Exhibition Director, SEA, Comexposium APAC.

“We are thrilled to introduce Malaysia’s inaugural Chocolate Show, curated in partnership with Salon du Chocolat. Malaysia has a rich heritage of cocoa plantations and a growing domestic market with sophisticated consumers eager for innovative chocolate products. This show celebrates artisanal craftsmanship and cocoa innovation, offering a platform to showcase local talent and connect with global trends.”
 
“This celebration of Malaysia’s rich cocoa heritage is just one example of how FDM 2025 highlights the country’s growing influence in food innovation, a momentum further underscored by the impressive participation in the SIAL Innovation Awards,” he added.
 
Backed by a strong export economy, Malaysia’s cocoa sector recorded RM15 billion in export value in 2024, with chocolate products contributing 12.7% of total export earnings, making it a key commodity for national growth and innovation.^[1]
 
Held at FDM 2025, the SIAL Innovation Awards debut in Malaysia with 144 homegrown and international submissions and global recognition.
 
Eleven finalists were shortlisted by a panel of local and international jurors, with three winners announced.

The SIAL Innovation Award Winners for 2025 are:

• Gold Award – Symphony Spread Black Sesame Cream
Manufacturer: Symphony Confection Sdn Bhd
Country: Malaysia
 
• Silver Award - MusaWa Puffs
Manufacturer: Musarium Co. Ltd
Country: Thailand
 
• Bronze Award - Barley Fresh Noodle
Manufacturer: Kosmode Health Singapore Pte Ltd
Country: Singapore

Jury Reflections on Malaysia’s First SIAL Innovation Awards
“What impressed me most were the products that were not only bold and original but also commercially viable and ready to scale. The top entries clearly understood their consumers, as they offer purposely innovation that fits real market needs. This marks a meaningful shift for Malaysia, from manufacturing to truly leading in food innovation,” said Low Ngai Yuen, Group Chief Merchandise & Marketing Officer, AEON Co Malaysia Berhad.
 
“The level of innovation was incredibly promising. These homegrown creators are proving that Malaysia is more than ready to compete on the world stage, with products that blend functionality, heritage, and forward-thinking purpose. It is a strong reflection of how far our local food innovation ecosystem has come and where it is heading next,” commented Melissa Ong, Group Chief Officer of Impact Circle.

The jury deliberation took place live, comprising 11 jury members in total. In addition to Mr. Henri Tan and Mr. Nicolas Trentesaux, the Malaysian jury members included:

• Professor Dr. Muhammad Shahrim Abdul Karim, Department of Food Service Management, UPM;
• Timothy Liew, Chairman, Retail & Food and Beverage, SAMENTA; and
• Mark Law, Vice President, Malaysia Business Group.
 
Judges from Paris, France included:

• Xavier Terlet and Emeline Fordos, Innovation Experts from ProtéinesXTC ; and
• From SIAL Network, Jean-Gabriel Mollard, Communication Director, and Nathalie Perraudin, Director of International Projects.
 
Industry-Focused Engagements: Where Ideas Took Centre Stage

FDM 2025 delivered an expansive programme of high-impact forums, competitions, and networking activities tailored for today’s fast-evolving F&B industry:
 
• Malaysia’s First-Ever Chocolate Show – Curated in partnership with Salon du Chocolat; featuring sample treats at the Chocolate & Coffee Gourmet Bar by Sunway University.
• 2^nd FDM Halal Forum – A deep dive into halal certification, export strategies, branding, and tech innovation within the halal economy.
• Future Food & Agriculture by Impact Circle – Highlighting sustainability with panels and showcases on agri-tech, climate-smart farming, and food security challenges shaping the region’s next decade.
• 4th Global Culinary Challenge Malaysia (GCCM) – Judged by international experts, over 600 chefs from 31 countries competed across categories including Palm Oil Innovation, Barista, Cocoa and Cake.
• The Spark by Impact Circle @ FDM 2025 – A dynamic pitching and awards platform spotlighting bold ideas and breakthrough solutions shaping the future of food and agriculture.
• Thai SELECT Awards – Honouring Thai F&B excellence in Malaysia.
• Hosted Buyer Programme and Exclusive BizMatch Portal: FDM 2024 connected 160 top importers and buyers, generating over USD 164 million in potential business. The programme returns this year with enhanced matching capabilities, offering focused, one-on-one engagements that turn conversations into commercial success.
• Featuring exhibitors from Canada, China, India, Malaysia, Poland, South Korea, Thailand, Türkiye, USA, and more.
 
The third edition of FDM 2025 is proudly supported by strategic partners and sponsors including the MyCEB, Malaysia Airlines, and ERL. As a key partner, MyCEB’s support reflects its commitment to positioning Malaysia as a premier destination for high-impact business events and industry growth.
 
FDM 2026 is set for 30 June 2026 to 2 July 2026, at MITEC Kuala Lumpur. Those who are keen to learn more can email marketing@fooddrinksmalaysia.com, or visit www.fooddrinksmalaysia.com.