KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Wood Expo (MWE) 2025, the nation’s premier international timber and woodworking trade exhibition, officially opened its doors today at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur.
Organised by the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC), the three-day trade event brings together a dynamic mix of international and local exhibitors, buyers, and industry leaders under one roof, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a key player in the global and sustainable timber trade.
The opening ceremony was officiated by the Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who commended MTC for successfully uniting the global timber fraternity to foster collaboration and strengthen Malaysia’s trade networks. “Malaysia’s timber industry remains a key economic pillar under the National Agri-commodity Policy 2021–2030 (DAKN 2030),” said the Minister.
In 2024, Malaysia’s timber exports reached USD5.01 billion (RM22.92 billion), reflecting a 5 percent year-on-year growth, while exports from January to August 2025 recorded USD3.45 billion (RM14.49 billion) with a trade surplus of RM8.60 billion. These figures demonstrate the continued global confidence in Malaysia’s timber products and the industry’s resilience amid a changing market landscape.
Johari also highlighted Malaysia’s longstanding commitment to sustainable forestry. “Today, 54.6 percent of the nation’s land area remains under forest cover, further showcasing our commitment made at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. As of today, 5.85 million hectares of forests have been certified under the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS), placing Malaysia among the top ten countries globally with the largest area of sustainably managed forests,” he added.
MTC Chief Executive Officer, Noraihan Abdul Rahman, delivered the welcoming remarks on behalf of MTC Chairman, Datu Zainal Abidin Abdullah, and shared that MWE has evolved from a regional exhibition into one of the most dynamic trade platforms in the region since its debut in 2019. Quoting the Chairman, Noraihan said, “MWE is not just a marketplace but a platform for solutions and collaboration — where commerce, creativity, and sustainability converge to shape the future of the global timber industry.”
This year’s edition of MWE 2025 features 127 exhibitors from 19 countries, including China, Germany, Austria, Uruguay, and Thailand. The Expo also plays host to the Incoming Buying Mission (IBM), jointly organised by MTC and MATRADE, which brings in 84 sponsored buyers from 28 countries, and the Inbound Overseas Suppliers Programme (IOSP), connecting Malaysian manufacturers with 18 leading raw material suppliers from ten countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Canada, the United States, and Chile.
MWE 2025 also features a high-level Timber Conference, gathering global experts and industry leaders to share insights on market developments, innovation, and sustainable design trends. The Expo further showcases two architectural highlights — the award-winning “Timber Flow: The Folded Crest” and The Nest Pavilion — serving as visual centrepieces that embody Malaysia’s creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural storytelling through sustainable materials.
Supported by the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK), Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), and Tourism Malaysia, MWE 2025 is endorsed by 15 local and international organisations and backed by three corporate sponsors. The event is expected to attract over 3,000 trade visitors, cementing its standing as one of the most influential timber trade events in the region. (Bernama)
