Darell Leiking, Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry, promoted the event at the theme of “Fashion and Technology Shaping the Future” organized by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). The establishment of the Malaysian Fashion, Textile and Apparel Alliance (FMFTA). The ceremony attracted more than 200 industry experts, designers and association representatives, and included lectures and displays on related fashion technologies.
In 2018, the Malaysian Ministry of Trade and Industry proposed the idea of organizing all public associations in the Malaysian textile and garment industry. FMFTA will represent the integration of Malaysia’s textile and garment industry. FMFTA will play a vital role in building a stronger integrated ecosystem and invite the participation of multiple stakeholders. Talent, skills and innovation will be the focus of the alliance’s development.
During the event, Minister Dallejing also released the “Malaysian Fashion, Textile and Apparel Designer’s Handbook” produced by the Investment Development Authority and its partners. The manual, composed of more than 400 designers in Malaysia, will become a useful reference for stakeholders seeking information and opportunities, while also promoting products and services to domestic and foreign companies.
On the other hand, MIDA CEO Azman Mahmud said that the Malaysian fashion retail industry is full of vitality and is in line with the changing trends and consumers’ changing needs. As of December 2018, the upstream and downstream sectors of the industry have successfully implemented 1,195 textile and garment investment plans in the country, with a total investment of MYR 12.6 billion (approximately US$3.043 billion) and the creation of 155,000 job opportunities.
In the first half of 2019, MIDA approved 5 textile and garment investment plans with an investment amount of MYR 94.4 million. Looking forward to the future, the industry still has ample room for growth.
