The 25th Malaysian International Building Exposition (MALBEX 2008 ), Malaysia’s longest running and most dedicated trade show took place from 26th – 29th August 2008 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia.

MALBEX 2008 received enormous support and positive response throughout the 4-days show showcasing some of the leading international players such as Aquafin International GmbH, Arkan Building Materials Company, Hilti (M) Sdn Bhd, ITW Asia Pte Ltd, Malaysia Timber Industry Board, RBM Building Machinery Trading Sdn Bhd, SKB Shutters Corporation Berhad, Saujana Stone Sdn Bhd, Tenax SPA, Uptop Access Sdn Bhd, Zacklim Floor Specialist Sdn Bhd with their diverse range of building products and services as well as latest technology. MALBEX 2008 proves to be global-oriented when it represented the largest international pavilions from Taiwan and China with individual participations from Australia, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, UAE, United Kingdom, USA and Vietnam. International delegates from Vietnam, Pakistan and Syria from renowned building and construction companies were amongst who attended the event.

Following were some of the highlights this year at the show floor:-

From left: Official opening ceremony of MALBEX 2008; VIP Tour at Arkan Building Materials booth; An overview of the show floor during MALBEX 2008.

MALBEX 2008 Opening Ceremony was graced by the Guest of Honor, YB Dato’ Yong Khoon Seng, Deputy Minister of Works and was attended by close to 450 invited guests and some 30 media representatives.

The Opening Ceremony marked the official opening of MALBEX 2008 and the International Construction Week (ICW 2008).

Every year, participating exhibitors anxiously competes for the Best Booth Award, which was one of the event highlights for MALBEX exhibition. Judging was done by 4 independent judges led by Chief Judge, Dr. Jerry Chong, Secretary-General of International Council of Interior Architects & Designers (ICIAD), whilst other distinguished judges included Mr, Steven Tai, President of Building Materials Distributors Association of Malaysia (BMDAM), Mr Issac Sunder, President of the Chartered Institute of Building Malaysia (CIOB) and Mr. Lai Heng Wah, Deputy Secretary General of Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM).

GeoCrete Specialist

Innovative Precast

Elegance Window

We are pleased to announce the 3 category winners were for Category A - Shell Scheme, Geo Crete Specialist Sdn Bhd, Category B - Raw Space, Innovative Precast Builders Sdn Bhd and Category C - Raw Space, Elegance Window Sdn Bhd.

In conjunction with MALBEX 2008, the International Construction Week (ICW 2008) through CIDB hosted a series of seminars and conferences throughout the 4-days show namely:-

• Malaysian Construction Sector Review 2007/2008
• Challenges of Global Mega Projects
• MATRADE Incoming Buying Mission
• 3rd Annual South East Asia Drymix Conference
• The Malaysia Concrete Week

This year, the 1-day Malaysian Construction Sector Review themed at "Strengthening Construction Capabilities for Global Competitiveness" organized by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) attracted some 500 participants from renowned organizations locally as well as overseas.

An aerial view of the Incoming Buyers Mission Program @ MALBEX 2008 Business matchmaking session in progress

MATRADE Incoming Buyers Mission received a good response @ MALBEX 2008 The 1-day business matching program brought together some 130 participating companies from 7 countries to explore business opportunities with local Malaysian companies. Actual volume of business generated through this "buyers meet sellers" session recorded RM3, 904, 000.00 with a potential RM31, 504, 000.00 expected to change hands in the next couple of months. With strong international participation from different regions, IBM proves to be an ideal platform for international buyers to meet and network with local suppliers and manufacturers for a positive and long term partnership to boost their potential procurement activities with latest products and services offerings which has yet to be available in Malaysia. MATRADE played host to the Incoming Buyers Mission (IBM) programme which was held alongside the International Construction Week (ICW) 2008 and MALBEX 2008, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

To All Our Lucky Draw Winners @ MALBEX 2008

With the continuous support from your end and the strong economic and positive outlook, look out for MALBEX 2009 which will be held from 20th - 23rd October 2009 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia.

For more information, kindly contact Ms. Joanne Tan at (603) 7660 3766 or email to joanne.tan@reedexpo.com.my