KUALA LUMPUR, 1 OCTOBER 2026 – The 12th International Rubber Glove Conference & Exhibition drew nearly 9,000 visitors from 75 countries, with post-event feedback indicating more than US$1.48 billion in potential business sales over the next six months.
The 12th International Rubber Glove Conference & Exhibition 2026 (IRGCE 2026) concluded at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), recording strong international participation and encouraging business prospects for Malaysia’s rubber glove industry.
Held from 8 to 10 September 2026, the event was organised by the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA), together with co-host the Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC).
IRGCE 2026 attracted nearly 9,000 visitors from 75 countries, with 215 exhibitors from 17 countries occupying 605 exhibition booths. The conference also drew approximately 600 delegates from 22 countries.
Post-event feedback indicated potential business sales of more than US$1.48 billion, equivalent to over RM6 billion, over the following six months. MARGMA said the figure reflected the commercial opportunities and business connections generated through the event.
Innovation and Technology at the Centre
MARGMA President Mr Oon Kim Hung said the strong participation reaffirmed IRGCE’s role as an important global platform for the rubber glove industry.
“IRGCE is more than an exhibition and conference. It is where the industry comes together to exchange ideas, understand market developments, explore new technologies and create new business opportunities and partnerships.”
Held under the theme “Synergising Innovation: Redefining the Future of the Rubber Glove Ecosystem,” IRGCE 2026 brought together manufacturers, buyers, suppliers, technology providers, researchers, regulators and other stakeholders from across the global rubber glove ecosystem.
The conference addressed developments shaping the future of the industry, including global trade and market access, automation, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, sustainability, regulatory requirements and talent development.
The exhibition, meanwhile, provided participants with opportunities to explore new technologies and solutions, reconnect with business partners and establish new commercial relationships.
Global Experts Share Industry Insights
IRGCE 2026 also featured international and Malaysian experts from academia, research and industry.
Speakers included Dr Robert G. Hamilton of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Dr Zhaomin Hou of RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Prof Dato’ Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman of Monash University Malaysia, Prof Alex Routh of the University of Cambridge and Prof Dr Yeah Kim Leng of the Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia.
Oon said the continued competitiveness of the rubber glove industry would increasingly depend on its ability to innovate, improve productivity and create greater value.
“Our future cannot depend only on scale. It must depend on how well we operate, how quickly we adapt, how effectively we innovate and how much value we can create.”
Malaysia’s Rubber Glove Exports Surpass RM7 Billion
The event comes as Malaysia’s rubber glove industry continues to contribute significantly to the country’s rubber exports.
In the first half of 2026, rubber gloves generated more than RM7 billion in export revenue, accounting for approximately 66% of Malaysia’s total rubber product exports.
The Malaysian Rubber Council has also projected global glove consumption to reach approximately 405 billion pieces in 2026, compared with around 290 billion pieces in 2019.
The projected growth reflects continued demand for rubber gloves across healthcare, industrial, cleanroom and other applications.
MARGMA said the outlook reinforces the importance of continued investment in innovation, technology, productivity and higher-value manufacturing to strengthen Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global market.
IRGCE to Return to Kuala Lumpur in 2028
MARGMA expressed its appreciation to the Malaysian Rubber Council as co-host, along with supporting ministries and agencies, sponsors, supporting organisations, exhibitors, speakers, delegates and industry partners for their contribution to IRGCE 2026.
Following the conclusion of this year’s event, MARGMA announced that the 13th International Rubber Glove Conference & Exhibition will return to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from 5 to 7 September 2028.
“We look forward to building on the momentum of IRGCE 2026 and welcoming the global rubber glove community back to Kuala Lumpur in 2028,” Oon said.
