KUALA LUMPUR – Automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable production are taking centre stage at IPMEX Malaysia 2026 as the printing and packaging industry moves towards smarter and greener operations.
The 16th International Printing, Paper and Packaging Machinery Exhibition, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), brings together 214 local and international exhibitors across the printing, packaging, labelling, signage and textile-printing industries.
MCA president and Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, who officially opened the exhibition, said Malaysia’s printing, packaging, signage and textile industries remained important contributors to the country’s commercial and export ecosystem.
He said small and medium enterprises (SMEs) must be supported in adopting new technologies, particularly automation, AI-based inspection systems, energy-efficient equipment and sustainable materials.
Efforts to upskill workers, he added, must also continue as businesses adapt to technological changes and growing demands for more efficient and environmentally responsible production.
“Platforms such as IPMEX and Sign Malaysia connect local businesses with global technology and partnerships, helping them raise productivity, meet international standards and strengthen Malaysia’s competitiveness in regional supply chains,” he said.
Organised by Kaizer Exhibitions & Conferences Sdn Bhd, the four-day exhibition runs from Aug 12 to 15 under the theme “Print Package Possibility”.
This year’s event occupies 12,530 square metres of exhibition space and features 124 Malaysian companies and 90 international exhibitors from countries including China, Italy, South Korea, Singapore and the United States.
Kaizer Exhibitions & Conferences managing director Belle Yam said IPMEX Malaysia 2026 was designed to go beyond the traditional concept of a machinery exhibition.
She said the event brings commercial printing, smart packaging, label production and visual signage under one sourcing platform, giving businesses access to technologies that can improve productivity while reducing waste.
The exhibition showcases high-speed digital and variable-data printing, smart label production, flexible and corrugated packaging, pre-press and post-press systems, UV-LED printing, direct-to-garment and direct-to-film solutions, as well as automated visual inspection.
Sustainable inks and materials, interactive displays and digital workflow solutions are also among the technologies being highlighted.
Among the participating technology brands are Epson, HP, Mimaki, Konica Minolta, Ricoh, Kodak, Mutoh and Pulisi, alongside Malaysian manufacturer STH Wire.
IPMEX Malaysia 2026 is also being held alongside the Sign Malaysia Exhibition, themed “LED Light Up the City”, with dedicated zones for label and flexible packaging as well as textile printing.
Organisers expect 13,389 trade visitors throughout the four-day event, which also features business-matching sessions, live demonstrations and networking programmes aimed at connecting Malaysian companies with potential regional and international buyers and distribution partners.
IPMEX Malaysia 2026 continues at MITEC until Aug 15. -MalayaDailyToday
