Malaysia Returns to InnoTrans Berlin, Building on a Record-Breaking Global Debut
Malaysia will return to the world stage at InnoTrans 2026, carrying forward the momentum of a remarkable debut that generated RM277.7 million in sales and positioned the country as an emerging force in the global rail industry.
The 15th edition of the world’s leading transport technology exhibition will take place from 22 to 25 September 2026 at Messe Berlin. Malaysia’s participation reflects a clear ambition: to expand the international reach of its rail capabilities, build strategic partnerships and secure a stronger position within the global transport technology supply chain.
A Record-Breaking Debut in 2024
Malaysia made its first coordinated appearance at InnoTrans in 2024 through Astaka Malaysia, a national pavilion organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) in collaboration with the Malaysia Rail Industry Corporation (MARIC).
The results exceeded expectations.
Eight Malaysian companies and one rail industry organisation participated in the pavilion, recording RM277.7 million in potential sales and receiving 192 trade enquiries. MATRADE also facilitated 112 business meetings between the Malaysian delegation and international industry representatives.
The companies showcased Malaysia’s growing expertise across rolling-stock engineering and design, infrastructure development, precision manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul, as well as professional and consultancy services.
Malaysia’s debut coincided with the largest and most international edition of InnoTrans since the exhibition was established in 1996. The 2024 event brought together 2,940 exhibitors from 59 countries and approximately 170,000 visitors from 133 countries across 42 exhibition halls.
MATRADE Chief Executive Officer Abu Bakar Yusof described the event as an important platform for advancing Malaysian exports and developing new international partnerships in the rail sector.
Several significant agreements were concluded during the exhibition. MMC Engineering signed memoranda of understanding with Hyundai Rotem in relation to the Penang LRT project and with MARIC to support greater localisation within Malaysia’s rail industry. Siemens Mobility also entered into an agreement with SMH Rail involving manufacturing expertise connected to the Kajang MRT Line.
Sarawak Metro, meanwhile, attracted international attention with the unveiling of its ART 2.0 hydrogen-powered rolling stock and the CINOVA H₂ intercity train. The company’s presence further demonstrated Malaysia’s growing involvement in sustainable and next-generation mobility solutions.
Mapping Malaysia’s Rail Capabilities
InnoTrans 2024 also marked an important milestone for MARIC, which launched the inaugural Malaysia Rail Industry Directory during the opening of the national pavilion.
The directory provides a comprehensive overview of Malaysia’s rail supply chain and showcases the capabilities of local companies to potential international partners, investors and customers.
Established in 2017, MARIC has grown to represent approximately 65 member companies and has emerged as a recognised voice for Malaysia’s rail industry. Its expanding membership reflects the depth of expertise already present across the country’s engineering, manufacturing, technology and professional services sectors.
Why Malaysia Is Returning
Malaysia’s return comes as Germany and the wider European Union accelerate investment in railway modernisation, sustainable mobility and lower-emission transport under the European Green Deal and long-term climate-neutrality objectives.
These developments create significant opportunities for Malaysian companies with capabilities in sustainable rail solutions, digitalisation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and railway maintenance.
The country’s participation also forms part of MATRADE’s broader strategy to increase Malaysia’s presence at iconic international trade exhibitions linked to high-growth and high-value industries.
Malaysia’s national pavilion carries additional significance as the country stands out as the only Southeast Asian nation with a dedicated country pavilion at InnoTrans 2026. Its presence sends a confident message that Malaysian companies possess the capabilities, experience and ambition to compete alongside the world’s leading rail nations.
Malaysia’s Delegation at InnoTrans 2026
Ten Malaysian companies and organisations are expected to participate in the Malaysia Pavilion:
Malaysia Rail Industry Corporation (MARIC)
Pecca Leather Sdn Bhd
XCEL ITECH Sdn Bhd
Innoglass Sdn Bhd
Recogine Technology Sdn Bhd
Invest Selangor
Rail Asia
Pomen Autodata Sdn Bhd
NEXGAIT Sdn Bhd
DMIA Sdn Bhd
Together, the delegation represents a diverse cross-section of Malaysia’s rail and technology ecosystem, encompassing industry development, engineering, manufacturing, digital solutions, investment promotion, automotive and rail materials, cybersecurity, media and business services.
Their participation is not simply about exhibiting products. It is an opportunity to demonstrate Malaysia’s capacity to deliver competitive solutions, form international partnerships and contribute meaningfully to the future of global mobility.
From Promising Debut to Global Ambition
Malaysia enters InnoTrans 2026 with a proven track record and a stronger international profile.
The objective is no longer merely to introduce Malaysia’s rail capabilities to the world. It is to deepen the country’s participation in the global supply chain, attract investment, encourage technology transfer and establish Malaysian companies as credible long-term partners in international rail development.
The RM277.7 million achieved during the country’s debut demonstrated what Malaysian industry can accomplish when local expertise is presented through a coordinated national platform.
In Berlin, Malaysia will return not simply as a participant, but as a country ready to compete, collaborate and help shape the future of global rail transport.
Exhibitor Spotlight
The Malaysia Rail Industry Corporation (MARIC), a rail industry-led association founded in 2017, has the day-to-day management of Malaysia's pavilion at InnoTrans 2026. MARIC brings together local companies from a wide spectrum of industries across railway systems, engineering, infrastructure, manufacturing, maintenance & technology, and serves as a strategic platform to connect Malaysian rail industry players with the Government, asset owners, operators, technology providers and international partners. MARIC supports the rail industry and its competitiveness in the international market by fostering localisation, technology transfer, more local involvement and participation through industry advocacy and strategic partnerships and capability building. MARIC will not be exhibiting an individual product but will be highlighting the capabilities of the rail industry in Malaysia and its exhibitors, and creating opportunities for international collaboration and market opportunities. For more information, check out maric.my and LinkedIn.
Pecca Leather, which is appearing for the first time at InnoTrans, has taken over more than 26 years of craftsmanship for the Malaysian Pavilion at Hall 10.1, Booth 220. The company was founded by a subsidiary of Malaysia-listed Pecca Group Berhad, which had developed a reputation for supplying automotive leather upholstery and seat covers to the top global auto makers before venturing into rail, aviation and marine interiors — in the latter, taking its automotive expertise to full train seatings and seat assembly. Pecca will demonstrate the leather upholstery it acquires from all over the world, including Italy, Germany and South America (even a special cooperation with the renowned leather tannery Pasubio Leather), reverse-engineered plastic parts using 3D printing, a vacuum forming process for the production of surfaces like the window panels, luggage racks or passenger information system housings to OEM quality standards, the soft-wrapping process for seat panels and a structured seat assembly line that combines frame, foam and trim. The company has plants in Malaysia and Indonesia with over 900 employees. For more information, please visit peccagroup.com or LinkedIn.
