Malaysia is set to return to InnoTrans, the world’s largest transport technology trade expo, when the 15th edition opens in Berlin from September 22 to September 25, 2026. This return builds on Malaysia’s strong momentum from its debut two years ago in 2024, reaffirming the nation’s desire to become a global leader in rail technology and services.
A Record-Breaking Debut in 2024
Malaysia's rail industry made its maiden appearance at InnoTrans, held from September 24-27, 2024, at Messe Berlin. The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) collaborated with the Malaysia Rail Industry Corporation (MARIC) to organise the Malaysian Pavilion, dubbed "Astaka Malaysia".
The outcomes exceeded expectations. Eight Malaysian firms and one rail organization participated, and through 112 business meetings supported by MATRADE, the delegation produced RM277.7 million in sales and attracted 192 trade enquiries. Participating firms demonstrated their expertise in rolling-stock engineering and design, infrastructure and construction services, precision manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), and consulting services. InnoTrans 2024 made records as the fair's largest and most international edition since its inception in 1996, with 2,940 exhibitors from 59 countries and about 170,000 visitors from 133 countries spread across 42 exhibition halls.
Abu Bakar Yusof, CEO of MATRADE, highlighted Malaysia's strengthened position in the global rail sector, marking the 2024 event as a catalyst for exports and partnerships. Key agreements included MMC Engineering's MoUs with Hyundai Rotem for the Penang LRT project, and MARIC focused on localization. Siemens Mobility also signed MoUs with SMH Rail for manufacturing expertise related to the Kajang MRT line. Additionally, Sarawak Metro unveiled new rolling stock, the ART 2.0 and Cinova H2 intercity train, and welcomed the Raja Muda of Perlis at its pavilion.
MARIC also used the occasion to mark a milestone of its own, launching the first-ever Malaysia Rail Industry Directory at the InnoTrans 2024 opening — a comprehensive mapping of the country's rail supply chain, developed in conjunction with the fair. MARIC, established in 2017, has since grown to around 65 member companies and positions itself as the recognized voice of Malaysia's rail industry.
Why Malaysia Is Going Back
Germany's ongoing push to modernize its railway sector, in line with the European Union's Green Deal and its 2050 carbon-neutral transport goals, presents a continuing opportunity for Malaysian firms, particularly those specializing in sustainable rail solutions, digitalization, and AI-driven technologies for the sector.
Malaysia's return to Berlin in 2026 is part of a broader push by MATRADE to strengthen the country's presence at "iconic" global trade fairs tied to high-growth, high-value industries. Alongside InnoTrans for transport and logistics, MATRADE's 2026 calendar includes flagship platforms such as SEMICON West for electronics, the Farnborough International Airshow for aerospace, and Arab Health for medical and pharmaceutical trade. It is worth noting that Malaysia is the only Southeast Asian nation to feature in this event, which proves that the nation has something to offer the world and is capable of being on the same stage as the top nations in the rail industry.
What to Expect at InnoTrans 2026
MATREDE has already opened registration for Malaysian rail companies interested in joining the Malaysian Pavilion at InnoTrans 2026, and a call was made in April 2026 to exhibitors to book their seat in Berlin before registration closes. As with the 2024 edition, the Pavilion is expected to bring over local companies across the rail value chain, from engineering and manufacturing to MRO and consultancy, enabling direct engagement with global buyers, industry leaders, and potential partners.
Malaysia's return coincides with a significant year for the fair itself. InnoTrans 2026 marks the 15th edition and the event's 30th anniversary, and organizer Messe Berlin has confirmed that more than 85% of exhibition space has already been booked. 10 Malaysian companies will make their appearance at this event, including MARIC, Pecca Leather Sdn Bhd, Xcel Itech Sdn Bhd, Innoglass Sdn Bhd, Recogine Technology Sdn Bhd, Invest Selangor 1, Rail Asia, Pomen Autodata Sdn Bhd, Nexagate Sdn Bhd, and lastly, DMIA Sdn Bhd. All 10 of these firms will do their best to represent Malaysia on the world stage.
MATRADE's renewed commitment to InnoTrans also sits within a wider 2026 strategy: the agency has named InnoTrans, among the "iconic" global trade platforms it is prioritizing to support national policies. With a proven track record from 2024 behind it, Malaysia's rail industry enters InnoTrans 2026 aiming not just to repeat its debut success, but also to deepen its integration into the global rail supply chain and cement its reputation as a serious player in the international transport technology space.
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.
