ASIA Records is proud to officially recognise the Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) for achieving a historic regional milestone as the:
Longest Consecutive Government-Recognised Franchise Programme Organised by a Franchise Association (27 consecutive years from 1997 to 2025, involving 386 franchise awardees).
This recognition affirms MFA’s enduring role as the backbone of Malaysia’s franchise ecosystem, reflecting nearly three decades of consistent leadership, institutional stewardship, and close collaboration with government bodies in advancing the national franchise industry.
A 27-Year Legacy Shaping Malaysia’s Franchise Landscape
Since its inception in 1997, the Malam Anugerah Francais Malaysia (MAF) has stood as the country’s most enduring and credible platform recognising excellence, resilience, and growth within the franchise sector. Organised annually by MFA and officially recognised by the government, the programme has honoured 386 franchise awardees across 27 uninterrupted years—an achievement unmatched in the region.
The longevity of MAF reflects MFA’s unwavering commitment to building a structured, transparent, and sustainable franchise ecosystem, while continuously aligning industry development with Malaysia’s economic priorities.
Through policy engagement, capacity-building programmes, and long-term partnerships with government agencies, MFA has played a pivotal role in positioning Malaysia as a recognised franchise hub within Southeast Asia.
A Milestone Moment of Acknowledgement
The ASIA Records certificate was officially presented on 15 December 2025 during Malam Anugerah Francais Malaysia 2025 (MAF2025), held at The Majestic Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.
The certificate was proudly received by Datuk Dr. Haji Radzali Hassan, Chairman of the Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA), together with Deric Yeo, Vice Chairman of MFA, and Zuraidah Jumri, Chief Executive Officer of MFA, recognising the Association’s sustained leadership, organisational excellence, and long-term contribution to the national franchise ecosystem.
The presentation was witnessed by YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, who attended the evening as Guest of Honour, underscoring the national significance of this historic milestone.
Strengthening Malaysia as ASIA’s Franchise Gateway
Speaking at MAF2025, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi outlined Malaysia’s strategic ambition to establish the ASIA Franchise Gateway, positioning the country as a regional launchpad for franchise expansion across Southeast Asia’s market of over 680 million consumers.
The initiative aims to streamline regulatory processes and provide integrated support in areas such as legal compliance, intellectual property, halal certification, and logistics—benefiting both local and international brands entering the ASIA market.
Complementing this effort, the Internationalisation Programme under the Enhanced Franchise Development Programme (EFDP) will intensify targeted trade missions to priority markets, helping Malaysian franchises expand globally and build strategic partnerships.
Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid highlighted that Malaysia currently has more than 2,060 registered franchise businesses, supporting over 80,000 jobs, with the industry recording average annual growth of 14–16 per cent, demonstrating strong consumer confidence despite global economic challenges.
He also emphasised the government’s focus on addressing workforce challenges through deeper integration of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) standards, including proposals for a National Franchise Academy to develop franchise-ready talent and standardise service excellence nationwide.
Celebrating Franchise Excellence and Industry Collaboration
MAF2025 also celebrated outstanding franchise achievements across multiple categories. House of Mind Excellence (HOME) Maths Therapy emerged as the Best Franchise Award winner for the second consecutive year, alongside accolades for Best Franchisor, Best Franchise Innovation, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Franchise Governance.
The event further marked the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Malaysian Franchise Association and SME Bank, aimed at strengthening SME development through joint programmes, financing facilities, expertise sharing, and global market promotion.
According to Datuk Dr. Radzali Hassan, the collaboration reinforces the franchise ecosystem and will continue to support Malaysian franchisors and franchisees in expanding to more competitive levels internationally.
Voices of Leadership
Reflecting on the ASIA Records recognition, Datuk Dr. Radzali Hassan, Chairman of MFA, shared:
About the Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA)
Established in 1994, the Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) is the national body representing Malaysia’s franchise industry. MFA works closely with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and international partners to promote franchise development, regulatory alignment, capacity building, and global expansion.
Through flagship initiatives such as Malam Anugerah Francais Malaysia, industry training programmes, policy advocacy, and international collaborations, MFA continues to champion the growth of Malaysian franchises—strengthening entrepreneurship, creating economic opportunities, and elevating Malaysia’s standing in the regional and global franchise landscape.
For more information, visit: https://www.mfa.org.my/
