IRGCE 2026 CONCLUDES WITH STRONG INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION AND BUSINESS PROSPECTS

The Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA), together with co-host the Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC), successfully concluded the 12th International Rubber Glove Conference & Exhibition 2026 (IRGCE 2026) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), recording strong international participation and encouraging business prospects.

Held from 8 to 10 September 2026, 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 USD1.48 billion, equivalent to over RM6 billion, over the next six months, reflecting the strong commercial opportunities and business connections generated through the event.

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 industry stakeholders from across the global rubber glove ecosystem.

The Conference addressed key 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.

The Conference also featured prominent international and Malaysian experts, including 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.

Mr Oon said the industry’s continued competitiveness 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.”

Malaysian Rubber Glove Industry Outlook

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 projected global glove consumption to reach approximately 405 billion pieces in 2026, compared with around 290 billion pieces in 2019, reflecting sustained demand 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.

MARGMA expressed its appreciation to the Malaysian Rubber Council as co-host, supporting ministries and agencies, sponsors, supporting organisations, exhibitors, speakers, delegates and industry partners for their contribution to the success of IRGCE 2026.

Following the successful 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,” Mr Oon said.

For booth bookings, sponsorship enquiries and preliminary information on IRGCE 2028, please contact the MARGMA Secretariat at lysaiyeni@margma.com.my

About Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA)

Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA) is an industry association established with the objective of promoting the growth and development of the rubber glove industry in Malaysia. MARGMA plays a vital role in advocating for the interests of its members and fostering collaboration within the industry. MARGMA has been the official voice of the rubber glove industry, having collaborated closely with key government agencies, regulatory bodies and stakeholders both locally and internationally as well as related ASEAN trade associations to address issues related to the industry and its members. MARGMA is the organiser of the International Rubber Glove Conference (IRGCE).

 

Beyond Upskilling: SLI Consulting and Philippine Coding Camp Partner to Build the Philippine Tech Talent Pipeline

SLI Consulting Inc. has partnered with Philippine Coding Camp (PCC) to expand access to technology education, continuous learning, and skills development for employees, their families, and the next generation of Filipino tech talent.

The partnership was formalized through the signing of an agreement by Gabriel Pablo Cervantes, President of SLI Consulting Inc., and Gabriel Avelino Sampedro, Ph.D., SMIEEE, CEO of Philippine Coding Camp. The collaboration brings together SLI Consulting’s experience in the technology workforce and PCC’s focus on practical technology education and skills development

For Cervantes, the partnership represents more than another employee perk.

“It’s great to partner with Philippine Coding Camp, especially because we’re not just thinking about future-proofing our current employees. We’re also thinking about building the talent pipeline in the Philippines as a whole.”

The partnership creates opportunities for SLI Consulting employees and their families to access technology learning through courses, workshops, bootcamps, and programs for younger learners. The goal is to support learning at different stages—from professionals looking to strengthen their capabilities to children and teens beginning to explore technology.

Building the Talent Pipeline Earlier

For Philippine Coding Camp, developing technology talent should begin well before a person enters the workforce.

Shekinah Huyo-a, Marketing Manager of Philippine Coding Camp, explained that companies can play a role in shaping the talent pipeline rather than simply hiring from it. When asked: What can companies like SLI Consulting do to strengthen the Philippines' talent pipeline beyond simply hiring people?

     "At Philippine Coding Camp, we've seen that hiring is only the final step of the talent pipeline. The bigger opportunity comes earlier, when industry helps shape how people are trained. That's how PCC was built. Our programs connect practical technology training with the people and organizations who use those skills every day.

When companies like SLI Consulting bring their real problems, current tools, and expectations into training, learners come out with skills that hold up in actual work. PCC's role is to make that connection workable. We bring industry, academe, and government together, and we design training around what participants can do once a program ends, not just what they covered. Our partnership with SLI Consulting builds on that approach. With PCC as the bridge, companies don't just draw from the talent pipeline. They help build it. "

That philosophy also extends to younger learners. PCC works across the learning journey, from children and teens to working professionals, with the belief that early exposure can help more young Filipinos see technology as a possible path. When asked: Why is it important to introduce coding and technology skills to kids and teens, rather than only focusing on people already in the workforce? Shekinah answers

"Philippine Coding Camp works across the whole learning journey, from younger learners to working professionals. That range is intentional. If we only reach people once they're already working, we're always catching up.

Early exposure changes the starting point. When kids and teens learn coding with PCC, they learn to break problems down, test ideas, and see technology as something they can build with. Early exposure also widens who sees technology as a real path. Many young people never consider a tech career because no one introduced them to it.

PCC wants more Filipino learners to have that chance early. For us, younger learners and professionals are one continuum. Early learning builds curiosity and confidence. PCC's professional and corporate training turns that foundation into career-ready capability. Doing both is how we help build a stronger talent pipeline for the Philippines."

Beyond Upskilling

Cervantes sees this broader approach as one of the reasons the partnership is meaningful for SLI Consulting.

“What I love about Philippine Coding Camp is that they’re clearly more than an upskilling firm. They’re also arming the next generation through their programs for kids and teens. That’s important to us because technology skills shouldn’t only start when someone enters the workforce.”

For SLI Consulting, investing in learning is also part of how it views its responsibility toward its people.

“We want our employees to feel that SLIC isn’t only interested in the work they’re doing for a client. They’re people with careers, families, and interests outside their current assignment. If we can support their development in a practical way, that’s a better kind of employee benefit.”

The partnership reflects a shared belief that building the Philippine technology workforce is not simply about filling today's vacancies. It is also about creating opportunities to learn, exposing more Filipinos to technology earlier, and strengthening the connection between education and industry.

For SLI Consulting and Philippine Coding Camp, the goal is to build capability today while helping build the workforce of tomorrow.

About SLI Consulting

SLI Consulting Inc. (SLIC) is a Philippine IT consulting and staff augmentation company with nearly four decades of experience in the technology industry. The company helps organizations access qualified IT professionals and workforce solutions tailored to their business requirements.

SLI Consulting has evolved alongside the Philippine technology industry while maintaining its focus on connecting businesses with technology talent. Today, the company works with organizations across industries through IT staff augmentation and consulting solutions, supported by dedicated teams focused on client service and project employee engagement.

SLI Consulting is part of the AGC Group, a Philippine business group with interests in technology, managed services, recruitment and marketing.

Core services: IT Staff Augmentation, IT Consulting, Technology Workforce Solutions

Ambassador Lhuillier leads consultations ahead of Philippines-Spain 80th Anniversary

 

PHOTO CAPTION: Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier, along with Philippine Consular Officers and representatives of Attached Agencies, discussed strategic priorities and areas of cooperation for 2027.

Strengthening coordination among Philippine representatives, the Philippine Embassy in Madrid, led by Ambassador for Spain and Andorra H.E. Philippe J. Lhuillier, convened its Annual Consultations with Philippine Consular Officers, bringing together seven Honorary Consular Officers, Attached Agencies, and the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona.

The consultation focused on aligning priorities and strengthening cooperation ahead of the Philippines-Spain 80th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations in 2027. Discussions covered consular policies, best practices, Filipino community concerns, and strategic planning for the anniversary.

Ambassador Lhuillier encouraged the Consular Officers to “take an active role in deepening and expanding cooperation between the Philippines and Spain to establish sustainable partnerships, concrete programs, and enduring relationships that can continue beyond 2027.”

Potential areas for collaboration included the Maritime and Blue Economy, Renewable Energy, Innovation, Heritage and Culture, Digital Economy, Agriculture and Food Innovation, Eco-tourism, Marine Biodiversity, and Sustainable Tourism.

Representatives from Migrant Workers Office (MWO), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC), the Office of the Defense and Armed Forces Attaché, Philippine Department of Tourism – London, and SSS also joined the consultation, highlighting a whole-of-government approach to strengthening Philippine interests and engagement with Spain.

Consular Officers from Bilbao, Las Palmas, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Sevilla, and Valencia travelled to Madrid for the gathering, reinforcing coordination across the Philippine consular network.

The 2027 anniversary will provide an opportunity to celebrate longstanding ties and build new partnerships for the years ahead.

MOLD Manila Highlights Subtle Aesthetic and Wellness Options for Visitors to the Philippines

 The Quezon City clinic offers travel-conscious aesthetic and wellness options, from skin tightening and collagen stimulation to skin treatments and IV micronutrient infusions, with treatment plans based on each patient’s schedule, goals, and expected downtime.

For many OFWs and balikbayans, coming home to the Philippines means fitting months’ worth of plans into a few weeks. Family reunions, weddings, appointments, errands, and vacations can quickly fill an already limited stay. International tourists may face a similar challenge when balancing activities across a packed Philippine itinerary.

MOLD Manila is highlighting how non-surgical aesthetic and wellness treatments can be incorporated into these trips without requiring visitors to dedicate a significant portion of their stay to recovery.

Rather than encouraging patients to fit multiple procedures into a limited window, the Quezon City aesthetic clinic takes a travel-conscious approach to treatment planning. Length of stay, upcoming flights, planned events, sun exposure, expected downtime, aftercare, and potential follow-up are considered before recommending a procedure.

For visitors looking to include beauty and wellness care during their stay, options at MOLD Manila include:

1. XERF — A non-surgical skin-tightening treatment for patients seeking gradual improvement in skin firmness and facial definition.

2. HydraPeel Dermabrasion — A skin treatment focused on cleansing, hydration, and refreshing the appearance of the complexion.

3. Radiesse Hyperdilute — A collagen-stimulating injectable used to support improvements in skin quality and firmness over time.

4. Radiesse Structural — An injectable treatment used for patients seeking greater facial definition and structural enhancement.

5. Botox — Treatments for suitable patients who want to soften the appearance of expression lines.

The MOLD Infusion — MOLD Manila’s IV micronutrient infusion offering for visitors who want to incorporate a wellness component into a busy trip.

While these treatments are non-surgical or minimally invasive, MOLD Manila emphasizes that this does not automatically mean zero downtime. Injectable procedures, for example, may result in temporary swelling or bruising, while other treatments may come with specific aftercare recommendations.

Timing therefore remains an important part of the consultation, particularly for patients with upcoming flights, beach trips, weddings, reunions, or other events.

The inclusion of The MOLD Infusion also broadens the clinic’s approach beyond aesthetic enhancement. Long flights, changing schedules, family commitments, late nights, and full vacation itineraries can make trips home or holidays unexpectedly hectic. The wellness offering gives visitors another way to set aside time for self-care during their stay.

For MOLD Manila, incorporating aesthetic care into travel does not have to mean pursuing a dramatic transformation. The clinic advocates for treatments selected according to the individual patient, their goals, and the realities of their itinerary.

The approach allows beauty and wellness care to become one considered part of a Philippine trip—rather than the trip revolving around the procedure.

About MOLD Manila

MOLD Manila is a premium, clinician-led aesthetic clinic based in Quezon City, Philippines. Known for its technology-driven, non-surgical treatments and personalized care, the clinic specializes in skin rejuvenation, non-invasive contouring, laser treatments, and IV wellness therapies. MOLD Manila is committed to education-first, results-driven aesthetics designed for real Filipino skin.

Indian Yoga School PH Brings Traditional Yoga and Sustainable Living Together in Bohol

 

Set within a working permaculture farm, the Bohol programs invite participants to explore yoga beyond asana through traditional practice, yogic philosophy, intentional living, nourishing food, and a closer relationship with nature.

Indian Yoga School PH is bringing its Yoga Teacher Training Course (YTTC) and yoga retreat to Miranalla Farm in Guindulman, Bohol this November 2026, creating an environment where participants can experience yoga not only as a physical practice, but as a more holistic way of living.

Leading the yoga program is Teacher Kirti from Rishikesh, India, a city internationally associated with the study and practice of yoga. Her approach draws from traditional yoga practice and philosophy, with an emphasis on understanding yoga beyond asana and applying its principles to everyday life.

That philosophy is also behind the choice of setting.

Rather than holding the program in a conventional studio or resort, Indian Yoga School PH is bringing the experience to Miranalla Farm, a working permaculture farm where sustainable and intentional living are part of daily life.

The November program offers participants two ways to take part: through Yoga Teacher Training or a Yoga and Permaculture Retreat.

Yoga Teacher Training

For practitioners who want to deepen their study of yoga or develop the foundations for teaching, Indian Yoga School PH will offer:

1. 30-Hour YTTC — USD 500

2. 50-Hour YTTC — USD 800

3. 100-Hour YTTC — USD 1,200

The YTTC combines Hatha yoga, meditation, breathwork, yogic philosophy, teaching principles, and other foundations of traditional yoga practice.

Yoga and Permaculture Retreat

Those who want to experience the environment without completing the teacher-training curriculum can instead join the Yoga and Permaculture Retreat, held during the same period as the YTTC.

Retreat participants will share parts of the daily practice with YTTC students, including asana and meditation sessions led by Teacher Kirti, while following an experience centered more closely on permaculture, sustainable living, nature, and life on the farm.

This shared format allows both groups to become part of the same community while choosing the level and type of study that suits them.

For retreat participants, the experience offers an introduction to traditional yoga without the requirements of teacher training. For YTTC students, practicing within a working permaculture farm provides a setting where the philosophical aspects of yoga can extend beyond scheduled classes.

Throughout the program, Miranalla Farm becomes part of the learning environment. Participants can experience farm-based living, fresh meals, natural surroundings, and practical exposure to permaculture while becoming more conscious of how they move, eat, rest, consume, and interact with their surroundings.

The combination reflects a shared principle between traditional yoga and permaculture: living with greater awareness of the relationship between the individual, the community, and the environment.

farm, Indian Yoga School PH aims to create an experience where yoga can be practiced not simply as a series of postures, but as part of everyday life.

The Indian Yoga School PH Yoga Teacher Training and Yoga and Permaculture Retreat will be held at Miranalla Farm in Guindulman, Bohol in November 2026.

Reserve Your Spot

About Indian Yoga School PH

Indian Yoga School PH is a yoga education and wellness institution based in Taytay, Rizal, dedicated to making authentic Indian yoga accessible in the Philippines. Founded through the partnership of Filipina entrepreneur Anj Volante and Indian yoga teacher and therapist Yogi Kirtti Anand, the school offers traditional Hatha Yoga, Yoga Therapy, meditation, pranayama, and internationally inspired teacher training programs. Its mission is to provide a welcoming space where students of all experience levels can learn yoga through authentic lineage, proper alignment, and holistic well-being.

Casino Plus and Peter & Sons Unite to Bring World-Class Gaming to Filipino Players

 Cementing its position as the country's leading responsible digital entertainment platform, Casino Plus, licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), has announced a strategic content partnership with acclaimed international game studio Peter & Sons.

Through this collaboration, Casino Plus is bringing selected titles from the Yerevan and Barcelona-based studio directly to players across the Philippines, further enriching its robust, mobile-driven gaming ecosystem with distinctive global content.

As one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic regulated gaming markets, the Philippines demands platforms that understand local player sensibilities. Guided by its core value of being customer-centric, Casino Plus rigorously curates its library, selecting games that match the pace, preferences, and vibrant culture of the Filipino player.

"Everything we do starts with one purpose: Bring Fun to People — and at the center of that purpose is always the player," said Evan Spytma, CEO of Casino Plus. 

"We are deliberate about what we bring to our platform. Culture fit matters to us; a game has to feel right for our audience, not just perform well on paper. Peter & Sons understood that immediately. Their titles carry a creative identity that is rare in this industry, and bringing them to Casino Plus is a direct expression of our commitment to excellence,” added Spytma.

"We are very pleased to go live with Casino Plus and bring Peter & Sons games to players in the Philippines. This is an exciting market for us — a strong entertainment culture, players who respond to games with clear identity, rich visuals, and memorable mechanics. Casino Plus has built a powerful local presence, and we are proud to work with their team as we introduce our portfolio to a new audience in one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic regulated gaming markets," said Yann Bautista, Founder and Commercial Director of Peter & Sons.

The rollout will follow a progressive integration schedule. Casino Plus players will gain access to an expanding catalog of Peter & Sons titles over the coming months, deepening through the remainder of 2026 and into 2027. Both companies also plan to introduce co-branded campaigns and exclusive titles tailored specifically for the Filipino market as the partnership evolves.

Casino Plus remains steadfast in its mission to deliver world-class digital entertainment to every Filipino player—responsibly, deliberately, and always placing the player first.

RESPONSIBLE GAMING ADVISORY

In accordance with PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice, Casino Plus reminds all players of the following:

Casino Plus is for players aged 21 and above only. Persons restricted under PAGCOR regulations are not permitted to play.

Gaming is for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered a source of income or a means of financial relief. Players are encouraged to play responsibly and within their means.

Winning is never guaranteed. All gaming outcomes are determined by chance. Past results do not influence or predict future outcomes.

About IGO Digital High Technology, Inc.

ABOUT CASINO PLUS Casino Plus is an online casino platform in the Philippines licensed and regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). The company is committed to providing a secure, fair, and engaging digital entertainment experience, guided by the principles of responsible gaming and player protection. ABOUT PETER & SONS Peter & Sons is a game development studio based in Yerevan and Barcelona, creating video slots and casino games with a distinctive artistic direction and original gameplay mechanics. Founded in 2019, the studio supplies operators across multiple regulated markets worldwide.

 Island Resort Club (IRC) has launched its "Best of Seoul" tour package series with Korean Air, timed with the airline's new Starlink Wi-Fi rollout and Seoul's Jongno district being named the world's coolest neighborhood for 2026.

Island Resort Club Launches ‘Best of Seoul’ Tour Series via Korean Air

Island Resort Club Tour Services, Inc. (IRC), a licensed Philippine travel agency established in 2002 and an officially designated partner of the Korean Embassy in the Philippines, has opened bookings for its ‘Best of Seoul’ tour package series on its digital platform, Join Enjoy (joinenjoy.com.ph).

Operated in partnership with Korean Air, the 4-day, 3-night packages run across Spring, Autumn, and Winter editions, in two tiers: Plus (from USD 599) and Premium (from USD 688). Each includes round-trip airfare, 4-star hotel accommodations, daily meals, admission fees, travel insurance, and an English-speaking guide. The Plus tier offers a free Day 3 for independent exploration, while Premium adds a guided excursion to Everland theme park.

What's Special About Korean Air's New Starlink Wi-Fi?

Korean Air has begun rolling out free, high-speed Starlink satellite Wi-Fi on newly retrofitted aircraft, with fleetwide coverage targeted by the end of 2027. What makes this special: it’s a gate-to-gate broadband, free for every passenger in every cabin, a rare in-flight upgrade among carriers serving the Philippines, and one guests can look forward to as the rollout expands. On flights where it’s available, broadband connectivity is right at your fingertips—perfect for uploading departure selfies, streaming your favorite K-drama, or messaging loved ones from 35,000 feet.

Why Is Seoul's Jongno District Trending in 2026?

The itinerary brings guests into Seoul’s Jongno district, home to Jongno 3-ga, recently named the world’s coolest neighborhood for 2026 by Time Out for its food scene, indie boutiques, and nightlife. What makes this special: travelers also visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korea’s largest royal palace, complete with a Hanbok photo session — giving guests both the trending, buzzy side of Jongno and its centuries-old royal heritage in one stop.

How Does IRC Handle Korea Visa Processing?

As an authorized visa processing agency designated by the Korean Embassy, IRC handles both individual and E-Group visa applications directly for guests. What makes this special: travelers don’t need to go through a third party or navigate the embassy process alone — IRC's designation means visa concerns are handled in-house, removing a common pain point for first-time travelers to Korea.

“Seoul continues to be a top dream destination for Filipinos, and our goal is to deliver an exceptional, hassle-free journey,” said Hyok Choi, CEO of Island Resort Club. “From embassy-backed visa processing to in-flight connectivity and access to Seoul’s most talked-about neighborhoods, we’re giving Filipino travelers real value at every step of the trip.

About Island Resort Club Tour Services, Inc.

Island Resort Club Tour Services, Inc. is a fully licensed Philippine travel agency and designated partner of the Korean Embassy in the Philippines. Established in 2002, IRC continues to set the standard for Korean tour excellence, connecting Filipino travelers to Seoul and beyond through its Join Enjoy platform. For media inquiries or partnership opportunities, contact IRC at joinenjoy@hotelclick.com.ph or call +02-7000-4497.