Global Glove Makers Join the Largest-Ever International Rubber Glove Showcase to be Held in Kuala Lumpur

The 12th International Rubber Glove Conference and Exhibition (12th IRGCE 2026) theme “Synergising Innovations: Redefine the Future of the Glove Ecosystem.” has already reached a historic milestone. A record-breaking 600 booths have been taken up by exhibitors from 15 regions including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, China, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and others, making it the largest IRGCE ever organised since its inception in 2002. The event is expected to attract more than 1,000 conference delegates and over 10,000 visitors from more than 70 countries.

Organised by the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA), with the Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) as co-host, 12th IRGCE 2026 will be held from 8 to 10 September 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

A unique addition to this year’s conference is INNOVATE@IRGCETalk, a dedicated knowledge stage that will spotlight groundbreaking innovations and global advancements in next-generation materials, smart manufacturing and sustainable production.

The larger conference will feature six local and international plenary speakers, including Dr. Robert G. Hamilton, Professor of Medicine and Pathology at Johns Hopkins University, USA, together with 36 other speakers covering a wide range of subjects across the rubber glove ecosystem.

The event’s recent soft launch and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony with sponsors was officiated by Dato’ Dr. Zairossani Mohd Nor, Director General of the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB), representing YB Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad, Minister of Plantation and Commodities. The Minister's support underscored the Ministry's continued commitment towards the advancement of Malaysia’s rubber glove industry.

Malaysia’s rubber glove sector remains a major contributor to its nation’s rubber products export earnings and continues to move up the value chain, supported by stronger research and development, automation, talent development, sustainable manufacturing, and closer integration between upstream and downstream segments. The future competitiveness of the rubber glove industry must be built on quality, innovation, productivity, sustainability, and trust.

The event highlighted the importance of continued collaboration among industry, agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen the enabling ecosystem needed for long-term growth. MARGMA, MRC and the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) has been driving forward-looking initiatives such as the Malaysia Made Glove initiative and broader sustainability efforts aimed at reinforcing industry credibility, resilience and international market confidence.

With supply chain traceability becoming increasingly important, greater transparency and stronger governance across the rubber glove industry are essential. In this regard, the relevant licensing by the Malaysian Rubber Board for rubber glove manufacturers remains important in upholding international standards and safeguarding the integrity, credibility and competitiveness of Malaysia’s rubber glove industry.

MARGMA President Mr. Oon Kim Hung said the global operating environment has become more challenging, with the industry facing sharper competition, rising compliance expectations, regulatory complexity and heightened global scrutiny in relation to quality, traceability, labour standards and sustainability. “The rubber glove industry operates in a very different environment today. Past success alone is not enough. Malaysia must continue to differentiate itself through quality, reliability, compliance and credibility,” said Mr. Oon.

He added that IRGCE has evolved into a global meeting point for the entire glove ecosystem and remains an important platform for industry players to exchange knowledge, build partnerships, and shape the industry's future.

MARGMA also reiterated the importance of building the industry’s future talent pipeline. In line with this, MARGMA has been actively supporting stronger linkages between industry and academia, including its recent collaboration with Monash University Malaysia to introduce a specialised Master’s programme in Colloids and Latex Technology. This initiative reflects a deliberate effort to build deeper scientific and technical capability within the industry to support the next phase of competitiveness in materials science, process optimisation, product innovation and sustainability performance.

Moving forward, MARGMA has outlined four strategic pillars for maintaining the resilience and global leadership of the Malaysian rubber glove industry:

• Global Differentiation: Strengthening Malaysia’s reputation as a premium, trusted source of high-quality gloves by prioritising reliability, credibility and strict compliance over low-cost alternatives.

• Technical Advancement: Building a sharper technical edge through continued investment in automation, material science, process efficiency and sustainable manufacturing solutions.

• Talent Pipeline & Knowledge Ecosystem: Bridging the gap between industry and academia to build robust research capabilities and secure a highly skilled workforce for the future.

• ESG & Sustainable Practices: Proactively elevating industry standards in labour governance, responsible sourcing and supply chain transparency to meet evolving buyer expectations and market access requirements.

The strong response to the sponsor signing ceremony further reflected industry confidence in IRGCE 2026 and Malaysia’s continued role at the centre of the global glove ecosystem.

MARGMA also recorded its sincere appreciation to all sponsors for their valued support of the 12th IRGCE 2026.

The Gold Sponsors are:

• Hartalega NGC Sdn Bhd

• Kossan Latex Industries Sdn Bhd

• Reebow Intelligent Equipment (M) Sdn Bhd

• Supermax Glove Manufacturing Sdn Bhd

• Tiong Tat Printing Industries Sdn Bhd

• Top Glove Sdn Bhd

The Silver Sponsors are:

• CCM Polymers Sdn Bhd

• Koon Seng Sdn Bhd

The Bronze Sponsors are:

• Anhui INTCO Medical Products Co., Ltd.

• Gas Malaysia Energy and Services Sdn Bhd

• Lexis Chemical Sdn Bhd

• Sri Trang Gloves (Thailand) Public Company Limited

The MoU signing ceremony between MARGMA and MRC reflected the continued spirit of partnership and shared commitment in advancing IRGCE  2026 and strengthening Malaysia’s standing in the global rubber glove industry.

Supporting partners for the event include the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB), the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), and The Plastics & Rubber Institute Malaysia (PRIM).

With strong industry participation, strategic collaboration and continued institutional support, the 12th IRGCE 2026 is poised to be the most impactful edition of the event to date, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a serious, credible and future-ready leader in the global rubber glove ecosystem.

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).

 

InnoVision 2026 Advances Military Technology and Defense Innovation in the Philippines

 

Philippine Coding Camp recently held InnoVision 2026: Special Forum on Military IT Convergence last June 17, 2026, at the FEU Tech Innovation Center, bringing together international experts, defense personnel, educators, researchers, and technology leaders to discuss how emerging technologies can strengthen military education, defense innovation, and national capability. The forum featured Dr. Artem Lensky of UNSW Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy and Dr. Steve Chan, a renowned science and technology adviser and inventor with 14 granted U.S. and international patents.

Philippine Coding Camp (PCC), a premier technology education and capacity-building provider, recently convened InnoVision 2026: Special Forum on Military IT Convergence at the FEU Tech Innovation Center in Manila.

The forum gathered representatives from the defense, academic, government, research, and technology sectors to explore the role of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, intelligent sensing, and other emerging technologies in military education, operational readiness, and national security.

Among the featured speakers was Dr. Artem Lensky of UNSW Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy, who shared insights from his work in artificial intelligence, engineering, data analysis, and defense-oriented education and research.

The event also featured Dr. Steve Chan, a Science and Technology adviser to various organizations and a world-renowned inventor with 14 granted U.S. and international patents. His work spans artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced computing, decision science, and critical infrastructure.

InnoVision is Philippine Coding Camp’s flagship conference series on next-generation technologies and innovation. It serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, professional development, research collaboration, and stronger engagement among government, industry, academe, and international institutions.

The forum builds on PCC’s continuing work with the Philippine Military Academy and Armed Forces of the Philippines through technology training, technical knowledge-sharing, research support, and institutional collaboration. These efforts reflect the organization’s commitment to helping develop a capable and future-ready defense workforce.

Beyond the defense sector, PCC continues to promote quality and inclusive STEM education by providing training and capacity-building programs in artificial intelligence, data science, software development, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and other emerging technologies.

Through InnoVision and its wider initiatives, Philippine Coding Camp continues to strengthen its role in nation-building by helping Filipino learners, professionals, and institutions develop the skills and capabilities needed to participate in the country’s digital and technological transformation.

Philippine Coding Camp (PCC) is a premier technology education, training, and capacity-building provider in the Philippines. The organization supports government agencies, defense institutions, universities, schools, industry partners, and Fortune 500 companies through high-quality programs designed to strengthen digital skills, institutional capability, and future-ready talent. PCC delivers professional training, workforce-development programs, research support, technical assistance, and institutional collaboration in artificial intelligence, data science, software development, cybersecurity, cloud computing, emerging technologies, and Industry 4.0. With a strong commitment to quality, inclusive, and accessible STEM education, Philippine Coding Camp helps students, educators, professionals, public-sector personnel, and organizations build the knowledge and practical skills needed to participate in the Philippines’ digital transformation. Through partnerships with local and international institutions, PCC contributes to innovation, research, workforce development, defense capability-building, and nation-building. Its programs are designed to bridge the gap between emerging technologies and their responsible, practical, and inclusive adoption across education, government, industry, and national institutions. Website: www.philippinecoding.com

 

Cebuana Lhuillier Bank Opens Yulo Branch, Strengthening Access to Inclusive Banking in Iloilo

 

 As Iloilo continues to grow as a dynamic commercial and residential hub, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank is further strengthening its presence in the region with the soft opening of its newest branch in Yulo. 

The new branch expands CL Bank’s nationwide network to 11 branches and marks the continued rollout of its co-located banking and pawnshop model, designed to make financial access more convenient, inclusive, and responsive to the evolving needs of Filipinos.

Located in a busy commercial area that serves nearby residential communities, schools, markets, and local businesses, the Yulo branch is strategically positioned to bring essential financial services closer to where customers live and work.

By establishing a presence in one of Iloilo’s growing economic corridors, CL Bank aims to support the financial needs of individuals, families, entrepreneurs, and workers who drive everyday economic activity in the region.

The branch opening reflects CL Bank’s continued focus on expanding in high-growth areas where access to formal financial services can create greater opportunities for savings, business development, and financial security.

“Expanding our presence in key growth areas like Yulo allows us to bring essential financial services closer to communities that need them most. Our goal has always been to make banking more inclusive, more accessible, and more responsive to the everyday needs of Filipinos,” said Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier.

The Yulo branch is CL Bank’s second co-located branch, following its Balibago, Sta. Rosa branch. Through this setup, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank integrates banking and pawnshop services in one location, allowing customers to access a wider range of financial solutions more conveniently and efficiently.

The model also reflects the broader Cebuana Lhuillier vision of bringing essential financial services together under one roof, making transactions simpler and more accessible for underserved and emerging communities.

Clients may access a full suite of deposit products, including Micro Savings, Cebuana Savings, Regular Savings, Time Deposits, and Checking Accounts, designed to support both everyday banking needs and longer-term financial goals. These products provide customers with secure and accessible options for managing their finances while encouraging a stronger culture of saving.

The branch also offers lending products such as teacher loans, business loans, home loans, and corporate salary loans, providing flexible financing solutions for individuals, professionals, and businesses. By offering access to credit tailored to different customer segments, CL Bank helps empower clients to pursue personal goals, grow enterprises, and invest in their future.

The opening of the Yulo branch underscores Cebuana Lhuillier Bank’s continued commitment to expanding financial inclusion by making essential banking services more accessible in emerging commercial centers nationwide.

As it continues to grow its network and strengthen its integrated service model, CL Bank remains focused on helping more Filipinos participate in and benefit from the formal financial system. A formal grand launch of the Yulo branch is expected in the coming weeks.

Blue Nest’s Digital Marketing Accelerator, A Soaring Success!

 Ateneo Blue Nest's Digital Marketing Accelerator Program successfully wrapped its run, and along with Keepital, the two are already looking ahead with a Startup Pavilion in the works to give Philippine startups an even bigger stage.

In a business landscape where visibility is everything, knowing how to be seen is just as important as having something worth showing. That's exactly the gap that Ateneo Blue Nest's Digital Marketing Accelerator Program set out to close.

Housed under the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO) at Ateneo de Manila University, the Digital Marketing Accelerator Program was designed with a clear and urgent mission: to equip startup founders with the strategic and tactical digital marketing skills they need to compete, grow, and thrive in today's hyper-connected marketplace. The program didn’t just teach theory, rather it immersed participants in hands-on workshops, real-world case studies, group consultations, and panel presentations across four comprehensive modules that covered everything from Social Media & Digital Marketing 101 to Growth Hacking.

At the helm of the program was Mr. Jason Domantay, a seasoned digital marketing veteran whose career spans executive producing and directing at ABS-CBN, leading video content at Yahoo! Southeast Asia, and founding Domantay Consulting, a public relations firm specializing in online reputation and crisis management. 

As a proud partner, Keepital supported the program through targeted Meta advertising, feature articles, and crossposting across its platforms. On the ground, Ateneo Blue Nest was featured as a partner at the PhilSME Business Expo and the Smart City Convention Philippines 2026, putting the program in front of exactly the founders and business owners it was built for.

The momentum doesn't stop here. Keepital and Ateneo Blue Nest are now setting their sights on something bigger: a dedicated Startup Pavilion that will give emerging businesses a physical stage at one of the Philippines' most exciting up and coming trade events, the World of Consumer Electronics Expo.

The vision is simple but powerful: a curated exhibition space where tech-forward startups and young companies can showcase their products and services side by side, supported by Keepital's branding, platform reach, and media mileage. For startups that have never had the bandwidth to exhibit at a major trade event, this pavilion changes the equation entirely.

More exciting announcements are coming soon, and the Blue Nest is just getting started.

Ready to Get Noticed?

Join the many ASEAN SMEs already taking advantage of this digital shift. Be discovered when buyers search. Turn visibility into real business.

Reach out today: ask@keepital.com | sales.ph@keepital.com | Schedule a meeting

Visit: www.keepital.com | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok 

Join our community: B2B Business Networking

About KEEP Pte Ltd.

Keepital was established in 2013 and has now grown into Southeast Asia’s Leading Industrial B2B marketplace that facilitates connections between suppliers and buyers worldwide through our online platform. They stand out with their highly competitive pricing and offer a comprehensive range of services beyond just product listings. Their advertising options are designed for affordability and simplicity, featuring a one-time payment and low renewal fees for product and service suppliers on our online portal.

Carziqo Positions Technology as the Core Driver of Long-Term Mobility Platform Value

 As mobility companies continue to compete not only on vehicle deployment but also on platform efficiency, Carziqo is positioning technology as the foundation of its long-term value creation strategy.

Carziqo, an intelligent mobility platform focused on autonomous mobility, smart fleet operations, and connected service infrastructure, is building its business around a technology-driven model designed to support scalable operations, data-based decision-making, and long-term platform growth.

While the mobility sector has traditionally relied on asset ownership, vehicle availability, and market expansion, Carziqo is taking a broader approach. The company is emphasizing how software systems, operational data, fleet intelligence, and digital service tools can help create a more stable and efficient mobility ecosystem over time.

At the center of Carziqo’s strategy is the idea that mobility assets should not operate in isolation. Instead, each vehicle, service route, user interaction, and operational record can become part of a larger data network. Through this model, the platform can improve route planning, monitor vehicle performance, support fleet utilization, and provide a more structured operating environment for users and partners.

According to the company, this technology-centered approach is intended to help reduce operational uncertainty and improve platform consistency. By using intelligent systems to support fleet management, Carziqo aims to create a service model that is less dependent on manual coordination and more capable of adapting to different market conditions.

This direction reflects a wider shift in the mobility industry, where companies are increasingly being evaluated not only by the number of vehicles they operate, but by the strength of the digital infrastructure behind those vehicles. For emerging mobility platforms, long-term value is often linked to how well they can combine physical assets with software, automation, user data, and service reliability.

Carziqo’s platform strategy includes several key technology layers. These include digital fleet management, user account systems, operational monitoring, service coordination, and data-based support for mobility-related activities. Together, these systems are designed to help the company manage growth while maintaining operational visibility across different service areas.

The company also sees technology as a way to create a more connected relationship between users and mobility operations. Instead of treating users only as passengers or customers, Carziqo’s platform model allows users to interact with mobility services through digital tools, service portals, and structured participation mechanisms.

This platform-based structure may also support future expansion into different mobility categories, including autonomous delivery, executive mobility, fleet rental, and intelligent transportation services. By organizing these services under one technology framework, Carziqo aims to build a more flexible business model that can adapt to local demand and future market opportunities.

In the Philippines, where digital finance, mobile-first services, and app-based platforms continue to grow, Carziqo’s approach reflects the increasing importance of technology in transportation and mobility access. The country’s fast-growing digital economy provides an environment where platform-based services can reach users more efficiently, especially as consumers become more familiar with mobile applications, digital accounts, and online service management.

Carziqo’s long-term value strategy is also tied to operational transparency. Through centralized systems, the platform can organize service data, monitor asset activity, and support clearer communication with users. This is especially important for mobility platforms that need to build trust while scaling across different locations and service categories.

Industry observers have noted that the future of mobility will likely be shaped by companies that can combine physical deployment with intelligent systems. In this environment, vehicles alone may not be enough. The stronger competitive advantage may come from the platform that manages those vehicles, analyzes their performance, and connects them with users in a reliable and efficient way.

For Carziqo, technology is not simply a support function. It is the core infrastructure behind the company’s platform value. By focusing on digital systems, intelligent operations, and scalable service architecture, the company is seeking to build a mobility ecosystem that can generate value beyond short-term vehicle activity.

As the mobility industry continues to evolve, Carziqo’s strategy suggests that the next phase of platform competition may depend less on how many vehicles a company can deploy immediately, and more on how effectively it can use technology to create long-term operational strength.

With its focus on intelligent mobility infrastructure, Carziqo is positioning itself as part of a new generation of mobility platforms that view technology, data, and operational systems as the foundation for sustainable growth.

About Carziqo

Carziqo is an intelligent mobility technology platform focused on autonomous mobility, smart fleet operations, and connected service infrastructure. The company is building a technology-driven ecosystem that integrates digital fleet management, data-based operational support, and intelligent mobility services for selected global markets. Through its platform model, Carziqo aims to support the future development of autonomous transportation, smart mobility assets, and user-centered digital service systems. Its long-term strategy is centered on technology, operational efficiency, platform scalability, and sustainable mobility innovation. For more information, visit Carziqo’s official website at https://www.carziqo.com/

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Cebuana Lhuillier Money XChange: 5 Essentials of Smart Currency Exchange

  

From overseas travel and international studies to business transactions and family support across borders, more Filipinos today are engaging with the global economy. As international financial needs continue to grow, choosing the right currency exchange provider has become more important than ever.

As the country's trusted Global Currency Center, Cebuana Lhuillier Money XChange helps Filipinos meet their foreign currency needs through reliable and accessible exchange solutions.

“Our goal has always been to empower Filipinos by making financial solutions accessible, secure, and customer-focused,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier. “Through Cebuana Lhuillier Money XChange, we aim to provide Filipinos with the trust, convenience, and reliability they need when managing their foreign currency requirements.”

With more options available today, consumers are becoming increasingly selective about where they exchange their money. Here are five key factors worth considering when choosing a currency exchange provider:

1. Competitive and Transparent Rates1. Competitive and Transparent Rates

Exchange rates directly affect the value customers receive from every transaction. Transparency is equally important, allowing consumers to exchange with confidence and avoid unexpected costs. Cebuana Lhuillier Money XChange offers competitive rates supported by real-time market monitoring and regulatory compliance.

2. A Trusted Name and Proven Track Record2. A Trusted Name and Proven Track Record

A provider's reputation can be just as important as its rates. Consumers often look for institutions with a long history of reliability and service excellence. For decades, Cebuana Lhuillier has served millions of Filipinos through its broad range of financial services. That same commitment to trust and customer care extends to Cebuana Lhuillier Money XChange.

3. Access to the Currencies That Matter Most3. Access to the Currencies That Matter Most

A dependable foreign exchange provider should be able to meet a wide range of currency requirements through readily available and reliable exchange services. As the country's trusted Global Currency Center, Cebuana Lhuillier Money XChange provides access to major global currencies through reliable and accessible foreign exchange solutions.

4. Convenience and Accessibility4. Convenience and Accessibility

Consumers increasingly value services that are easy to access and fit into their daily routines. Through Cebuana Lhuillier Money XChange Click-and-Collect service, customers can reserve foreign currency online and pick it up at their preferred branch, making transactions more convenient and efficient.

5. Security and Peace of Mind5. Security and Peace of Mind

Foreign exchange transactions should be supported by strong safeguards and compliance standards that help ensure accuracy and security. Cebuana Lhuillier Money XChange follows strict operational and compliance protocols, giving customers added peace of mind with every transaction.

“As global opportunities continue to expand for Filipinos, the need for reliable foreign exchange services becomes even more important,” said Philippe Andre Lhuillier, Senior Executive Vice President of Cebuana Lhuillier. “Foreign exchange is not just about converting currencies—it is about helping Filipinos connect with opportunities around the world through simple, secure, and convenient financial solutions.”

As more Filipinos engage with the global economy, choosing a trusted foreign exchange partner becomes increasingly important. Through competitive rates, accessibility, security, and a legacy of service, Cebuana Lhuillier Money XChange continues to strengthen its role as the country's trusted Global Currency Center.

Recognized Among Nursing's Most Impactful Men: A 2026 Men of Honor Award

 

A commitment to healthcare quality and elevating Filipino nurses on the global stage has earned Job Marconi Mascardo recognition as a 2026 Men of Honor by The Nurses Magazine. The distinction celebrates influential male nurses making a meaningful difference in healthcare.

Filipino nurse leader Job Marconi Mascardo, MBA, MAN, RN, NE-BC, CMGT-BC, CPHQ, has been recognized as a 2026 Men of Honor  by The Nurses Magazine in recognition of his outstanding leadership, dedication, and lasting impact in advancing the nursing profession and for inspiring excellence among colleagues and communities worldwide. 

Mascardo currently serves as a Hospital Nurse Quality Improvement Specialist at Guam Memorial Hospital Authority. His work focuses on strengthening healthcare systems and promoting continuous quality improvement to enhance patient care.

"This recognition is deeply meaningful because it represents the values I strive to live every day—service, excellence, and integrity," said Mascardo. "I accept this honor not only for myself but also for every nurse who quietly makes a difference in the lives of patients and communities. I also dedicate this recognition to Filipino nurses around the world whose compassion, resilience, and professionalism continue to elevate our profession."

The 2026 Men of Honor recognition marks another milestone in Mascardo's ongoing commitment to advancing healthcare quality and championing the achievements of nurses whose work creates lasting impact within their organizations and communities.

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