COMMUNICATION 21 MEDIA GROUP AND DATO’ ZAMANE ABDUL RAHMAN TO ESTABLISH STRATEGIC PLATFORM TO SUPPORT CHINA MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICAL DEVICE ENTRY INTO ASEAN
1st June 2026, KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Communication 21 Media Group is pleased to announce that following a strategic meeting with Dato’ Zamane Abdul Rahman, former Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Device Authority (MDA), both parties have agreed in principle to establish a dedicated organization focused on facilitating the introduction, regulatory readiness, commercialization, and regional expansion of medical technologies and medical devices from China into Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region.
The initiative aims to create a structured ecosystem that helps qualified medical technology companies navigate regulatory requirements, market entry strategies, distribution networks, and cross-border commercialization opportunities across ASEAN.
As ASEAN continues to experience rapid healthcare development, increasing demand for advanced medical technologies, and growing healthcare investments, the need for a trusted platform that bridges medical innovation with regional market access has become increasingly important.
The proposed organization will focus on several key areas:
• Facilitating the introduction of innovative medical technologies and medical devices from China into ASEAN markets
• Supporting regulatory compliance and registration processes under Malaysia’s Medical Device Act and relevant ASEAN regulatory frameworks
• Assisting manufacturers in understanding local market requirements and regulatory pathways
• Building strategic partnerships with hospitals, healthcare institutions, industry stakeholders, and healthcare ecosystems across ASEAN
• Facilitating the appointment of authorized distributors, market representatives, and business partners throughout the region
• Supporting responsible and compliant market expansion while maintaining regulatory integrity and patient safety standards
Dato’ Zamane Abdul Rahman brings extensive regulatory and industry experience to the initiative. During his leadership at the Medical Device Authority, he played a significant role in the development and implementation of Malaysia’s medical device regulatory framework and contributed to the advancement of medical device regulation and harmonization efforts across Asia.
Communication 21 Media Group, with more than three decades of regional industrial and commercial connectivity experience, will contribute its ASEAN-wide business ecosystem, regional industry networks, connectivity platforms, strategic partnerships, and cross-border engagement capabilities to support the initiative.
Dr (h.c.) Benny Yeo, Founder of Communication 21 Media Group and Executive Chairman (ASEAN) of the Global Confederation of Belt and Road Economic Cooperation, said:
“China has become one of the world’s most important centers for medical technology innovation and manufacturing. At the same time, ASEAN represents one of the fastest-growing healthcare markets globally. We believe there is tremendous potential to create a structured and responsible bridge that helps connect qualified medical technologies, medical device companies, healthcare stakeholders, and market opportunities across the region.”
He added:
“Our objective is not only to facilitate market entry, but also to build a sustainable ecosystem that supports regulatory compliance, responsible commercialization, industry collaboration, healthcare advancement, and long-term regional growth.”
Further details regarding the organization, strategic partnerships, industry engagement programmes, and regional initiatives will be announced in the coming months.
About Communication 21 Media Group
Communication 21 Media Group is a regional industrial and commercial media, connectivity, and business ecosystem organization with more than 35 years of experience across ASEAN. Through its ASEAN-Connect Initiative and China-To-ASEAN Initiative, the Group focuses on strengthening industrial, commercial, technological, and cross-border connectivity between ASEAN and China.