The Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) marked 34 years of supporting Malaysia’s retail industry with its Installation & 34th Anniversary Night on 25 September 2026 at Sunway Resort Hotel.
The biennial event marked the formal transition to MRCA’s new 2026–2028 council while bringing together around 1,000 attendees, including MRCA council members, retailers, business leaders, corporate partners and other distinguished guests.
The event was attended by YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), as Guest of Honour.
Founded in 1992, MRCA represents retailers through networking, education, training and the pooling of resources and expertise.
Dato’ Liew Bin Installed as New MRCA President
A key highlight of the evening was the formal transition of leadership from Immediate Past President Datuk Dr Ken Phua to newly installed MRCA President Dato’ Liew Bin for the 2026–2028 term.
A symbolic Key Handover Ceremony took place in the presence of YB Hannah Yeoh to mark the leadership transition.
In his inaugural address, Dato’ Liew Bin outlined his vision of positioning MRCA as “The Home of Retailers”, with the association seeking to provide an inclusive platform where retail businesses of different sizes can find value, build connections and grow together.
MRCA’s official 2026–2028 council lists Dato’ Liew Bin as President, with Datuk Dr Ken Phua serving as Immediate Past President.
Growing MRCA’s Retail Network
The association currently represents 600 members and more than 40,000 outlets locally and internationally, with its wider network supporting more than 400,000 job opportunities.
During her keynote address, YB Hannah Yeoh commended MRCA’s 34-year legacy and highlighted its “Member Get Member” initiative, which aims to grow the association’s membership to 1,000 members and represent more than 10,000 businesses through strategic affiliations.
The initiative forms part of MRCA’s efforts to broaden its retail network and strengthen its role as a platform for businesses across Malaysia’s retail sector.
Government and Retail Sector Collaboration
YB Hannah Yeoh also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government and the retail sector in supporting urban economic growth.
She said the government, together with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Putrajaya Corporation, is working to streamline licensing and regulatory processes for retail businesses.
The aim is to reduce unnecessary administrative procedures and make it easier for businesses to open and operate. Bernama separately reported that the government is reviewing processes to move business applications further online and reduce administrative burdens on entrepreneurs.
“The MADANI government is deeply committed to ensuring dynamic and sustainable economic development,” said YB Hannah Yeoh.
She added that pro-business policies should help create a more liveable city while allowing businesses, retailers and communities to develop alongside one another.
MRCA Partners with Lark Technologies on AI-Powered Retail
The anniversary celebration also featured a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exchange between MRCA and Lark Technologies Pte. Ltd.
The strategic collaboration will focus on advancing AI-powered digital transformation across Malaysia’s retail industry.
The partnership comes as retailers increasingly explore digital tools and artificial intelligence to improve business operations, customer engagement and competitiveness.
For MRCA, the collaboration also aligns with its broader focus on helping retailers strengthen their businesses through innovation, education, training and knowledge-sharing. The association’s Retail Division specifically identifies business development and innovation, as well as engagement with technology and other partners, among its objectives.
Strengthening the Future of Malaysian Retail
With a new council in place and a stated ambition to become “The Home of Retailers”, MRCA is positioning its next term around a stronger network for businesses operating in Malaysia’s changing retail landscape.
The association’s 2026–2028 leadership, together with its growing membership base and new collaboration with Lark Technologies, reflects a continued focus on retail networking, digital transformation and industry development.
The evening concluded with recognition of the corporate patrons and sponsors whose support contributed to the event, including RHB Bank, U Mobile, Lark Technologies, Berjaya Sompo Insurance, Adyen Malaysia and Illuminext, alongside the event’s Diamond, Platinum, Gold and Silver sponsors.
