16 Registration Certificates Presented to New Franchisors

A total of 16 franchise registration certificates were presented to new franchisors in Johor Bahru on 16 October 2026, marking the growth of Malaysia’s franchise sector across a range of industries. The presentation came as the government highlighted affordable franchise opportunities for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), including in education.

New registrations reflect a wider range of opportunities

Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh said the presentation of the certificates reflected the continued expansion of the franchise sector. She was speaking at the launch of the southern region Road to FIM2027 roadshow at Paradigm Mall Convention Centre, according to Bernama.

This growth forms part of efforts to make the franchise business model more accessible to the public. The focus is not solely on large companies, but also on entrepreneurs looking to explore businesses suited to their resources and circumstances.

The programme, themed “From Local to Global”, aims to help more entrepreneurs, particularly MSMEs, explore affordable franchises before expanding into international markets. In this context, the certificates presented to new franchisors indicate growth among brand owners, alongside efforts to attract prospective franchisees.

For readers assessing routes into business ownership, it is worth distinguishing between these two roles. The announcement of 16 certificates concerns new franchisors, while the business opportunities showcased to visitors also target those interested in becoming franchisees.

Education opportunities start at RM15,000

Fuziah also stressed that franchise opportunities are not limited to food and beverage businesses. She said opportunities in education were available with start-up capital as low as RM15,000 (Malaysian ringgit).

This figure provides a specific indication that options with lower initial capital requirements are available. It is not a standard capital requirement for all education franchises; rather, it refers to opportunities she cited when explaining the range of choices within the franchise sector.

Alongside education and food and beverage businesses, the roadshow also featured services, health and beauty brands. This variety supports efforts to challenge the perception that franchising is suitable only for large companies or confined to a single type of business.

Direct meetings with brand owners are one of the programme’s approaches. Fuziah said these interactions gave prospective entrepreneurs and franchisees the chance to explore business options suited to their budgets and circumstances.

For prospective franchisees, a start-up capital figure can serve as a starting point for discussion, rather than the sole basis for a decision. A practical next step is to ask the brand owner to explain what the offer includes and what the operational requirements are before making a financial commitment.

Brand-owner support also in focus

Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) Vice-Chairman Khalek Awang said efforts to broaden entrepreneurial opportunities also targeted local communities, including young people, graduates, homemakers and retirees seeking to earn an income.

He said the franchise business model offers support from brand owners. The forms of support cited included operational training, marketing, the transfer of expertise and guidance on meeting standards.

This adds another dimension to the discussion of start-up capital. A franchise offer is not simply about the money needed to launch a business; prospective franchisees also need to understand the guidance available from the brand owner and how it relates to running the business.

Khalek said visitors could also obtain consultations, financing information and business guidance directly from franchise operators and relevant agencies. This access gives them an opportunity to ask questions of those involved before selecting a particular offer.

Prospective entrepreneurs can therefore use consultation sessions to clarify their expectations around training, marketing and operational guidance. Clear discussions help them compare offers based on the support described, rather than brand appeal or start-up costs alone.

The road ahead to FIM2027

The Johor Bahru roadshow is an early programme in the run-up to Franchise International Malaysia 2027 (FIM2027). The main event is scheduled to take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from 6 to 8 May 2027.

For context, FIM2026 attracted 159 local and international exhibitors and more than 26,000 visitors. The event also recorded potential investment exceeding RM600 million. This figure was reported as potential investment, not investment already realised.

The presentation of 16 registration certificates and the emphasis on affordable education opportunities highlight two developments to watch ahead of the next event: an increase in new franchisors and a broader range of options for prospective franchisees to explore.

Practical takeaway: Before choosing a franchise, seek clarification on start-up capital, operational requirements and support from the brand owner. Use meetings and consultation services to assess whether an offer suits your resources and circumstances.