MALAYSIAN RUBBER INNOVATION COMMERCIALISATION INITIATIVE EARNS GOLD AT 2026 STEVIE® AWARDS

International recognition underscores MRC's role in helping translate Malaysian rubber innovations into tangible commercial outcomes for the rubber products industry. 

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s efforts to advance rubber innovation commercialisation have received international recognition, with the Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) winning the Gold Stevie® Award at the 2026 International Business Awards® under the Cross-Sector Public Innovation Partnership of the Year category for its Coordinated Commercialisation Framework (CCF).  

The 2026 International Business Awards attracted more than 3,800 nominations from 78 countries, with entries evaluated by over 210 professionals worldwide. The recognition places MRC among international award recipients acknowledged for their achievements in cross-sector collaboration. 

Developed by MRC with the support of the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK) and its strategic partners, the CCF brings together government agencies, research institutions, technology developers, industry players and funding bodies to facilitate the commercialisation of Malaysian rubber innovations. Through this coordinated approach, MRC helps rubber products manufacturers access relevant technologies, technical expertise, funding opportunities and market connections to supporting the progression of innovations from research and development towards commercial application and market adoption.

MRC Chairman, YBhg. Dato’ Sri Mohamad Suparadi Md Noor, said the recognition reflects the collective efforts to translate Malaysia's research and innovation capabilities into tangible benefits for the rubber industry.

“Malaysia has strong capabilities in rubber research, manufacturing and product development. What matters is ensuring that these strengths translate into commercial opportunities that benefit industry players.”

“This recognition affirms the importance of collaboration in bridging research and industry needs. Through the CCF, MRC will continue connecting the right expertise, resources and partners to help bring promising Malaysian rubber innovations to market and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of the Malaysian rubber products industry,” he said. 

The framework draws on an extensive network involving 25 universities and five government agencies, providing access to 100 technologies and intellectual properties, 386 technical experts, and 416 specialised facilities and services. These resources are complemented by MRC's support initiatives, including the Commercialisation Matching Programme (ComMATCH), Industry Linkage Fund 2.0 (ILF 2.0), MRC Commercialisation Fund (MCF) and Fund for Automation and Green Technology (FAGT), which facilitate industry-linked R&D, commercialisation readiness, technology adoption and sustainable manufacturing. 

MRC's commercialisation support initiatives have delivered tangible benefits to companies in the rubber products industry. Under ILF 2.0, MRC supported 11 industry projects, including the Green Precured Tyre Tread Liner Formulation, which has been commercialised by Eversafe Rubber Berhad and is working towards entering the Japanese market. Under FAGT, MRC also supported 24 projects that enabled industry players to adopt automation, digitalisation and sustainable manufacturing practices. 

Beyond its support programmes, MRC facilitates access to external funding, enabling Malaysian rubber products companies to commercialise innovations and expand their businesses. Through MRC’s assistance, Geomax Rubber Innovative Products secured RM500,000 in funding to commercialise its patented zero-waste technology derived from nitrile glove waste. Within three years, the company recorded more than 20-fold revenue growth and expanded from one factory to three. MRC also assisted Jupiter Solutions and Heveatex to secure RM150,400 and RM358,200 funding respectively to commercialise their innovative products.   

Building on this recognition, MRC will continue strengthening strategic collaborations, facilitating technology adoption and expanding market opportunities to support the commercialisation of Malaysian rubber and rubber products innovations and contribute to the long-term growth and global competitiveness of the rubber products industry.

About MRC

The Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC), formerly known as the Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council, was incorporated on 14 April 2000 under the Companies Act 1965 as a company limited by guarantee under the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK). MRC is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by KPK. MRC is tasked with undertaking market promotion of quality Malaysian rubber and rubber products in world markets. In getting more Malaysian rubber products to penetrate local and international markets successfully, MRC also provides various commercialisation supports to the industry. MRC has overseas offices in the US and India serving as hubs for information on Malaysian rubber and rubber products. These offices support Malaysian companies in expanding their business abroad, promote Malaysian rubber exports, monitor policy changes and regulations affecting rubber imports and usage, as well as facilitate joint ventures, and R&D collaborations.  

Visit our website: www.myrubbercouncil.com

SOURCE: Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Corporate Communications Unit
Tel: +603 2782 2100
Email: comms@myrubbercouncil.com 

Name: Angela Chan
Tel: +60 16 280 7703

Name: Thania Ammanena
Tel: +60 19 218 3564

Name: 'Aisyah 'Izzati
Tel: +60 17 739 1219

--BERNAMA