Inaugural Lubricant Exhibition opens September 9 at KLCC in Malaysia

The Asian Lubricants Industry Association (ALIA) and F&L Asia Ltd. are pleased to announce their inaugural Lubricant Exhibition, opening at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from September 9-11, 2024. This pivotal event, which is open to the general public, will gather key industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to explore the latest innovations and trends in Southeast Asia’s (SEA) lubricants market. 

In launching this lubricant exhibition in partnership with leading media company F&L Asia Ltd., ALIA aims not only to create an unparalleled business networking platform for its 100+ member companies but also to elevate the public’s understanding of the critical role lubricants play in driving sustainability. By reducing friction and wear, lubricants extend the lifespan of machinery and equipment, conserving valuable resources and contributing to a more sustainable future.

The strategic choice of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for their inaugural exhibition highlights the importance of Southeast Asia, which plays a pivotal role in global lubricants growth. Exhibitors from across Asia, Middle East, Europe and North America will showcase the latest advancements in the industry.

The exhibition has participation from 23 countries, with notable representation from Malaysia, Singapore, China, India, and Vietnam. These countries dominate the participant pool, particularly from the Southeast Asia region, which aligns with the exhibition’s focus.

Southeast Asia is a vital region in the global lubricants market. According to consulting firm Kline, the ASEAN market represents 8% of the global lubricants market, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2%, significantly outpacing the relatively flat growth in Europe and North America. The market value of lubricants in ASEAN is projected to grow at a much higher rate, driven by the region’s growing population, expanding middle class, growth in the industrial and automotive sectors, and increasing demand for high-quality lubricants.

So far, over 1,000 participants have pre-registered for this inaugural event, underscoring the high level of interest across the industry. Approximately 30% are in technical roles such as engineers and technical managers, while 70% are non-technical professionals, including business development, sales, and senior leadership, ensuring both technical expertise and strategic business networking opportunities.

Roughly 20-25% of the attendees are in senior leadership roles, indicating a high level of decision-makers attending the event. About 40-50% of the attendees are mid-level managers, suggesting a strong focus on operational and strategic-level roles. Sales roles make up about 15-20% of the attendees, aligning with the exhibition’s networking and business development objectives.

Exhibition highlights

1. ALIA Training Course: Fundamentals of Lubrication – September 9-10, 2024  

The ALIA Training Course is designed to provide fundamental knowledge, as well as emerging trends such as product carbon footprint, re-refined base oils (RRBO), synthetic base stocks and electric vehicle fluids. Expert-led sessions by professionals from ALIA member companies will elevate the expertise of new hires and seasoned professionals alike. Sustainability, health, safety, and environmental stewardship are core elements of the course, emphasizing the importance of proper lubrication in modern industrial practices. [More details here.]

2. ALIA 7th Anniversary & Exhibitor Appreciation Dinner – September 9, 2024  

Celebrate with industry professionals at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Charlotte Kehoe, ALIA Chair, will open the evening, followed by a keynote speech from Dave Duncan, Global Product Line Director at Xinxiang Richful Lube Additive Co. Ltd. [Learn more about the event here.]

3. Opening ceremony – September 10, 2024  

The exhibition will officially open with a keynote address from Ahmad Adly Alias, Vice President of Refining, Marketing, and Trading, Downstream Business at PETRONAS. With nearly 30 years in the energy sector, Adly has navigated through the evolution from traditional to diversified energy. He is actively steering PETRONAS Downstream business to a sustainable future as VP of Refining, Marketing & Trading (RMT), where he oversees refining operations, manages crude and product trading, and the marketing of lubricants in more than 90 countries.

4. Roundtable discussion – September 11, 2024  

The event will feature a roundtable discussion on “The Circular Economy — Exploring the Transition to a Circular Economy Model and Its Implications for Businesses and Society”, with panelists from key industries, including BMW Group Malaysia and Pentas Flora, sharing insights on how businesses can adopt sustainable models.

5. Exhibitor presentations  

With 25 presentations during three days on topics such as ILSAC GF-7 and the Impact of Global Emission and Fuel Economy Regulations, attendees will have access to the latest advancements and innovations in the lubricant industry. View the entire program here.

This event is far from your typical exhibition. A key highlight is the Networking Café, designed to foster meaningful connections in a relaxed, collegial atmosphere—offering halal food at reasonable prices and a welcoming space for genuine interaction, not just lead generation. Visitors also enjoy free Wi-Fi provided by KLCC, ensuring they stay connected throughout the day. Meanwhile, exhibitors can retreat to the exclusive Exhibitor Lounge, a quiet space with complimentary coffee, tea, and water all day—perfect for taking a break from booth duties and balancing professional interaction with personal downtime.

Visitor information  

The exhibition is free to attend and is open to the general public. Visitors can register online here. The exhibition will run daily from 10 am to 5 pm, providing ample opportunity for attendees to network and learn about the latest trends and developments in the lubricants market.

Bonus: Visitors who submit their feedback form will have the chance to win a door prize, while supplies last!

About ALIA  

The Asian Lubricants Industry Association (ALIA) represents over 100 businesses across the entire lubricants value chain, from manufacturers to suppliers, technology partners, and distributors. ALIA is dedicated to advancing the lubricants industry in the Asia Pacific region by fostering collaboration and driving growth.

About F&L Asia Ltd.  

F&L Asia Ltd. is a leading publishing and events company within the global fuels and lubricants sector. As a platform for thought leadership and innovation, F&L Asia connects industry professionals, facilitates groundbreaking discussions, and delivers insights on the latest trends and advancements in the industry through its numerous publications and annual event, F+L Week, which is celebrating its 30th year in 2025 in Bali, Indonesia.