South East Asia Business Awards 2026 | 6 Since being founded in 2015, B2B company NanoTextile Sdn Bhd has been delivering a number of functional technologies to Malaysia’s textile industry, targeting the fashion, medical, automotive, and home textile sectors in particular. As the company entered into its second decade last year, CEO Dr Thomas Ong launched Adaptique Wear by NanoTextile, an adaptive clothing brand that turned the brand into a B2B2C company. For more on this transition and its impact, we caught up with Dr Thomas. Recognising that the elderly, cancer survivors, and people with disabilities were often left behind by the clothing industry, Adaptique exists to help these groups feel confident and comfortable and let communities know that a solution does exist. NanoTextile, in its role as a B2B2C company, has been building a collaborative ecosystem to spread the message of the Adaptique line, partnering with hospitals, rehab centres, NGOs, caregivers, and more to bring this accessible clothing closer to those who need it the most. “Our current range successfully serves specific needs such as our EaseZip Therapy Top for oncology patients with chemo pods, the CareSnap Assist Top for those with limited mobility, and FlexiWear Mobility Pants for wheelchair users.” NanoTextile’s mission is supported by the core values of inclusivity, care, simplicity and functionality, principles that start with Dr Thomas himself. He explained: “By prioritising these values, we ensure our work with clients is focused on creating equitable access to functional clothing. These values act as the catalyst to achieve our mission by ensuring ‘left behind’ communities are the highlight of our innovation process, not an afterthought.” What sets this brand apart from other adaptive clothing providers is that it is a proud local brand to its Malaysian audience, as well as being the first adaptive clothing brand to fulfil the needs of people in the region, something Dr Thomas recognises is a big opportunity. South East Asia is simply not as familiar with adaptive clothing as Western markets, and this is why NanoTextile is as much about awareness as it is anything else. However, awareness is just the beginning, as adaptive clothing in the Asian market is different than in other parts of the world, with sizing and cultural needs both having to be considered. To this end, Adaptique has been designed to be adaptive modest wear providing proper coverage but also loose fitting and comfortable, even in cases of rehabilitation. Of course, it needs the product quality to back this up, and NanoTextile more than embodies this across its range. A great example of this is its SKU piece, which is one of the best products in its line and has been designed with the dual needs of both the wearer and the caregiver in mind. Dr Thomas added: “All the functional elements, such as zippers, Velcro, and push buttons, are seamlessly put together to make the dressing process easier.” “Adaptique Wear reframes clothing not merely as a necessity but as a source of reassurance that restores a sense of ease, confidence, and also independence.” The DEI principles NanoTextile advocates for through its products are the same ones that define its internal culture, with its focus on these areas underpinned by its recognition at the LAWA 2025 awards, where it was celebrated for creating a workplace that values diverse perspectives. Guiding the team is the belief that the products they design for a diverse world cannot be realised without an equally diverse and inclusive team. #TeamNanoTextile are exactly this, and this is reflected across the company’s adaptive clothing in Malaysia. On the back of this, a process of constant evolution defines Adaptique’s products, with its line having recently been expanded to include specialist items such as the EaseZip Therapy Top, CareSnap Assist Top, and FlexiWear Mobility Pants, each designed with unique user requirements in mind. The use of sustainable materials and manufacturing processes across its easy-to-wear clothes is another plus, highlighting NanoTextile’s pioneering spirit. Looking ahead, Dr Thomas echoed the brand’s sentiments of remaining firmly focused on its dual mission of accessibility and awareness. Whilst Adaptique is now fully online, it plans to launch a series of popup booths allowing people to experience the quality and functionality of its products firsthand. Its B2B network is also in the process of expanding, as too is its range, which aims to offer apparel for every stage of medical and physical recovery. This includes post-surgery clothing, clothes for bedridden patients, and much more. More on NanoTextile Sdn Bhd, Adaptique Wear, and Dr Thomas Ong can be found linked below. Contact: Dr Thomas Ong Company: NanoTextile Sdn Bhd Web Address: https:// nanotextileinnovation.com/ Best Adaptive Textile Technology Innovator 2026 & Excellence in Inclusive Fashion 2026
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