Anwar Ibrahim, the Malaysian PM, Launches MIHAS 2023

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2023 (MIHAS 2023), scheduled from September 12 to 15, 2023, opened with a resounding message of growth and potential within the global Halal industry. This renowned event has consistently demonstrated its significance by generating RM21.66 billion in sales over the past 18 editions.

YB Dato’ Sri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Chairman of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), emphasized the continuous growth of MIHAS. He stated, “The success of MIHAS 2023 showcases the immense potential and growth opportunities within the Halal market. We provide businesses an opportunity to capitalize on the rising Halal market, which is expected to grow to nearly USD3.5 trillion by 2030. It is also an opportunity for Malaysian companies to connect, network, and learn from industry leaders, making it a must-attend event for anyone within the Halal economy.”

Dato’ Sri Reezal Merican Naina Merican expressed optimism in achieving the sales target of RM2.5 billion for the 19th edition of MIHAS this year.

MIHAS 2023 is not only about showcasing products but also fostering collaboration. According to Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, MIHAS 2023 has placed a strong emphasis on strategic collaboration with Ministries, Agencies, and State Governments to encourage greater participation of local companies, especially Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This year’s edition attracted the participation of 34 government agencies, including Ministries, Agencies, and State Governments.

MIHAS 2023 focuses on 13 key clusters, demonstrating its commitment to diversify beyond the food and beverage segment. These clusters include Food and Beverages, Food Technology and Packaging, Pharmaceuticals and Medicals, Education, Modest Fashion and Lifestyle, E-commerce, Retail and Franchise, Muslim-Friendly Hospitality and Tourism, Services and Enablers, Islamic Finance and Fintech, Media and Recreation, Cosmetics and Personal Care, and Islamic Arts and Crafts.

Apart from the trade fair, MIHAS 2023 features additional components, such as the International Sourcing Programme (INSP), which facilitated physical and virtual business meetings between close to 500 international buyers and 822 Malaysian exporters. Notably, 11 premium buyers from eight countries, with a collective revenue of USD28 billion, participated in this program.

MIHAS 2023’s Knowledge Hub offers insights on trends, market access, and sourcing requirements through direct engagements with premium buyers. Prominent business leaders representing chambers of commerce and trade associations will moderate these sessions, highlighting MIHAS’s role as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.

The event will also host the MIHAS Awards, celebrating excellence and uniqueness among exhibitors and Halal products and services. This includes the MIHAS Excellence Award and the MIHAS Innovative Award, which recognizes exhibitors’ outstanding contributions.

In alignment with environmental sustainability goals, MIHAS 2023 is organizing programs to showcase its commitment. This includes the “Tudung Lama, Kasi Baru” campaign, promoting sustainability by exchanging old hijabs for vouchers to purchase new ones. Additionally, the MODA Sustainable Threads Affair (MOSTA) event will highlight innovations in modest fashion.

Durioo+, a streaming channel promoting Islamic values and virtues, will partner with MIHAS in the media and recreation cluster, adding a unique dimension to this year’s event.

MIHAS 2023 stands as a beacon of opportunity within the global Halal market, offering a platform for businesses to thrive and innovate in a rapidly expanding industry.