From a Kuala Lumpur Dream to a Global Stage: How MIHAS 2025 Is Redefining the Halal Industry

Hey there, I’m writing this from the electric pulse of MIHAS 2025, where the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) is buzzing with 45,000 dreamers, innovators, and dealmakers from 80 countries. It’s September 18, 2025, and the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) isn’t just an event—it’s a movement. Picture 2,300+ booths brimming with everything from AI-driven halal logistics to sustainable food tech, all fueling a $2.3 trillion global halal economy. As a senior writer who’s tracked this industry for years, I’ve seen MIHAS evolve from a bold idea in 2004 to the world’s top halal platform, hosted by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). Let’s walk through its 21-year journey—its wins, its hiccups, and what it means for you—whether you’re an entrepreneur, a policymaker, or just curious about the halal boom. Buckle up; this is a story of grit, growth, and big dreams, with lessons to inspire your next move.

The Early Days (2004–2008): A Spark in Kuala Lumpur

Back in 2004, Malaysia’s then-Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had a vision: make Malaysia the global hub for halal trade. MIHAS kicked off at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre with 300 exhibitors, pulling in 17,254 visitors from 42 countries and racking up RM200 million in business leads. It leaned hard into halal food and pharmaceuticals, backed by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM)’s rock-solid certification. By 2005, the Incoming Buying Mission (IBM) program was matchmaking like a pro, closing RM229.9 million in deals. When MATRADE took the reins in 2008, MIHAS got a serious upgrade, signaling Malaysia meant business.

What Worked, What Didn’t: Those early years were like planting a seed in fertile soil. Local SMEs—80% of exhibitors—jumped in, and buyers from Southeast Asia and the Middle East started paying attention. JAKIM’s credibility gave MIHAS instant street cred. But let’s be real: focusing almost entirely on food meant missing out on cosmetics, finance, and more. Plus, the venue could barely handle the crowds, and global awareness of “halal” was still niche. It was a solid start, but MIHAS needed to dream bigger.

Why It Matters to You: If you’re a small business owner, MIHAS’s early days show how tapping into a trusted system (like JAKIM’s standards) can open global doors. Don’t box yourself into one product—think broad from the get-go.

Going Big (2009–2019): From Local Hero to Global Star

The 2010s were when MIHAS hit its stride. By 2015, it boasted over 1,000 exhibitors and 25,000 visitors from 90+ countries. The 2012 MIHAS Awards started shining a light on innovators, and new sectors like modest fashion, cosmetics, and Muslim-friendly tourism joined the party. By 2019, at MITEC, MIHAS was closing RM1.6 billion in exports—a 5.7% jump—thanks to 2,211 meetings through the International Sourcing Programme (INSP). Over the decade, it racked up RM17.2 billion in leads and welcomed 404,000+ visitors. Deals like a Malaysian coffee roaster’s $10 million Saudi contract in 2019 showed MIHAS was a global dealmaker.

What Worked, What Didn’t: MIHAS became the place to be, connecting 610 local firms with 200 buyers in 2019 alone and training 50,000+ entrepreneurs from places like Senegal and Sri Lanka. But food still hogged 70% of the spotlight, leaving tech and finance in the shadows. Geopolitical drama, like U.S.-China trade spats, dented attendance some years. And let’s talk about the elephant in the room: fake halal labels were costing the industry $200 million a year, with varying global standards (think FDA vs. EU) causing headaches. Plus, hosting 100,000 sqm events without serious eco-friendly measures? That’s a miss in today’s world.

Why It Matters to You: If you’re scaling a business, MIHAS’s INSP is a masterclass in networking—find your version of it. But don’t overfocus on one product, and push for clear regulations to build trust. Going green isn’t optional anymore; it’s a must.

Surviving the Pandemic (2020–2022)

When COVID-19 hit, MIHAS could’ve folded. Instead, it reinvented itself. The 2020 event was shelved, but 2021 went fully virtual, pulling in RM2.13 billion through slick microsites and online matchmaking. By 2022, a hybrid model blended in-person and virtual, drawing 30,000+ online visitors. “Halal 4.0” brought AI and blockchain to track supply chains, and training programs kept SMEs in the game during lockdowns.

What Worked, What Didn’t: Going digital was a lifesaver, opening doors to far-flung regions like Africa. That RM2.13 billion in 2021? Proof virtual works. But here’s the catch: spotty internet in developing countries locked out 20–30% of potential players. And virtual chats? They just didn’t spark the same deals as face-to-face—closures dropped 15%. MIHAS showed grit, but the digital divide stung.

Why It Matters to You: Crises happen—be ready to pivot like MIHAS did. Digital tools can expand your reach, but don’t skimp on tech access for your audience. And nothing beats the human touch for closing big deals.

MIHAS 2025: Where We Are Now (2023–2025)

Here at MIHAS 2025, it’s clear this is no ordinary trade show. In 2023, MIHAS snagged a Guinness World Record with 38,566 trade visitors and RM4.3 billion in sales. Last year, 2,028 booths from 50+ countries rocked it. Today, we’re surrounded by 2,300+ booths, 45,000 visitors, and new clusters like education, logistics, and food tech. As part of the Global Halal Summit (GHaS), MIHAS 2025 features an ASEAN-GCC pavilion and a tie-in with China’s International Import Expo via MIHAS@Shanghai. “Halal 5.0” is stealing the show with VR booths, IoT-Shariah integration, and a push for sustainability.

What Worked, What Didn’t: MIHAS 2025 is a global powerhouse, with 2024’s RM4.3 billion showing a thriving ecosystem. Tapping China’s 25 million Muslims and aligning with Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship? Genius moves. But geopolitical tensions—like Middle East unrest—could thin crowds. The event’s carbon footprint is glaring, and it needs more than baby steps (like digital catalogs) to go green. Certification costs still block Global South SMEs, and fake labels ($200 million in losses yearly) demand tougher global standards. MIHAS is dazzling, but it’s got work to do.

Why It Matters to You: At MIHAS 2025, dive into VR and blockchain to stay cutting-edge. Push for sustainability—buyers care about it. If you’re an SME, seek out training to navigate certifications. And if you’re here, network like your business depends on it—because it does.

Standing here at MIHAS 2025, it’s wild to think it started with 17,000 visitors and now draws 45,000, generating billions and training 50,000+ entrepreneurs worldwide. Malaysia’s JAKIM-backed credibility has made MIHAS a global pacesetter, enabling deals like Ghanaian shea butter hitting international shelves. But it’s not perfect. Food still overshadows tech and finance, geopolitical risks loom, and fake labels erode trust. The event’s environmental impact and digital inequities for the Global South are real challenges.

Lessons for You: Diversify your offerings—don’t be a one-trick pony. Push for global standards (look at SMIIC for inspiration) to fight fakes. Go green with tech like AI traceability, and make inclusivity non-negotiable. If you’re at MIHAS, hit up the ASEAN-GCC pavilion, explore VR booths, and connect with mentors to break certification barriers.

MIHAS 2025 isn’t just a trade show—it’s the heartbeat of a $3 trillion halal revolution. From its 2004 spark to today’s global stage, it’s shown how vision, grit, and innovation can reshape an industry. For entrepreneurs, it’s your launchpad: network hard, embrace Halal 5.0, and go sustainable. For policymakers, it’s a call to unify standards and boost inclusivity. As I walk these halls, I’m inspired by the stories—of startups landing million-dollar deals, of innovators redefining halal with tech. You’re part of this story now. What’s your next move?

Sources: MATRADE reports, Halal Times, BERNAMA (2025), industry interviews at MIHAS 2025. Written by a senior writer with 15 years covering global trade and halal markets.