SERI KEMBANGAN, Malaysia — As the world’s eyes turn to Southeast Asia, the Malaysia Halal Expo 2023 (MHE) emerges as a beacon of hope for local entrepreneurs eager to make their mark on the international stage. With a mission to fortify the domestic halal market, the expo is poised to rake in an impressive RM3 million to RM5 million in sales.
Hosted at the illustrious Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre, the event, which runs until tomorrow, boasts a diverse array of 123 companies and organizations. These entities are proudly displaying an expansive selection of halal products, spanning sectors from gastronomy and education to high fashion and digital commerce, and even extending to pharmaceuticals, tourism, and the financial world.
Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, Fuziah Salleh, highlighted the international flair of the event, noting the presence of “over 40 business delegations hailing from nations such as Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Vietnam.” She emphasized the expo’s potential to catalyze collaborations between local and international business magnates. The ministry has ambitiously pegged the retail sales target for this year’s expo at RM4 million.
Under the banner “Empowering Locals for Global Sustainability,” MHE 2023 underscores the prowess and potential of Malaysia’s halal enterprises and the innovative products and services they bring to the table.
But it’s not all business. The expo is also a hub of enrichment, offering a plethora of side events like business and job matching sessions, and enlightening talks. These are designed to equip local businessmen with the tools to venture beyond Malaysian shores and to foster employment, particularly for the nation’s youth. “This business matching initiative is a golden ticket for local entrepreneurs, priming them for the global market,” Fuziah remarked during the inaugural ceremony.
Aligning with the Malaysia Madani vision, the job-matching segment aims to elevate the economic stature of Malaysians by generating employment opportunities. “This is not merely a recruitment drive. It’s a strategic move to curb unemployment and position graduates, especially those in the halal sector, at the forefront of the industry,” Fuziah’s sentiments were echoed in a speech delivered by Selangor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living director, Mohd Zuhairi Mat Radey.
The Business Pocket Talk promises to be a treasure trove of knowledge, offering local entrepreneurs a chance to glean insights and trade secrets from industry stalwarts.
The World Bank’s data underscores the vitality of Malaysia’s halal food services sector, which clocked in a revenue of RM128.8 billion in 2021 and is projected to soar to RM201.02 billion by 2025.
Mohammad Sahar Mat Din, the president of the Malaysian Islamic Chamber of Commerce, envisions the expo as a conduit for Malaysians to grasp the essence of the halal concept. He extended a warm invitation to non-Muslim allies to collaborate with halal industry leaders, capitalizing on the global recognition of Malaysia’s Jakim logo.
MHE2023, which is open to the public from noon to midnight until September 3rd, is generously sponsored by property magnate EcoWorld and financial powerhouse Affin Bank. Visitors can indulge in a smorgasbord of activities, from culinary showcases and makeup masterclasses to latte art demonstrations, an inflatable playground, and even a petting zoo.
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