PM Anwar Ibrahim Launches Global Halal Summit 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, September 19, 2025 – The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2025 reached a triumphant milestone on its third day as YAB Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim officiated the Opening Ceremony at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). Organized by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), the 21st edition of MIHAS, themed “Pinnacle of Halal Excellence,” runs from September 17 to 20, 2025, reinforcing Malaysia’s stature as a global leader in the halal economy.

The ceremony, held concurrently with the Global Halal Summit’s opening, capped two days of robust activity. Preliminary results from the flagship International Sourcing Programme (INSP) indicate strong progress toward MIHAS’s RM4.5 billion sales target. The INSP facilitated over 4,000 business meetings, connecting 600 Malaysian sellers with 300 international buyers, including leading retailers and hypermarkets boasting combined annual revenues exceeding RM1.5 trillion. With a virtual component extending until November 5, 2025, the programme has already surpassed last year’s RM2.52 billion sales, solidifying trade linkages across ASEAN, the GCC, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Day two spotlighted the Knowledge Hub, a dynamic platform featuring 23 curated sessions with 76 global industry experts, alongside two webinars on supply chain traceability and e-commerce. This initiative, enriched by prelude sessions from strategic partners, expert-led webinars, and a panel discussion, delivers 24/7 market intelligence, regulatory insights, actionable analytics, and direct access to premium buyers, empowering businesses for global expansion.

YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), underscored Malaysia’s strategic vision: “Malaysia is reframing halal as a driver of responsible innovation to reinforce sustainable and inclusive economic growth. By expanding halal trade, we are not only capturing value from a fast-growing global sector but also hedging against volatility in traditional commodities, while reinforcing our role as a bridge between the Muslim world and global markets. Our RM62-billion halal industry—bolstered by events like MIHAS—represents a forward-looking economic strategy that strengthens our resilience, enhances our soft power, and secures new pathways to prosperity for Malaysians.”

MATRADE Chairman YB Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican highlighted MIHAS’s catalytic role: “The strong performance of the INSP this year underscores the global demand for Malaysia’s halal offerings. Through MIHAS and our digital platforms, we are enabling Malaysian exporters to connect with high-value global buyers and unlock new opportunities.”

Looking ahead, MIHAS will extend its global footprint with MIHAS@Shanghai from November 5 to 11, 2025, in tandem with the China International Import Expo, and plans are underway for a 2026 European edition. This expansion targets high-value markets and a burgeoning halal consumer base, offering Malaysian exporters unparalleled sectoral access.

MIHAS 2025 showcases 14 industry clusters—spanning halal food, pharmaceuticals, Islamic finance, modest fashion, green technology, e-commerce, and Muslim-friendly tourism—alongside knowledge platforms like the Global Halal Summit, Halal Sector Forum, and Halal Certification Body Convention. This year anticipates 45,000 visitors, 2,400 booths, and participation from 80 countries.

Since its 2004 inception, MIHAS has generated nearly RM30 billion in export sales and attracted over 500,000 business visitors. With INSP 2025’s stellar performance and the forthcoming European venture, MIHAS continues to position Malaysia at the forefront of the global halal economy.