Why This Year’s MIHAS Could Change the Future of Global Halal Business

Beyond the Exhibition Halls, MIHAS 2026 Revealed Where the Global Halal Economy Is Heading

Every year, the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) brings together thousands of businesses, buyers, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders from around the world.

But MIHAS 2026 was different.

The event was not simply another trade exhibition showcasing halal products. It provided a glimpse into how the global halal economy is evolving — becoming more digital, more sustainable, more internationally connected, and increasingly relevant to businesses far beyond traditional Muslim markets.

Held from 23 to 26 September 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, the 22nd edition of MIHAS reinforced Malaysia’s position as one of the world’s most influential halal trade hubs. The event was organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) under Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).

The final numbers tell an impressive story.

MIHAS 2026 generated RM6.78 billion in sales, representing a 12% increase compared with RM6.05 billion recorded in 2025 and exceeding the event’s RM5 billion target. The exhibition attracted 69,104 visitors from 93 countries, the highest attendance since MIHAS began in 2004. Exhibitors and International Sourcing Programme (INSP) buyers represented 58 countries, demonstrating the event’s growing international reach.

However, the real importance of MIHAS 2026 goes beyond the financial figures.

The bigger story is what these results reveal about the future of the global halal economy.

MIHAS 2026 at a Glance

Event: Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026
Edition: 22nd edition
Dates: 23–26 September 2026
Location: Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur
Organiser: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)
Theme: “Shaping Trust, Driving Resilience”
Sales Generated: RM6.78 billion
Visitors: 69,104 from 93 countries
Exhibitors and INSP Buyers: From 58 countries
INSP Contribution: RM4.02 billion

Why MIHAS 2026 Matters for Malaysia

Malaysia has spent decades building one of the world’s most developed halal ecosystems.

Through strong institutions, internationally recognized halal certification practices, trade promotion initiatives, and government support, Malaysia has positioned itself as a key player in the global halal economy.

But MIHAS 2026 demonstrated that Malaysia’s ambitions now extend beyond being a producer of halal-certified goods.

The country is positioning itself as a complete halal business ecosystem — one where companies can access:

• international buyers,
• export opportunities,
• certification expertise,
• Islamic finance solutions,
• technology providers,
• investment networks,
• and global partnerships.

This strategic shift is important because the future of the halal economy will not be determined only by who produces halal products.

It will be shaped by who creates the most trusted, innovative, and internationally connected halal ecosystem.

The Halal Economy Is Moving Beyond Food

One of the clearest messages from MIHAS 2026 was that halal is no longer limited to food and beverages.

The modern halal economy now includes a wide range of sectors:

• pharmaceuticals,
• healthcare,
• cosmetics,
• modest fashion,
• tourism,
• logistics,
• digital services,
• Islamic finance,
• sustainable manufacturing,
• and technology solutions.

This expansion reflects changing consumer expectations.

Consumers increasingly want products that represent not only religious compliance but also:

• safety,
• transparency,
• ethical sourcing,
• quality assurance,
• and responsible production.

This explains why halal has become increasingly relevant even among companies operating in non-Muslim-majority markets.

For many international businesses, halal certification is becoming a strategic tool to access new markets and strengthen consumer trust.

Business Matching: The Real Power Behind MIHAS

Trade exhibitions are often judged by the number of booths or visitors they attract.

But the true economic value of MIHAS lies in the business relationships created behind the scenes.

The International Sourcing Programme (INSP) remains one of the event’s strongest components, connecting Malaysian suppliers with international buyers.

In 2026, INSP generated RM4.02 billion in sales, highlighting its role as a bridge between halal businesses and global markets.

For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), this opportunity is particularly significant.

Many SMEs have strong products but struggle to enter international markets due to limited networks, export knowledge, and marketing resources.

MIHAS helps reduce those barriers by creating direct connections with:

• distributors,
• retailers,
• importers,
• investors,
• and strategic partners.

For many businesses, the most important outcome of MIHAS may not happen during the four-day event itself — but months or years later through partnerships created there.

Technology Is Changing the Future of Halal Trust

Another defining feature of MIHAS 2026 was the growing role of technology.

The global halal supply chain is becoming increasingly complex.

A product may involve raw materials from one country, manufacturing in another, packaging elsewhere, and distribution across multiple markets.

Maintaining halal integrity throughout this journey requires stronger systems of verification and transparency.

MIHAS 2026 highlighted the growing importance of:

• artificial intelligence,
• digital trade platforms,
• blockchain-based traceability,
• smart manufacturing,
• and data-driven supply chains.

MATRADE positioned MIHAS 2026 as an AI-enabled trade platform designed to improve business matching and help companies identify international opportunities more efficiently.

The message is clear:

The future of halal will not only depend on certification.

It will depend on technology-powered trust.

Sustainability and Halal Are Coming Together

Sustainability was another major theme shaping MIHAS 2026.

Across global markets, businesses and investors are increasingly focusing on:

• environmentally responsible production,
• sustainable sourcing,
• ethical supply chains,
• and ESG principles.

The connection between halal and sustainability is becoming increasingly important.

Many principles associated with halal — responsibility, accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct — align naturally with global sustainability objectives.

This creates significant opportunities for businesses that can combine:

Halal compliance + sustainability + innovation

Such companies are likely to become increasingly attractive to consumers, investors, and international partners.

What MIHAS 2026 Means for Global Halal Businesses

For businesses outside Malaysia, MIHAS 2026 sends an important message:

The halal economy represents one of the most significant global growth opportunities of the coming decade.

Companies looking to participate in this market should pay attention to several trends:

1. Halal Is Becoming Global

The market is no longer restricted to Muslim-majority countries.

Demand for halal products and services is expanding across Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America.

2. Trust Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage

Consumers increasingly want proof, transparency, and traceability.

Companies that can demonstrate authenticity will have stronger market positions.

3. Innovation Will Separate Future Winners

Technology adoption, digital platforms, and sustainable practices will determine which businesses succeed globally.

4. Partnerships Matter More Than Ever

The halal economy is highly interconnected.

Success increasingly depends on collaboration between manufacturers, regulators, financial institutions, technology providers, and distributors.

The Future Direction of the Global Halal Economy

MIHAS 2026 demonstrated that the halal economy has entered a new phase.

It is becoming:

• more international,
• more technology-driven,
• more sustainable,
• and more integrated with global trade.

For Malaysia, MIHAS reaffirmed its role as a major global halal hub.

For businesses, it created new pathways to international growth.

For the global halal economy, it provided a powerful reminder that halal is no longer simply a certification category.

It is becoming a global framework built around trust, quality, ethics, innovation, and sustainable growth.

The biggest lesson from MIHAS 2026 is perhaps this:

The future of halal business will belong to companies that understand that halal is not only about what they sell — it is about the trust they build.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MIHAS 2026?

MIHAS 2026 was the 22nd Malaysia International Halal Showcase, an international trade exhibition connecting halal businesses, buyers, investors, and industry stakeholders from around the world.

How much sales did MIHAS 2026 generate?

MIHAS 2026 generated RM6.78 billion in sales, exceeding its RM5 billion target.

How many countries participated in MIHAS 2026?

Visitors came from 93 countries, while exhibitors and INSP buyers represented 58 countries.

Why is MIHAS important for the global halal economy?

MIHAS provides a platform for international trade, business partnerships, innovation, investment, and discussions shaping the future direction of the halal industry.