The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026 has reaffirmed Malaysia’s pivotal role in the growing global halal economy.
This comes after 30,000 visitors attended the first two days of the ongoing flagship halal trade event, putting it on course to meet its target of 50,000 business visitors.
The 22nd edition of MIHAS, organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), is being held from September 23 to 26 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur.
This year’s showcase features 2,000 exhibition booths, 1,700 exhibitors and 450 buyers from 58 countries, reflecting strong international interest in Malaysia’s halal trade and business ecosystem.
The turnout recorded on the second day positions MIHAS to potentially become the most attended edition of the showcase to date.
MIHAS 2026 has also provided a platform for new international partnerships, including a Letter of Intent signed between MATRADE and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).
The agreement establishes the Halal Development Officer (HDO) Programme under the Malaysia Halal Global Nexus (MyHGN) initiative.
Under the programme, MATRADE officers stationed around the world will be equipped to provide guidance on Malaysia’s halal ecosystem, support greater recognition of halal certification internationally and help drive halal exports.
The development coincided with the Global Halal Summit (GHaS), which was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on behalf of the Prime Minister of Malaysia at MITEC.
“The ASEAN Halal Council must have a clear mandate and concrete priorities. Its success should be measured through fewer barriers, easier market access, and more companies trading across borders. I would like to announce that this event has generated about US$1.2 billion in sales, consisting of actual sales and potential sales,” he said to great applause.
Dr Ahmad Zahid also decried the phenomenon where different national requirements hinder access to global markets.
“We have growing demand, capable businesses and strong national institutions. Yet businesses still encounter different requirements, repeated procedures and difficulties entering neighbouring markets. We must continue sharing knowledge, strengthening networks and forging new collaborations to shape a more dynamic and resilient [global halal ecosystem],” he said.
“Amid emerging global challenges, our foundations are the values of Sharia, integrity, ethics and responsibility. We must work with strategic partners to deepen cooperation, share expertise and expand market access towards a global halal ecosystem.”
Hosted by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), GHaS serves as Malaysia’s flagship platform for global Halal diplomacy, governance, and capacity-building. GhaS brings together Government certification bodies, relevant Government agencies, Islamic scholars, policy makers, and global industry leaders on one platform to build technical capacity, streamline international compliance, and facilitate seamless market access for Malaysian companies.
Beyond the showcase and business matchmaking, MIHAS 2026 offers a complete enablement ecosystem for Halal enterprises. MATRADE’s Knowledge Hub delivers actionable market intelligence featuring industry leaders from DHL Express Malaysia, UOB Malaysia, and Farm Fresh Malaysia, while the Women in Export (WiEX) initiative showcases 80 women-led booths. Celebrating excellence across the ecosystem, the prestigious MIHAS Awards honours standout industry innovators, recognising exceptional achievements in product innovation, sustainability, and global market expansion.
Since its inception in 2004, MIHAS has generated more than RM35.0 billion (equivalent to GHS99 billion) in export sales and drawn over half a million business visitors from around the world. Now in its 22nd edition, the showcase continues to chart new frontiers in positioning Malaysia at the heart of the global Halal economy.
About Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026
Since it began in 2004, the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) has grown into a major platform for Halal trade and has helped strengthen the global industry’s position in Halal standards, governance, and market access.
Recognised as a Guinness World Records holder and hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) as organiser, MIHAS now covers 14 sectors, from food and beverages and pharmaceuticals to Islamic finance, modest fashion, personal care, technology, services, and Muslim-friendly tourism. The 22nd edition of MIHAS, themed “Shaping Trust, Driving Resilience”, will focus on regulated-by-design governance and technology-enabled trade.
About MATRADE
The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) was established on 1 March 1993 as the national trade promotional arm under Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).
MATRADE’s primary role is to assist Malaysian exporters in developing and expanding their export markets. Aligned with Malaysia’s commercial diplomacy efforts, MATRADE is the nation’s trade facilitator and champion of Malaysian-made products and services on the global stage.
By: Ekow Annan and Tutuwaa Danso
