The world’s biggest Halal trade show, the 22nd Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), is putting artificial intelligence at the centre of efforts to connect global buyers and sellers as the Halal economy continues to expand.
MIHAS 2026, which opened in the Malaysian capital city of Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, is deploying AI technology to reduce missed opportunities by intelligently connecting buyers with exhibitors whose products match their specific requirements.
Under the system, registered visitors can use the MIHAS AI platform to indicate the products and services they are seeking, with an AI agent helping to identify suitable exhibitors and potential business partners.
Speaking to EIB Network’s Tutuwaa Danso on the sidelines of the ongoing MIHAS 2026 event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Chairman of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), YB Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, said the system is particularly important given the scale of the exhibition, where visitors may not be able to physically explore all 2,000 exhibition booths.
“There are about 1,000 companies participating, with 450 international companies and 600 local companies. They are matched physically, and this is done by MATRADE commissioners. We have 47 offices all over the world, making us the second-largest government organisation operating on foreign soil.”
“So, the buyers are pre-vetted, pre-engaged and carefully selected, so that when they come here, the chances of a mismatch are likely to be very low. But now, we have introduced AI. Whoever comes here can download the MIHAS AI app. There are 1,400 exhibitors, and with so many companies participating, visitors may not be able to cover everything. So, instead of missing some opportunities, they can indicate what they are looking for.”
“They will be accompanied by an agent called agentic AI. For example, they can say, ‘I want palm oil, palm derivatives, cooking oil, this kind of labelling, or this kind of quantity.’ The AI will then intelligently connect their AI with the exhibitors’ AI and identify the sellers that match their requirements. With that, the chances of missed opportunities will be reduced. Secondly, it will operate 365 days a year. You have four days here, but after four days, you don’t have to wait another year to come back and meet again. Once the AI is connected, you can continue your engagement virtually 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” he said.
The introduction of AI forms part of broader efforts by MIHAS organisers to make the exhibition more technology-enabled and improve business matching across the global Halal ecosystem.
The event features companies from Malaysia and international markets, with business-matching programmes aimed at connecting exporters with international buyers and creating opportunities for new market access.
MIHAS 2026 is expected to attract participants from across the global Halal industry, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and personal care, modest fashion, Halal logistics and Islamic finance.
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 help Malaysian exporters develop and expand 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.
MIHAS 2026 runs from September 23 to 26 at MITEC in Kuala Lumpur.
Source: Starronline.com.gh/ Ekow Annan
