The world’s biggest Halal trade show, the 22nd Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), is set to open in the Malaysian capital city of Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, with organisers targeting RM5 billion (approximately GH₵14.22 billion) in sales from the four-day event.
According to organisers, some 50,000 visitors from 45 countries and 1,700 companies occupying some 2,000 exhibition booths are expected to participate in the showcase, hosted by Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).
The event is also introducing an artificial intelligence system designed to help registered participants navigate the exhibition, discover businesses, identify potential partners and manage meetings.
Speaking ahead of the opening ceremony, MATRADE Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Indera Abu Bakar Yusof, said the AI system would provide registered participants with personalised support throughout their MIHAS experience.
“With MIHAS 2026 expected to welcome 50,000 visitors, the AI system will provide every registered participant with a dedicated AI agent and personalised support to discover businesses, engage with exhibitors and build relevant connections. We believe this approach will enhance the MIHAS experience and support our efforts to achieve RM5 billion in sales value this year,” he said.
The AI system positions MIHAS 2026 among Malaysia’s leading technology-enabled trade exhibitions. It is designed to help businesses identify relevant opportunities, connect with suitable partners and engage more effectively across the global Halal ecosystem.
The platform brings together business matching, multilingual support, exhibition navigation, meeting management and post-event engagement. These capabilities will provide participants with a more connected trade-show experience before, during and after MIHAS 2026.
A major component of MIHAS 2026 is the International Sourcing Programme, which is expected to facilitate about 4,000 business meetings between 450 international buyers, including 50 premium buyers, and approximately 600 Malaysian exporters.
The showcase will also feature the MIHAS Knowledge Hub, which provides trade intelligence and learning opportunities for Malaysian exporters, particularly micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
This year’s programme includes Power Talk 2026, themed “The Next Wave of the Halal Trade”, alongside webinars and expert sessions focused on supply chain resilience, market entry and international competitiveness.
The Women in Export (WiEX) programme has also been expanded into a dedicated pavilion featuring 80 booths, with 60 Malaysian and 20 international exhibitors.
MIHAS 2026 will further feature its annual awards programme, recognising companies for excellence, innovation, sustainability and digitalisation, while introducing the Women in Export Awards for the first time.
The Hosted Buyer Programme will connect international exhibitors with Malaysian importers, distributors and retailers to support access to the Malaysian market and wider regional opportunities.
Other attractions include daily modest-fashion runway presentations and live culinary demonstrations at the MIHAS Kitchen, which has been expanded to two floors and will feature cooking sessions by 32 chefs.
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: Vanessa Tutuwaa Danso and Francis Ekow Annan
