MIHAS 2026 Reinforces Malaysia's Global Halal Trade Hub Status, Fosters Industry Growth
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- The 22nd Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026 reinforces Malaysia’s position as a global halal trade hub, bringing businesses and industry stakeholders together to foster meaningful connections and support the industry's continued growth.
According to the MIHAS 2026 Success Case Studies report, the event provides a platform for companies to build business relationships and explore opportunities, while its longer-term impact will depend on whether engagements translate into exports, investment, production, and job creation.
The report said the economic impact of MIHAS 2026 can be understood across three levels: immediate commercial impact through RM6.78 billion in sales; trade-development impact through buyer connections, business matching, market information, certification, standards support and export preparation; and longer-term multiplier effects through increased production, employment, logistics, services, investment and entry into new markets.
“The main measurement challenge remains determining how many opportunities generated at MIHAS ultimately become confirmed orders, exports, new markets, investment, production and employment.
“Continued tracking after the event would provide a clearer measure of MIHAS’ longer-term economic contribution,” it said.
It also said MIHAS provides a starting point for continued engagement beyond the physical event, with tools such as agentic artificial intelligence (AI) and the MADANI Digital Trade Platform that could support communication and follow-up after participants return to their respective markets.
“As these (digital) relationships progress, activity can extend across different parts of the halal economy, linking businesses with manufacturers, logistics providers, certification organisations, technology companies, financial institutions and other service providers,” said the report.
The report stated that MIHAS 2026 lasts beyond the four-day exhibition, as it has established relationships, initiated discussions, and pursued partnerships that contribute to the ongoing development of the global halal trade network.
The report noted that investors, buyers and exhibitors of MIHAS 2026 participate with different objectives, with their experiences highlighting a common value, which is the ability to connect businesses, facilitate trade discussions and strengthen cross-border relationships.
Maybank Islamic Head of Regional Halal Business Development and Distribution Shariza Abdul Rasheed said that, as one of the investors, MIHAS provides an extensive platform for connecting businesses and stakeholders across the global Halal industry.
“As Maybank Islamic moves beyond traditional banking towards a broader “beyond banking” approach, the institution views MIHAS as an opportunity to introduce its expanded offerings and strengthen its presence within the halal business ecosystem,” she said.
MIHAS 2026, held from Sep 23-26, 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), recorded RM6.78 billion in total sales, representing a 12 per cent increase from RM6.05 billion in 2025.
The result exceeded the RM5 billion target set by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) by RM1.78 billion.
MIHAS also recorded 69,104 visitors from 93 countries, while exhibitors and International Sourcing Programme (INSP) buyers came from 58 countries, demonstrating the event’s strong international reach.
-- BERNAMA