Latest news with #Mihas2025
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia to host largest-ever Mihas as global halal demand surges
KUALA LUMPUR: The 21st Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) in 2025 is poised to register its strongest global turnout yet, as the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) projects record exhibitor numbers. Matrade said interest in the event is already outstripping previous editions, with more than 2,300 booths confirmed from 45 countries, surpassing the 2,028 booths in last year's showcase and reinforcing Malaysia's growing influence in the global halal economy. "This surge signals unprecedented interest and sets the stage for Mihas' most impactful showcase yet," it said. With the theme "Pinnacle of Halal Excellence," Mihas 2025 will focus on innovation, sustainability, and digitalisation as key growth drivers. Its Knowledge Hub will promote knowledge sharing, halal investment, and policy alignment, while the targeted international sourcing programme will connect local exporters with curated international buyers through the Madani digital trade (MDT) platform. Launched in March this year, the MDT is an integrated virtual showcase designed to empower Malaysian businesses in expanding their global footprint. Mihas said it offers real-time matching, analytics and tools for more efficient and resilient business connections. "This engagement also reflects Malaysia's forward-looking agenda as Asean Chair in 2025, focusing on sustainable, innovative, and inclusive trade. "By leveraging Mihas as a flagship initiative, Malaysia aims to advance regional cooperation through halal trade, investment, and policy alignment," it added. Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said that since its launch in 2004, Mihas has evolved from a vision by the late former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi into the world's premier halal trade showcase. "From welcoming just over 17,000 visitors in our first year to breaking the Guinness World Record in 2023 with 43,000 trade visitors, our journey reflects the unwavering support of our global partners. "This year, under the theme 'Pinnacle of Halal Excellence', we are poised to welcome over 45,000 trade visitors from more than 45 countries," he said.
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Mihas eyes stronger global reach
Shared growth: (From left) Morocco First Counsellor Mohamed-Ali El Kourmir, Libya Counsellor Ibrahim Ahmed Ibrahim, Palestine Ambassador Walid Abu Ali, Matrade board member Mohammad Medan Abdullah, Reezal Merican, Abu Bakar, Kazahkstan First Secretary Amir Aldazhanov and Czech Republic Ambassador Juraj Koudelka at the Mihas Foreign Mission Networking Hi-Tea. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: After setting a Guinness World Record last year for attracting 43,000 trade visitors, the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) is aiming to draw more than 45,000 participants from over 45 countries this year. Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said Mihas 2025 will feature more than 2,300 booths across 14 industry clusters. 'These 14 clusters include education, Muslim-friendly hospitality and tourism, food technology and packaging, pharmaceutical and medical, franchise, Islamic art and crafts, and logistics. 'Mihas has continuously increased participation and footfall, which reflects the support from international partners,' he said during the Mihas foreign mission networking hi-tea at the Matrade exhibition hall yesterday. Reezal Merican said the achievement had helped them lead Mihas internationally. He said Matrade had launched Mihas in Dubai last year and would expand it to Shanghai this year. 'Hopefully next year, we will organise Mihas in the European region, where Malaysian halal businesses can showcase their businesses internationally. 'The global halal market is currently worth over US$3.5 trillion (RM14.8 trillion). It is expected to reach US$5 trillion (RM21.2 trillion) by 2030,' he added. Matrade deputy chief executive officer Abu Bakar Yusof said Mihas 2025 will feature a special Asean and Gulf Cooperation Council pavilion. 'The six GCC member states are experiencing rapid growth, making it timely for Malaysia to explore ways to contribute and create better market opportunities for businesses from both regions. 'Malaysia has sustained a strong position with more than 200 partners, and we are moving up in the ranks of trade globally,' he said. Abu Bakar also urged foreign traders to utilise the new Madani Digital Trade platform, an artificial intelligence-based system that helps match Malaysian halal exporters, especially small medium enterprises with international buyers to support genuine cross-border deals. Meanwhile, Matrade director of halal, food and beverage and agro-based section Yusram Yusof said Malaysia has led the overall global Islamic economy indicator ranking for 11 consecutive years in the halal industry. 'The halal industry stands in the top 10 among other industries, contributing RM161bil to this year's gross domestic product,' he said. Last year, Malaysia's halal exports were valued at RM61.8bil, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. 'The sector supports more than 350,000 jobs nationwide and is anchored by 14 halal parks, which have attracted RM3.8bil in investments and are home to over 300 companies. He also said Malaysia has come up with a comprehensive halal ecosystem. 'If there are good strategies in place, we can meet the target set by our Prime Minister to achieve RM80bil halal export,' he added. Recently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan, said Malaysia hoped to achieve RM80bil halal export. Mihas 2025, themed 'Pinnacle of Halal Excellence', will be held from Sept 17 to 20 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre.
The Star
26-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Matrade eyes RM4.5bil trade sales from Mihas 2025
Matrade chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz. PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) is setting its sights on RM4.5bil in halal trade sales for its upcoming 21st Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas 2025), with the event expected to draw 45,000 visitors. The event, which includes the International Sourcing Programme (INSP) Mihas, will return in a hybrid format. The physical session will make its debut at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) on Sept 17, 2025, while the virtual sessions will run from April 1 to Nov 5, 2025. Matrade aims to attract a total of 450 buyers for INSP Mihas, including 250 physical participants, 150 virtual buyers and 50 premium buyers. This compares to 330 buyers from 53 countries recorded in the previous edition, which generated RM2.53bil in sales. 'Building on the strong momentum of Mihas 2024 which generated RM4.3bil in sales and drew over 43,000 visitors from 90 countries, Mihas 2025 is poised to reach new heights,' said Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican in a statement. 'With an ambitious target of RM4.5bil in halal trade and 45,000 international visitors, we are amplifying our global impact through smarter, tech-driven connections,' he said, noting the role of the agency's artificial intelligence-powered Madani Digital Trade Platform in facilitating business matching. Matrade chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said the decision to host INSP Mihas at Mitec reflects Malaysia's growing presence in the halal sector. 'Bringing the physical INSP Mihas to Mitec marks an important milestone for us. It offers Malaysian businesses a central platform to engage with a wider pool of global buyers and expand their reach in the international marketplace,' he said. 'As we scale up, we remain committed to forging meaningful global partnerships and creating greater market access for halal businesses around the world,' he added. INSP Mihas 2025 will involve exporters from 19 sectors such as halal food, fashion, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, logistics, Islamic finance, information and communications technology and education. The showcase is also expected to host 1,700 exhibitors across 2,380 booths and include 45 country pavilions. Registration for the physical and virtual sessions closes on July 15 and Nov 5, respectively.
Malay Mail
01-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Halal exports hit record RM61.79b as Malaysia maintains global leadership, says Tengku Zafrul
KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — Malaysia's halal product exports reached RM61.79 billion in 2024, marking a 15 per cent increase from RM53.72 billion recorded in the same period of 2023, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz. He noted that Malaysia has maintained its top position in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator rankings for 10 consecutive years, ahead of Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates. 'Malaysia's strength lies in Islamic finance, halal food, as well as media and recreation. 'The halal industry constitutes a significant portion of Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP), with projections estimating a 10.8 per cent contribution or RM231 billion by 2030. This growth is primarily driven by a robust halal ecosystem across sectors such as food, finance, and travel,' he said. He made these remarks in his officiating speech at the soft launch of the 21st Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) 2025, here yesterday. The speech was delivered by deputy secretary-general (Industry) Datuk Hanafi Sakri. Tengku Zafrul said the global demand for halal products is currently valued at over US$3 trillion and is expected to grow to US$5 trillion by 2030, underscoring the global appeal of halal's ethical and sustainable attributes. 'Malaysia's leadership in this sector is a testament to our continued innovation and dedication. 'Among the major international halal market players are Nestlé, Allana Group, Cargill Incorporated and Fraser & Neave. I am proud to note that several Malaysian companies such as DagangHalal Group, Prima Quality Food Industries, Kawan Food Bhd, Crescent Foods, QL Foods Sdn Bhd, and Ayamas Food Corporation, are also recognised among the top players globally,' he said. He highlighted that this year's Mihas theme, 'Pinnacle of Halal Excellence', reflects its standing as the world's leading and most prestigious halal showcase. 'With greater international participation anticipated, Mihas 2025 is set to be larger and more dynamic than previous editions. It will showcase the latest halal products, services, and technologies, highlighting the industry's latest advancements,' he said. Mihas 2025 is scheduled to take place on Sept 17-20, 2025, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec). Tengku Zafrul also stated that halal-related initiatives are part of the Priority Economic Deliverables for 2025 (PEDs), particularly in the context of Malaysia's Asean chairmanship. 'Malaysia is actively promoting the halal industry as a key driver of economic growth and regional cooperation. 'There will be a dedicated pavilion representing Asean's halal industry, as well as a special pavilion for companies from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which is a strategic partner of Asean, featured at Mihas this year,' he shared. He also noted that Mihas's internationalisation effort debuted in Dubai last year and will continue with an edition in Shanghai this November. Since its inception in 2004, Mihas has expanded from 500 booths to 2,100 booths in its most recent edition. 'I would like to highlight that the 20th edition of Mihas marked a record-breaking achievement for both the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation, recording RM4.3 billion in sales,' he said. To date, Mihas has generated nearly RM30 billion in export sales and attracted 12,000 local and international halal industry players, along with over 500,000 trade visitors from around the globe. Additionally, over 7,000 international buyers have been matched with 10,000 Malaysian companies through Mihas's flagship business programme, the International Sourcing Programme (INSP). — Bernama
The Sun
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Mihas 2025 targets global halal trade sales of RM4.5 billion
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2025 (Mihas 2025) – the 21st in the series – is targeting global trade sales of RM4.5 billion. Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said Mihas 2025, scheduled to be held from Sept 17 to 20 at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, will harness its groundbreaking artificial intelligence-powered Madani Digital Trade Platform The platform will connect businesses, optimise trade matchmaking and enhance global halal trade opportunities, he said at the soft launch of Mihas 2025 – which carries the theme 'Pinnacle of Halal Excellence' – today. Hosted by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) and organised by Matrade, Mihas 2025 builds on a legacy of excellence, with Mihas 2024 recording RM4.3 billion in sales and attracting more than 43,000 visitors from 90 countries. Reezal said that at the heart of this innovation is the integration of the Madani Digital Trade Platform into Mihas's flagship International Sourcing Programme, a business matching programme that generated RM2.53 billion in sales last year. 'Leveraging AI algorithms, the platform will intelligently match Malaysian exporters with targeted international buyers, based on real-time data, market trends and business preferences.' This pioneering move aligns with Malaysia's broader national digitalisation efforts and its vision under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the National Trade Blueprint, Reezal said. 'It also supports Matrade's commitment to empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with cutting-edge digital tools to expand their global reach,' he added. As Malaysia is the Asean Chair in 2025, Reezal said, Mihas will also serve as a regional platform for collaboration, featuring dedicated pavilions from Asean, dialogue partners and the Gulf Cooperation Council, further amplifying intra-Asean trade and halal partnerships with the Gulf region. He said Mihas 2025 will redefine how businesses connect, collaborate and thrive, with the Madani Digital Trade Platform, aimed at empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises to access international markets seamlessly and more efficiently. 'Despite global trade tensions, Matrade remains steadfast in enhancing Malaysia's export initiatives, focusing on high growth emerging and fast growing markets such as Africa, Middle East and Latin America,' Reezal said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said despite ongoing global economic uncertainties, the global halal market is still expected to grow to US$5 trillion by 2030. 'With Malaysia holding the world's gold standard for halal-certified goods and services, this presents a significant opportunity for our exporters to expand their international footprint. To that end, we look forward to harnessing the AI-powered MDT platform to help us achieve Mihas's target of RM4.5 billion sales of high-quality, certified halal products and services for 2025,' he added. Furthermore, Reezal noted that Matrade is confident in achieving RM1.58 trillion in exports for 2025, reinforcing the nation's commitment to trade growth through strategic diversification and global engagement. 'The figure, which matches 2024's record-setting performance, as a 'humble' target, while affirming the agency's resolve not to fall below that benchmark. It cannot go lower than that,' he said, noting that the projection aligns with targets set by Miti. He added that internal strategies are already in motion, guided closely by the ministry, to bolster Malaysia's trade position amid evolving global dynamics.
