The world's largest HALAL trade show—the 16th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS 2019)—officially opened today and will host exhibitors and visitors from more than 70 countries. The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) will hold the HALAL trade expo at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) on April 3-6, 2019, showcasing quality HALAL products and services from around the world in Kuala Lumpur.

The MIHAS soft launch ceremony, initiated by MATRADE CEO Dato Wan Latiff Wan Musa, was attended by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, JAKIM and the Halal Development Corporation. Also present were sponsors, associations, industry participants and members of the media of MIHAS 2019.

According to Dato Wan Latiff, MIHAS 2019 will reflect the event's maturity as a world-class platform for the world's HALAL industry. He said: 'With the strong support of the public and private sectors, the Malaysia International Halal Showcase has become a center where industry professionals gather, exchanging views and knowledge on the HALAL industry as well as showcasing the latest trends and innovations in HALAL.'

MIHAS 2019 will attract more than 1,000 exhibitors and 30,000 trade visitors. In addition to gathering industry participants, MIHAS 2019 will also provide trade visitors with unprecedented opportunities to benefit from a series of value-added programs. The extensive program includes six conferences and more than 30 seminars, such as:

1. Trade talks organized by MATRADE, focusing on international market insights

2. A tourism conference organized by the Tourism Hub and Halal Trip, providing the latest developments in the HALAL tourism industry

3. A HALAL conference hosted by iHALALMAS@FBUiTM, gathering international and local practitioners and academics to provide ideas and initiatives for HALAL industry development

4. A HALAL innovation forum organized by the World Entrepreneurship Festival, strengthening Malaysia's economy through Islamic digital initiatives and strengthening Malaysia's HALAL ecosystem through technology and e-commerce

Complementing the world-class seminars and forums is MIHAS's strong business matching capability. Two business matching programs will be launched: the International Sourcing Programme (INSP) and the MIHAS-hosted Buyers Programme (HBP).

INSP will select more than 200 buyers from around the world and bring them to MATRADE in Kuala Lumpur the day before the launch of MIHAS 2019. Through this event, more than 450 Malaysian companies will be matched with foreign buyers seeking to source from Malaysia. The initiative is effective due to the quality of the program's buyers and sellers. Buyers are selected by MATRADE's global network (at 46 locations worldwide), while Malaysian sellers are reputable exporters from across Malaysia. During MIHAS 2018, INSP generated RM602.5 million in sales for local companies.

Meanwhile, HBP will provide non-INSP participants with an opportunity to be matched with MIHAS 2019 exhibitors through MIHAS Connect (an online meeting scheduler).

The areas MIHAS 2019 will focus on are those crucial to the industry's ecosystem, namely food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, finance, digital, logistics, tourism and the newest addition—modest fashion. With such rich content and extensive business opportunities, MIHAS 2019 will bring value to the development of the world's HALAL industry.

The food and beverage industry remains an important stronghold of the HALAL industry. Fraser & Neave (F&N) CEO Mr. Lim Yew Hoe said F&N is very eager to participate in this year's MIHAS. He said: 'We believe MIHAS is the best platform to directly connect with visitors from around the world, and we look forward to this event.'

Berjaya Starbucks Coffee Company (Starbucks Malaysia) continues to cooperate with MIHAS and has successfully held breakfast networking sessions. 'It is wonderful to see industry professionals gather on our platform to discuss industry development with their peers and build business relationships, while enjoying a delicious cup of coffee,' said Mr. Tengku Ferry Widayat, Business Development Manager, Malaysia Halal Lead and Brunei Coffee Master, noting that the business networking sessions during MIHAS 2018 were very successful. During MIHAS 2019, visitors can enjoy the same experience at the second business networking session hosted by Starbucks.

Another exciting feature of MIHAS 2019 is the 'HALAL Corridor,' launched by Maybank Investment Bank to support transactions and commercial activities across the HALAL industry. 'MIHAS is the best platform to introduce the HALAL Corridor, because it is the world's largest international HALAL trade show.'

FAQ

What was the scale of the 16th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS 2019)?
MIHAS is the world's largest HALAL trade show. The 16th edition was held on April 3-6, 2019 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), hosted by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), receiving exhibitors and visitors from more than 70 countries and attracting more than 1,000 exhibitors and 30,000 trade visitors, with six conferences and more than 30 seminars.
How much in sales did MIHAS's International Sourcing Programme (INSP) generate for local enterprises?
INSP selected more than 200 buyers from around the world and brought them to MATRADE in Kuala Lumpur the day before the show, matching more than 450 Malaysian companies with foreign buyers seeking to source. Buyers were selected by MATRADE's 46 global locations, and sellers were reputable Malaysian exporters. During MIHAS 2018, INSP generated RM602.5 million in sales for local companies.
Which industry areas did MIHAS 2019 focus on?
MIHAS 2019 focused on areas crucial to the Halal industry ecosystem, namely food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, finance, digital, logistics, tourism, and the newest addition—modest fashion. Food and beverage remains an important stronghold of the HALAL industry. The show also launched the 'HALAL Corridor,' supported by Maybank Investment Bank, to support transactions and commercial activities across the HALAL industry.