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@ Halal | January-February. 2026

With this wider perspective in mind, the International Halal Economic Conference 2026( IHEC 2026) is returning early this year with a clear goal: to spark meaningful partnerships and generate up to RM500 million in trade and business opportunities.

Taking place from Feb 3-5, 2026, at Hotel Tenera and Suite in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, the conference is shaping up to serve as a meeting point where ideas, policies, and business realities come together, and to reflect the complex and interconnected nature of the halal economy.

According to Datuk Seri Abdul Rani Osman, IHEC 2026 programme director, the event aligns closely with Malaysia ' s wider development direction under the MADANI framework. Strengthening the halal economy remains a national priority, not only as a source of growth, but as an area where Malaysia can continue to lead through trust, structure, and experience.

" The government is resolutely committed to bolstering the halal sector as a high-value economic growth driver that encompasses trade, investment, innovation, and globalisation," Abdul Rani noted.

" The commitment demonstrates Malaysia ' s resolve to both uphold its standing as a reliable halal centre and increase its impact as a global thought leader and halal economic governance pioneer."

IHEC 2026 has been designed to reflect that shift. The conference will bring together policymakers, economists, industry leaders, investors, academics, and regulators from both Malaysia and abroad.

Participants are expected from regions including Southeast Asia, the GCC, Europe, China, Africa, and other Organisation of Islamic Cooperation( OIC) member states, therefore highlighting the increasingly global nature of halal business and governance.

Across the two-day conference, 14 invited panel sessions will explore topics that matter to today ' s halal economy. These include international trade, certification systems, Islamic finance, digitalisation, logistics, and investment flows.

The conversations are intended to be practical and forward-looking, focusing on how different parts of the ecosystem can work more effectively together rather than operate in silos.

WIED Capital Sdn Bhd, the organiser of IHEC 2026, described

FOR THE FUTURE OF HALAL TRADE: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof in a commemorative photo a the opening ceremony of the International Halal Economic Conference( IHEC) 2026.

• IHEC 2026 brings together global stakeholders to shape the future direction of halal industries.

• The conference targets RM500 million in trade through structured dialogue and partnerships.

• Policy discussions and cross-border collaboration anchor IHEC ' s role in advancing halal economic growth.

the conference as a platform built for dialogue and collaboration at every level. Halal, the organiser noted, is no longer limited to consumer products.

It now covers areas such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tourism, digital tools, and sustainability-driven business models. These are the sectors that require shared understanding and policy alignment across borders.

Policy discussion will also play an important role at IHEC 2026. Dedicated sessions are expected to give governments and institutions space to exchange ideas on trade facilitation, incentives, and governance structures that can support sustainable halal economic growth.

These conversations could help narrow gaps between regional standards and improve cooperation in global markets.

Over 500 local and international delegates are anticipated to attend in person, with 18 countries having confirmed their participation thus far. The conference will also be streamed online, reaching audiences in over 30 countries and allowing broader participation beyond physical boundaries.

The event will conclude with a gala night and international recognition ceremony on Feb 5, recognising individuals and organisations that

INVITED GUEST PANELLISTS: The

Chambers by DSKI Founder, Dato ' Seri Karl Ibrahim; IAIS Malaysia Chairman, Prof Dr Mazlee Malik; Halal Development Corporation

Berhad( HDC) Special Officer, CEO ' S Office, Mohamad Hadi Hamzah have contributed meaningfully to the halal economy. The organising committee is led by Tan Sri Dr Yusof Md Noor, who serves as patron and chairman.

As the global halal industry continues to evolve, conferences like IHEC 2026 play a quieter but important role. They create space for reflection, connection, and directionsetting, emphasising to stakeholders that growth is most sustainable when guided by shared values, clear standards, and long-term thinking.

IHEC 2026 is another step in Malaysia ' s quest to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving environment and to continue influencing the halal economy both domestically and internationally.-