July-August. 2026 | @ Halal

LIFESTYLE

� MATRADE ' s Market Development Grant helps Malaysian modest fashion brands expand internationally with up to RM300,000 funding.

� MIHAS and MyFashionChamber connect Malaysian designers with global opportunities.

At MIHAS Modest Fashion Week, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation( MATRADE) introduced the Market Development Grant( MDG) to help Malaysian SMEs grow internationally.

" My role is just now to give a briefing about the Market Development Grant, what they can benefit from the MDG to go for the international market locally and also overseas," said MATRADE Market Development Grant Unit head Rosli Mat Hassim.

The MDG supports brands in joining trade exhibitions, promotional activities, and international business engagements.

" MDG is actually open to all Malaysian SME companies. Companies can utilise a RM300,000 grant per lifetime to undertake promotional activities locally

� MIHAS 2025 reinforced Malaysia ' s commitment to developing the modest fashion industry.

Rosli Bin Mat Hassim

and overseas," he explained. The grant covers participation fees, booth rentals, transportation, and accommodation for trade events.

This support comes as global demand for Muslim-friendly products rises. Events like MIHAS let designers connect with buyers, understand market expectations, and showcase their work.

" For the fashion industry, I would like to advise: please utilise this grant and support MIHAS. This is a good opportunity to meet the international foreign buyers," added Rosli. He described MIHAS as a gateway for export opportunities.

This year, MIHAS is expected to host approximately 350 international buyers through MATRADE ' s network of 47 trade offices worldwide. This extensive network gives participating businesses direct access to potential partners across multiple markets, reinforcing MIHAS as a platform for commercial opportunities.

By connecting designers with international buyers and providing practical market entry support, the Market Development Grant is helping Malaysia ' s modest fashion brands compete globally and boost the country ' s reputation.

MARKET SUPPORT: MATRADE’ s Market Development Grant helps Malaysian SMEs cover selected costs associated with international market expansion.

CULTURAL ELEGANCE: Traditional artistry continues to shape the future of modest fashion.

MIHAS Modest Fashion Week 2025 laid a strong foundation for Malaysia ' s growing modest fashion industry. Last year ' s event introduced new initiatives to nurture local talent, foster creativity, and promote Malaysian brands internationally. The strategies and momentum from 2025 are now guiding this year ' s direction.

The 2025 International Halal Showcase put modest fashion on a global stage by integrating it into one of the world ' s largest halal trade exhibitions. Designers were able to present their collections to international buyers, industry stakeholders, and potential collaborators— giving Malaysian brands crucial exposure and access to new markets.

A significant achievement of MIHAS 2025 was the launch of the International Fashion Chamber Malaysia, now MyFashionChamber. This organisation united designers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners under one umbrella, providing vital support for the sustainable growth of Malaysia ' s fashion sector.

Through networking events, mentorship programmes, and collaborative initiatives, MyFashionChamber has empowered local talent to reach beyond the domestic market and fostered a spirit of innovation.

BEYOND THE RUNWAY: MIHAS Modest Fashion Show combines creativity, collaboration and business opportunities.

On the runway, Malaysian and Indonesian designers blended tradition with contemporary trends. Heritage elements such as batik, traditional silhouettes, and handcrafted details were reimagined into modern, stylish pieces— proving that cultural legacy can evolve for today ' s global audience.

Beyond the fashion shows, MIHAS 2025 offered business forums, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions that helped participants explore market trends and strategies. These events enabled designers and entrepreneurs to adapt and grow in a rapidly changing industry.

The integration of fashion, trade, and industry engagement at MIHAS 2025 marked an important shift in the region ' s modest fashion landscape. Building on last year ' s success, the platform remains committed to helping Malaysian designers expand internationally, grow collaborations, and strengthen Malaysia ' s reputation as a regional hub for modest fashion.-