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July-August. 2026 | @ Halal
COVER STORY
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Halal, Heart, Home
FROM IDEA TO BRAND: Kak Long Cooking Oil takes its first step into the market.
the confidence to explore international business, whether in food, beauty, healthcare, or other sectors.
“ I would like all Malaysian women to be brave and venture into international business— whether it’ s cooking oil, beauty, or the health market.”
International expansion can be intimidating for small businesses, but access to knowledge, networks, and practical support gives women the confidence to take the first step.
GOING GLOBAL BOLDLY
Nurulhidayah hopes Women in Export( WiEX) will build a strong pipeline of Malaysian women entrepreneurs ready for international competition— not just selling overseas, but growing businesses that create jobs and represent Malaysia globally.
Her journey with Kak Long reflects that ambition. After building a homegrown cooking oil brand, she now aims to enter Muslim-majority countries first, before expanding internationally.
“ I just want more women to be brave enough to venture into and explore international markets,” she said.
Ultimately, Women in Export can help unlock not just exports, but the confidence for Malaysian women to see their businesses as brands that belong on the international stage.
I would like all Malaysian women to be brave and venture into international business— whether it’ s cooking oil, beauty, or the health market.
- Dato’ Nurulhidayah Ahmad Zahid
BREAKING BARRIERS: Taking Malaysian brands to global markets.
CONNECTING MARKETS: Building reliable connections helps brands reach new markets
TRUE brand success begins with trust— a value at the heart of Kak Long Cooking Oil. For founder Dato’ Nurulhidayah Ahmad Zahid, halal is more than a certification; it’ s a promise of care and integrity that shapes her vision for Kak Long as a Malaysian brand known for halal assurance, quality, and affordability.
Kak Long’ s next chapter is international, targeting Muslim-majority markets and focusing on partnerships and reliable distribution for lasting growth.
As Nurulhidayah said:“ I hope Kak Long will be a trusted brand for Malaysian households and known internationally as one of the world’ s most trusted palm oil cooking oils.”
MIHAS offers Kak Long a platform to take that ambition beyond the local market. The event allows the brand to meet international buyers, explore potential markets and connect with distributors and strategic partners.
For a growing Malaysian FMCG brand, these relationships are as valuable as the exposure itself, intending to turn introductions into sustainable export channels and build a presence one market at a time.
Nurulhidayah sees Kak Long as a trusted Malaysian household name, recognised internationally for quality and halal assurance, and as a brand that empowers Malaysia’ s halal economy and supports women entrepreneurs.
Ultimately, the brand stands for more than just cooking oil— it embodies a homegrown business that proves what Malaysian women can achieve when given the confidence, connections, and opportunities to succeed globally.-