@Halal May/June 2024 | Page 6

06 Local News

06 Local News

@ Halal | May-June . 2024

Expanding global reach

MIHAS 2024 is preparing for global expansion with dual showcases in Malaysia and Dubai

MARA Halal Industrial Park set to transform rural entrepreneurship in Sarawak

THE 20th Malaysian International Halal Showcase ( MIHAS 2024 ) is set to transpire in two intervals .

The first leg is at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre ( MITEC ) from Sep 17-20 . The event will move to Dubai for its first international showcase ( MIHAS-Dubai ) at the Dubai World Trade Centre from Nov 18-20 .
“ Since its inception in 2004 , MIHAS has spearheaded Malaysia ’ s halal agenda and has collectively generated RM25 billion in total sales . The organisation of MIHAS in the past 19 years has benefited over 12,000 Malaysian exporters and foreign buyers and attracted half a million trade visitors , said MATRADE Chairman Dato ’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican .
This year , MIHAS is embracing the theme ‘ Globalising Halal Innovations ’. The focus will be on embracing digitalisation and sustainability . This approach is critical in enabling MIHAS to adapt to the constantly evolving global halal market .
In response to rising demands for product traceability , MIHAS will stress ESG compliance technologies .
“ The traceability element is one of the requirements in developing countries ’ markets , that we have a large market . That ’ s why we say globalising halal innovation is one of the agendas we want to push . And to do that , one of the elements is being compliant with ESG ,” explained Reezal .
He remarked about MIHAS ’ upcoming debut in Dubai : “ MIHAS has had such a strong branding for over 19 years . We feel strongly that MIHAS must be brought outside the boundary of Kuala Lumpur .”
Dubai has been chosen as the first international destination due to its strategic location and extensive airport connectivity . This enhances MIHAS ’ accessibility from major cities worldwide , particularly from regions such as the Middle East and North Africa ( MENA ), South America , South Asia , and emerging markets .
( From left ) Dato ’ Hairil Yahri Yaacob , Dato ' Sri Reezal Merican Naina Merican , Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz at MIHAS soft launch .
Dato ' Sri Reezal Merican Naina
Merican .
The goal is to leverage Dubai ’ s position to attract trade visitors and boost exports , thereby promoting Malaysia ’ s halal industry and services .
MATRADE is also strategising expansion plans beyond Dubai to introduce MIHAS to pivotal markets such as China , Europe , and Central Asia . This reflects its vision of establishing international partnerships and promoting Malaysian products to a broader audience .
SARAWAK is anticipating a breakthrough in entrepreneurship development through MARA Halal Industries ( MHI ) Park in Demak Laut .
This initiative aims to enhance product quality and market appeal while adhering to halal standards worldwide .
Likewise , this initiative seeks to provide rural entrepreneurs a platform for expanding and developing their businesses . This will empower them to thrive within a more comprehensive ecosystem .
MHI Park strives to be more than just a hub for gathering goods . The park is expected to equip local enterprises with the necessary infrastructure and resources to help expand their operations .
Rural and Regional Development Deputy Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang ( pic ) observed that many rural products of high quality hold the potential to succeed in international markets .
MARA is set to create a comprehensive ecosystem to increase the competitiveness of locally made products .
Rubiah has also mentioned that support will be provided to entrepreneurs in procuring halal certification for their products .
Additionally , Rubiah stated that MARA ’ s decades of expertise and comprehensive entrepreneurial ecosystem should provide promising prospects for entrepreneurs . These resources are expected to help generate higher income levels .
Overall , the objective here is to position rural entrepreneurs as leaders in the global halal industry . This will be achieved by ensuring that their products meet national standards and can thrive in a competitive marketplace .

Malaysia and Saudi to lead the halal economy

THE Halal Economy Leadership Forum ( HELF 2024 ) in Putrajaya , organised by Halal Development Corporation Berhad ( HDC ), gathered world leaders , experts , and stakeholders within the Halal Industry .

This collaborative effort involved the Islamic Development Bank ( IsDBC ) and Halal Products Development Company ( HPDC ).
HELF 2024 symbolises Malaysia and Saudi Arabia ’ s shared vision to lead the world towards a halal economy . This collaboration aspires to support and guide IsDB member and non-member countries in developing their halal ecosystems .
As part of this endeavour , HELF 2024 is themed , ‘ Embracing Halal Innovations ’. On innovation , HDC Chairman Khairul Azwan Harun highlighted the significance of digitalisation in the halal ecosystem , which maintains a challenge for Malaysia ,
Halal Economy Leadership Forum 2024 .
Khairul Azwan Harun especially regarding traceability .
“ There has to be a very formidable traceability in terms of compliance and adherence to halal standards , stressed Khairul .
An efficient traceability system throughout the supply chain is critical in ensuring compliance with halal standards .
A forum like HELF can facilitate collaboration opportunities and knowledge exchange . Such a format can significantly contribute to Malaysia and other participating nations ’ digitalisation endeavours .
Moreover , the collaboration between HDC , HPDC , and IsDB ensures a coordinated effort to advance the Halal economy .
“ Without such initiative , the halal economy ’ s discussion and directives will be very fragmented . Meaning , every country that offers opportunities in the halal economy will be doing it on their own ,” said Khairul .
This fragmentation could lead to a lack of cohesion and potentially reduce the global halal market ’ s overall efficiency .
Malaysia and Saudi Arabia ’ s joint leadership sets a new example of streamlining efforts to achieve a common goal and making a collective impact . This should inspire other countries , especially those within the OIC , to follow suit .