12 MIHAS 2024
12 MIHAS 2024
@ Halal | November-December . 2024
Beyond borders , halal thrives
HDC emphasises the future of Malaysia ’ s halal economy at MIHAS 2024 , opening doors for SMEs in the global market
BY ADELINE ANTHONY ALPHONSO
AS the global halal economy continues its steady rise , Malaysia has once again positioned itself at the forefront of this burgeoning industry .
The Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2024 ( MIHAS 2024 ) on Sep 17-20 provided a dynamic platform for stakeholders to discuss , collaborate and explore new opportunities .
WHBC 2024
One of the standout events was the World Halal Business Conference ( WHBC ) 2024 , hosted by the Halal Development Corporation ( HDC ) Malaysia .
WHBC , held yearly , is acknowledged by the international halal community as the premier venue for innovative halal thought leadership and insights into the halal economy .
Speaking about the significance of the event , HDC Chairman Khairul Azwan Harun was proud of the local execution of WHBC after two years of being hosted abroad .
The conference , which attracted nearly 600 participants , featured influential speakers , including the South African High Commissioner David Evan Malcomson , Standard Chartered Sadiq Bank Malaysia CEO Bilal Parvaiz , Fraser & Neave Holdings Berhad ( F & NHB ) Managing Director – Foods & Industry Engagement Dato ’ Raffiq Md Ariff and moderator Luqman Haris Shaker .
A PLATFORM FOR GLOBAL CHANGE
Khairul remarked on how the conference fostered meaningful discussions on the future of the halal sector , especially in the face of
HDC and its new partners , Topwork Global ( M ) Sdn Bhd and Cangkat Cendana Group Sdn Bhd .
Khairul Azwan Harun
“ HDC is committed to equipping Malaysian SMEs with the knowledge and tools they need to tap into the global halal market , now valued at US $ 3 trillion .”
– Khairul Azwan Harun
global economic shifts .
He explained : “ HDC is committed to equipping Malaysian SMEs with the knowledge and tools they need to tap into the global halal market , now valued at US $ 3 trillion .
“ HDC ’ s role is to also equip Malaysian halal industry participants , particularly SMEs , with the necessary capabilities and capacities to seize new opportunities in the global halal market .”
Furthermore , HDC is committed to the provision of halal-certified ingredients , which is essential to produce fully halal-certified products .
The need to strengthen this area has led
Hairol Ariffein Sahari
to strategic partnerships , including a recent collaboration with Nippon Express , a leader in halal logistics .
Khairul also touched on the importance of expanding halal beyond food products , emphasising Malaysia ’ s commitment to sustainability and ESG ( Environmental , Social , and Governance ) practices .
He echoed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim ’ s sentiment that the halal economy is now a holistic approach encompassing ethical production , good manufacturing practices , and sustainability .
SHAPING THE FUTURE
As MIHAS 2024 wrapped up , marking another critical year for both local and global players in the halal sector , Khairul expressed optimism for the future .
“ The global halal market is growing rapidly , and Malaysia has the potential to lead . I believe the path ahead looks promising , with HDC continuing to drive growth and innovation in the halal sector ,” he concluded .
Building bridges
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THE 20th Malaysia International Halal Showcase ( MIHAS 2024 ) drew a vibrant crowd of over 40,000 participants from around the globe .
With about 1,040 exhibitors representing 44 countries and operating under the theme ‘ Globalising Halal Innovations ’, the event highlighted the expanding opportunities in the global halal economy , which is projected to reach US $ 3 trillion .
Among the key figures at MIHAS 2024 was Halal Development Corporation ( HDC ) Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Hairol Ariffein Sahari .
As the Secretariat for the Malaysia Halal Industrial Development Council , HDC is dedicated to promoting halal exports , attracting foreign investments , and creating quality employment within Malaysia ’ s halal industrial parks .
EXPANDING HALAL TRADE Speaking about the importance of strategic partnerships and supply chain enhancement , Hairol stated : “ The collaboration
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today is to strengthen the supply chain by providing various solutions that are beneficial for industrial players at different levels .”
One of the event ’ s key moments was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU ), aligned with Malaysia ’ s ‘ Halal Diplomacy ’ initiative .
This initiative , introduced by the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi aims to use halal as a diplomatic tool to expand Malaysia ’ s market reach in regions like Southeast Asia , the Asia Pacific , and Central Asia .
Hairol explained : “ We know the issues surrounding halal are often tied to supply chain breakdowns .
“ Not many players in Malaysia have access to halal ingredients or semifinished goods , which limits their ability to scale production of halal-certified products .”
The event also sparked discussions about the need for more homegrown ‘ halal champions ’ to boost
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Malaysia ’ s exports .
Currently valued at RM50 billion , Malaysia ’ s halal exports are targeted to rise to RM200-300 billion by 2030 .
Hairol added : “ We want more homegrown companies like Omni Mal to lead the way . We want to nurture more companies like this so that they can contribute more .
“ To note , Omni Mal , a high-quality provider of dates ( kurma ) and dried fruits in Malaysia , is a successful vendor
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( From left-right ) HDC CEO Hairol Ariffein Sahari & Chairman Khairul Azwan Harun .
to large corporations like F & N .”
With MIHAS 2024 concluding on a high note , it ’ s clear that Malaysia ’ s push for greater halal industry participation is well underway , laying the groundwork for future growth and collaboration in the global market .
As MIHAS continues to grow as a vital platform for the halal industry , HDC ’ s efforts are ensuring that Malaysia not only strengthens its position in the global halal market but also meets the growing demand for halal products worldwide . –
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