November-December. 2025 | @ Halal

• SAY and MATRADE signed an MoU during MIHAS 2025 to empower young entrepreneurs in Selangor.

• Benefits include access to MATRADE’ s resources, export guidance, and the MADANI Digital Trade platform.

• MIHAS 2025 concluded on a high note with the MIHAS Awards recognising companies driving excellence in the

halal sector.

Understanding( MoU) on Sep 19, formalising a partnership to empower young business leaders through the SAY ASPIRE Export Entrepreneurs League.

The exchange of documents was witnessed by the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, underscoring the royal household’ s backing for youth-led economic initiatives. The MoU was signed by Aiman Syafiq on behalf of SAY and

PARTNERSHIP WITH PURPOSE: This collaboration aims to prepare Selangor’ s youth for international trade and longterm business sustainability.

MATRADE Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Sri Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz.

Under the agreement, the SAY ASPIRE Export Entrepreneurs League will receive targeted support to help participants scale internationally. Benefits include access to MATRADE’ s market intelligence and digital library, direct registration as a MATRADE member, onboarding to the MADANI Digital Trade platform, guidance on export grants, and inclusion in trade missions and networking programmes.

The partnership also envisages long-term technical cooperation and mentorship to strengthen participants’ export readiness.

SAY, founded in 2017 under the patronage of Tengku Amir Shah, operates across four pillars: entrepreneurship, sports and wellbeing, arts and creativity, and community service.

The organisation says its programmes have reached some 369,388 youth through more than 200 initiatives up to 2023, producing a reported social return on investment( SROI) of 1:3.03.

MATRADE, the national trade promotion agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry( MITI), will act as the primary trade development partner, providing exporters with market access, trade-matching services, and advisory support to increase Malaysia’ s export footprint.

Organisers said the MoU is intended to ready Selangor’ s young entrepreneurs for international markets and long-term commercial sustainability.

MIHAS Awards 2025 winner list Excellence Awards

AS the curtains closed on the Malaysia International Halal Showcase( MIHAS) 2025, the final day celebrated the MIHAS Awards 2025, a ceremony that honoured 14 Malaysian companies for their achievements in innovation, sustainability and export performance.

The event, held on Sep 20 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre( MITEC), served as a fitting close to the four-day international showcase.

Organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation( MATRADE), the annual awards recognised businesses that contribute to the growth of the global halal economy through innovation, ethical leadership and competitiveness.

Now in its 12th year, the MIHAS Awards have become an industry benchmark for excellence and responsible growth.

MATRADE Chairman Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the awards highlight Malaysia’ s continued efforts to strengthen the Halal Malaysia brand internationally.

“ The Awards celebrate visionary enterprises that have set new standards

of excellence in halal trade.

“ By recognising both industry leaders and emerging innovators, the Awards advance the national agenda of innovation, sustainability and inclusive growth,” he said.

Echoing this sentiment, MATRADE Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Sri Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz added that the award recipients demonstrated that halal principles go beyond certification.

He mentioned:“ Their success proves that halal is not only about compliance, but also about competitiveness, innovation and long-term sustainability.”

The awards were divided into two main categories: the MIHAS Products and Services Excellence Award, which included the Emerging Star Award for new players with strong export potential, and the MIHAS Products and Services Innovation & Sustainability Award, which recognised companies integrating ESG and UN SDG values into their operations.

The recognition of these winners reflected Malaysia’ s ongoing commitment to positioning the halal industry as a driver of sustainable economic growth and global trade leadership.-

Products Excellence Award: recognised for halal product quality, innovation, and export growth x MAMEE Double Decker( M) Sdn Bhd; x Zhafou Global Sdn Bhd; and x Aafiyat Marketing Sdn Bhd.

Services Excellence Award: acknowledged for exceptional contributions in halal services, including logistics, e-commerce, and support industries x STG Shipping( M) Sdn Bhd; and x Serunai Commerce Sdn Bhd.

Emerging Star Award: recognised as rising leaders with strong export potential and driving positive impact in the halal landscape x Product: Industri Makanan Jati Sdn Bhd; x Service: Adabi Consumer Industries Sdn Bhd; and x Service: GFB Food Sdn Bhd.

Innovation & Sustainability Awards

Products Innovation & Sustainability Award: x ADA Biotech Sdn Bhd; x Culvita; x Poweroot Manufacturing Sdn Bhd; and x Wonderliv Sdn Bhd / Food Art.

Services Innovation & Sustainability Award: x Pos Malaysia Berhad; and x Nestlé Products Sdn Bhd.