@Halal Sept/Oct 2019 | Page 26

26 @Halal | september-october. 2019 Events The finds first AHM success Absolutely Halal Malaysia has secured a place among Malaysians looking for halal food and beverage expo T he first edition of Absolutely Halal Malaysia (AHM) organised by Idea Max Event (M) Sdn Bhd took place at Mid Valley Exhibi- tion Centre (MVEC) on July 26-28. Exhibition time began as early as 10 am and ended at 10 pm every day during the three-day event. “AHM is the most efficient and strategic platform for Halal entrepreneurs to position and increase brand awareness, encourage products and services, and expand the busi- ness network to reach the worldwide halal market. The halal industry is increasing quickly and we estimate that over 80,000 local and international visitors will be visiting through the exhibition,” said Esther Fong, Chief Executive Officer of Idea Max Event Sdn Bhd. The aim of AHM is to not only enable halal sector entrepreneurs to boost revenues, productivity, branding, networking, and promotion, but also to provide the organiser with an opportunity to attract a wider audi- ence of non-Muslims to attend the exhibition. This was due to Muslims being the majority of visitors. Muslim visitors have always been prevalent in most halal consumer expos in Malaysia, but not so much among non- Muslims. It, therefore, providesdAHM a fresh objective to attempt to attract attention from non-Muslims to visit the event. “We hope that the existence of this halal expo could foster and provide a clearer pic- ture of halal where the concept of halal not only applies to food, but is suitable for the universe, regardless of race and religion, and this is in line with the notion of Absolutely Halal Malaysia – Halal Is For Everyone,” stated Fong. Celebrity chef Fazley Yaacob invigorated attendees with his cooking demonstration. The inaugural expo was officiated by Dato Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee (eight from right), Director of the Malaysian Halal Council under JAKIM. THE SURFING CROWD: The Absolutely Halal Malaysia expo offered attendees with a wide variety of halal food products and more, aiming to appeal to Muslims and non-Muslims visitors.