September-October . 2021 | @ Halal

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This is expected to strengthen Malaysia ’ s position as the centre of halal ecosystem development .

The signing of the MoU comes at a critical juncture for Malaysia ’ s halal ecosystem by emphasising the private sector ’ s role in driving the nations ’ economic growth .

The collaboration represents a strategic partnership and initiative , bringing together local and foreign entities to ensure all parties can benefit from

“ TAIWAN EXPO in Malaysia 2021 Online ”, organised by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council ( TAITRA ), debuted with its exhibition of products and technologies from 160 Taiwanese companies .

The expo garnered attention from over 200 Malaysian businesses with more than 1,000 registrations for online business matchings .

Some of the most prominent buyers include BIG Pharmacy Healthcare , one of the top three pharmacy chain stores in Malaysia , Intercon , the leading FMCG distributor of halal food and myNews Retail .

To celebrate the grand opening of the Expo , James C . F . Huang , Chairman of TAITRA , Cynthia Kiang , Director General of Bureau of Foreign Trade , Taiwan ( R . O . C ), Sharon Ho Swee Peng , President of the Malaysian Friendship and Trade Centre , Taipei and Sharimahton Mat Saleh , deputy CEO of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation ( MATRADE ) sat down together for a “ kopi ” session talking about the future of Taiwan- Malaysian cooperation .

James Huang mentioned that the global supply chain had to be restructured under the pandemic and the China-US trade situation .

Malaysia ’ s role as a strong base for electronic machinery and semiconductor manufacturing and its pivotal location as the manufacturing centre of Southeast Asia makes it an important strategically .

Huang hoped the Taiwan Expo business intelligence sharing , industry best practices , and market expansion for Malaysia and the Republic of Korea ( ROK ).

The MoU was signed by CEO of HDC Hairol Ariffein Sahari , and CEO of KIHI Dr James Noah , witnessed by the Deputy Secretary-General of MITI , Dato ’ Sri Norazman Ayob , in conjunction with HDC ’ s virtual participation in the Seoul Food & Hotel 2021 and aired online during its World Halal Business Conference 2021 Webinar series .

“ There has been strong demand for halal products and MFHS due to influx of Muslim visitors into non-Muslim countries such as Japan , China and ROK ,” said Norazman .

“ In 2019 , Muslim tourists into ROK exceeded one million , which led to solid efforts by the Korea Tourism Organisation ( KTO ) to adopt Malaysia ’ s standard

would generate more significant economic benefits for bilateral trade relations between Taiwan and Malaysia .

James Huang also became the tour guide of the Expo , interacting with virtual characters in the 3D exhibition hall . The new 3D online exhibition hall was designed to give visitors an experience akin to being at the exhibition in person .

Interested buyers only needed to register as a member of TAITRA to access the virtual exhibition hall and its features , no different from visiting an on-ground event .

In addition to the online business matching sessions during the three-day exhibition period ( Aug 4-6 ), the exhibition continued to be live for one month , allowing those unable to attend during the exhibition to peruse it after .

This year ’ s online Taiwan Expo included 10 themed pavilions centred around six central pillars : Electronic Mobility , Post-Pandemic Era , Industry 4.0 , Taiwan Lifestyle Products , Tourism & Culture and Halal Taiwan . A series of webinars covering smart healthcare , smart machinery and Taiwan halal products was held during the Expo . for MFHS infrastructure in ROK .

“ Because of this , I am pleased to note that HDC and KIHI have started the commitment in instilling awareness to encourage more Korean industry players to be certified halal for manufacturers and with MFHS for those involved in services activities within the value chain .

“ We hope that this very strategic collaboration will open up business opportunities among our industry players with more than 170 targeted Korean companies within these two years , from manufacturers to eateries and spas , and make Malaysia as the reference for the MFHS training and consultancy .”

This collaboration foresees the

COMMITTED to strengthening Malaysia ’ s position as the world ’ s halal hub leader , the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation ( MATRADE ) aims to digitally facilitate high-value , cross-border halal trade at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase ( MIHAS ) in September .

“ Digitally enabled trade is the way forward and key in rebuilding Malaysia ’ s economic resilience ,” said MATRADE CEO Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz .

“ In keeping up with the current trend and due to the current pandemic situation , MIHAS this year will spearhead the digitalisation agenda for the halal industry in bringing patrons , investors and trade partners under one virtual platform .”

Since its inception in 2004 , the event has progressively been profiled as the marquee halal sourcing platform . It attracted over 1,000 exhibitors from 44 countries participating in the last edition of MIHAS in 2019 .

“ We look forward to fortifying Malaysia ’ s position as the global halal hub with another successful showcase this year amid the challenging environment ,” added Mohd Mustafa .

MIHAS 2021 kicked off as scheduled with its weekly preview sessions organised by MATRADE , commencing every Wednesday from Aug 11 to Sept 1 .

MIHAS 2021 ’ s collaborative partners are namely Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad ( BIMB ), Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad , Halal Development Corporation Berhad ( HDC ) and CIMB Bank Berhad ( CIMB ).

The sessions aim to provide audiences with brief insights on the relevancy of Halal to Small and Medium Enterprises ( SMEs ), Exports , Technology Adoption and Sustainability . broader scope of economic cooperation between the halal ecosystem communities in both Malaysia and ROK and at the same time , provides opportunities in new and innovative business areas .

It is not only subject to MFHS training and consultancy and will include projects to enhance trade , exchange market intelligence know-how , investment in halal parks , and co-organise halal-related events .

The collaboration between HDC and KIHI will also enable technology transfer and commercialisation of related research and development ( R & D ) products . ROK is one of the countries with a world-class network of research institutions .

Building on the momentum , MIHAS 2021 virtual Knowledge Hub continued from Sept 10-12 , beginning with sessions for Malaysian exporters to get up-close with MATRADE Trade Commissioners from markets such as South Asia , MENA , West Africa , Central Asia and Europe for the opportunity to explore potential halal export opportunities , with MIHAS 2021 as a catalyst .

In addition to that , the line-up of thought-provoking dialogues on halal related topics of interest are well outlined , covering Islamic financing , innovation and business sustainability , digital technologies and the role of women entrepreneurs in the Halal economy , among others .

Prominent policymakers , strategic thinkers , renowned academicians , and industry leaders and influencers are eager to offer their perspectives and thoughts streamed live .

MIHAS aims to virtually host halal exhibitors and over 15,000 international buyers and trade visitors across the halal ecosystem , making it the world ’ s largest halal event .

The showcase has attracted industry giants , including MIHAS Diamond sponsor CIMB Islamic Malaysia and collaborative partner Standard Chartered Saadiq , leading conversations about enabling the Islamic economy and sustainable supply chains , respectively .

Themed , Empowering Halal , Tomorrow , Together , MIHAS 2021 will focus on showcasing 12 key pillars . These include education , pharmaceuticals , services and enablers , franchise , modest fashion , Islamic finance , cosmetics and personal care , media and recreation , Muslim friendly travel , e-commerce and food technology .