MIHAS 2022
@ Halal | September-October . 2022
Dato ' Sri Ismail Sabri BY FATIHAH MANAF
THERE has been a significant rise in the number of Malaysian exhibitors , including micro , small and medium enterprises ( MSMEs ), participating in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase ( MIHAS ) since it was first organised in 2004 . Recognising MIHAS ’ importance , these exhibitors leverage the platform to access the growing opportunities in the global halal market .
With the theme ‘ Diversifying Halal Possibilities ’, this year ’ s 18th edition of the showcase was successfully held from Sept 7 to 10 , 2022 . It recorded an impressive increase of 326.4 per cent of local exhibitors participating .
MIHAS 2022 , organised by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation ( MATRADE ), surpassed its RM1.9 billion target , generating RM2.36 billion in sales . Prime Minister Dato ’ Sri Ismail Sabri officially launched the showcase at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre ( MITEC ).
According to Ismail Sabri , halal is suitable for all , regardless of race and religion , because it is closely related to quality assurance , environmental conservation , data integrity and transparency , and sustainable business practices .
“ Opportunities for the halal industry development are always huge following the global Muslim population reaching 1.9 billion last year . This shows the high potential in diversifying the halal industry more inclusively and comprehensively in the long term ,” said Ismail Sabri at the opening ceremony ..
“ Globalisation trends and progress in commercialisation increase the demand for halal products and services among consumers from all walks of life .”
Becoming more competent and resilient
The halal market is expected to grow from RM8.8 trillion to nearly RM14 trillion by 2028 . Ismail highlighted that geopolitical conflicts and travel restrictions still enforced in certain countries have disrupted production and resulted in delivery delays .
“ Even so , it is expected that such an external impact is only temporary due to the increase in demand for halal products
RM2.36 billion
in sales Diversification in the halal industry helps restore the economy
Senator Datuk Lim Ban Hong by the international community and the increase in the e-Commerce sector driven by digitalisation .
“ Therefore , business operations nowadays must be carried out using the latest methods and approaches . It is a must and no longer an option . Transformation and diversification in the halal industry allow trade to become more competitive and further help restore the economy .”
The organisation of MIHAS , according to Ismail , is a testimony of the people ’ s faith in the effectiveness of the government ’ s strategy in driving the development and innovation of the halal industry in Malaysia and further strengthening the Malaysian halal brand at the international level .
“ The increase in sales from international trade fairs such as MIHAS from year to year will have a spillover effect on the halal-related sector and indirectly contribute to the success of Malaysian companies , especially the development of MSMEs .
“ I want Malaysian companies to find their uniqueness and find untapped markets . Consider modifying your branding and promotion efforts to access new markets . We need to be persistent and competitive . It is the time for us to Diversify Halal Potential .”
Mirroring the nation ’ s digitalisation agenda in the trade sphere , the Prime Minister also launched the MATRADE Digital Learning ( MDL ) right after officiating MIHAS 2022 . MDL is a virtual learning platform dedicated to improving the knowledge and skills of Malaysian companies by providing them with holistic content on export-related topics .
The content for MDL was developed partly through a collaboration with Google Malaysia and contained 13 highly industry-relevant modules .
Featuring comprehensive components
MIHAS 2022 had three main components : exhibition , International Sourcing Programme ( INSP ) and knowledge hub . The 18th edition of MIHAS featured physical and virtual exhibitions , business matching sessions with artificial intelligence ( or AI ) technology , virtual interaction spaces , and live-sharing and conference sessions .
This year ’ s knowledge hub session highlighted the opportunities in the export market , halal sustainability issues , and the use of current technology to stay relevant in the global halal ecosystem .
MIHAS 2022 focuses on various sectors in the country ’ s halal industry , consisting of 13 clusters , including food and beverage , cosmetics and personal care , pharmaceuticals and decent fashion . Focus is also given to Shariah-compliant services such as Islamic finance , education , Muslim-friendly tourism , eCommerce , and the latest cluster , which is Islamic arts and crafts .
The International Sourcing Programme