September-October. 2025 | @ Halal

With the theme of rethinking and reshaping wellness in Southeast Asia, this year’ s convention carries a strong focus on halal and Muslim-friendly wellness services, reflecting Malaysia’ s commitment to positioning itself as a global hub for Islamic lifestyle tourism.

In her opening remarks, Organising Chairman Neda Alip Kadir emphasised the importance of aligning the industry with the needs of Muslim consumers. She highlighted that the convention is proud to spotlight Muslim-friendly and halal-certified spa and wellness models, underlining the rising demand for services that respect faith and culture while promoting holistic well-being.

The three-day convention features exhibitions, forums, and business networking platforms. Among its highlights are the Women’ s Health Pavilion, the Spaveda Spa and Wellness Zone, and the Talent Hub career fair, alongside the prestigious Association of Malaysian Spas( AMSPA)

HALAL WELLNESS: Datuk Dr Hafsah Hashim, Neda Alip Kadir, and Chua Choon Hwa, with other distinguished guests at the opening ceremony of the ASWC 2025, highlighting Malaysia’ s commitment to halal wellness and Islamic lifestyle tourism.

Spa Awards. Sustainability also takes centre stage, with innovative business solutions showcased at the Wellness Living feature.

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture( MOTAC), together with the Islamic Tourism Centre( ITC), expressed strong support for the initiative. Deputy Secretary General Chua Choon Hwa highlighted Malaysia’ s strength in merging cultural heritage with wellness, citing the introduction of Urutan Malaysia as a distinctive national wellness product.

This traditional massage combines Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous practices, and is steadily gaining recognition as an authentic Malaysian offering in the international wellness market.

The global health and wellness industry, valued at US $ 109 trillion in 2024, continues to grow rapidly, with halal-certified products and services playing an increasingly important role. Malaysia’ s wellness industry itself reached US $ 11.42 billion in 2024 and is projected to nearly double by 2033, creating vast opportunities for local businesses and communities.

With Visit Malaysia 2026 on the horizon, halal wellness is set to be a key driver in attracting travellers seeking meaningful and faith-compliant experiences. By combining modern innovation with Islamic values, Malaysia is well-positioned to strengthen its role as a leader in both wellness and halal tourism.

ASWC 2025 is not only a platform for business but also a celebration of healing, dignity, and care, which are values deeply rooted in both wellness traditions and Islamic principles.

NEGERI Sembilan is poised to become a trailblazer in the halal industry with the establishment of Malaysia’ s first artificial intelligence( AI)-powered halal hub.

The landmark project, known as the Regional Halal Distribution Centre( RHDC), carries an investment value of RM400 million and will be developed on a 5.42-hectare site in Bandar Enstek. Construction is scheduled to commence next month.

Announcing the project, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun highlighted that RHDC will be equipped with state-of-the-art automation, AI, and intelligent management systems.

These features are designed to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and optimise costs, making it a unique facility in Malaysia’ s logistics landscape.

“ While logistics centres are not new, a facility that integrates modern design, AI, and advanced technology specifically for halal products has never been developed before.

“ This will enable RHDC to better serve the needs of halal industry players and global consumers,” Aminuddin said.

The agreement for the project was formalised between the Negeri Sembilan State Development Corporation( PKNNS) and cold chain

HALAL TECH FRONTIER: Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun with PKNNS CEO Rusmimah Mat Derus, Gobuilder CEO Ivan Chin Wen Hau, and other dignitaries at the RHDC project launch in Bandar Enstek.

Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun

logistics and software development company Gobuilder Netsoft Sdn Bhd. PKNNS was represented by its Chief Executive Officer( CEO),

Rusmimah Mat Derus, while Gobuilder was represented by its CEO, Ivan Chin Wen Hau.

Strategically located within Malaysia Vision Valley 2.0, the RHDC is expected to act as a catalyst for new halal-related investment in Negeri Sembilan, particularly from exporters targeting the Middle East and other international markets.

The centre is also set to attract investors seeking globally recognised halal certification, reinforcing Malaysia’ s reputation as a leader in the halal economy.

Beyond infrastructure, the RHDC will also generate skilled employment opportunities for local communities, contributing to the state’ s socio-economic growth. With the rising demand for halal products in regions such as Europe, Russia, Canada, and Japan, the project aligns with global trends and the growing value of the halal market, which is estimated to be in the trillions of dollars.

By combining halal integrity with cutting-edge technology, Negeri Sembilan’ s RHDC is set to redefine Malaysia’ s role in the global halal supply chain and strengthen the nation’ s position as a halal hub.-