The global halal economy is entering a phase in which connectivity, cooperation and commercial outcomes are becoming increasingly important, as countries seek to build stronger links across markets, industries and supply chains. For Malaysia, the challenge is no longer to establish its credentials as an early leader in halal. It is to translate that foundation into wider international commercial opportunities while helping shape a more connected global halal ecosystem.
This forms the central focus of Halal Development Corporation Berhad’ s( HDC) World Halal Business Conference( WHBC) 2026, which will bring together key players to examine the opportunities and challenges shaping the next phase of the global halal economy.
The 2026 edition is particularly meaningful for the HDC, which is marking its 20th anniversary. WHBC itself is entering its 18th edition, having evolved significantly since its establishment in 2007 from a halal industry conference into a platform for global thought leadership.
DIALOGUE TO ACTION For HDC’ s Interim Chief Executive Officer Hanisofian Alias, the direction is clear:“ WHBC 2026 is about moving from conversation to connection, and ultimately to action.”
The conference is intended to bring together governments, halal authorities, businesses, investors, financial institutions and international experts. Its programme focuses on halal diplomacy and the USD5 trillion halal economy, alongside certification to commercialisation, halal export growth and Islamic finance.
Participants are expected to understand better where the global halal economy is heading, build international connections and collaborative partnerships, and identify
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“ The future of the halal economy should not be defined by separate national markets. It should be defined by how well we connect those markets, businesses, capabilities and opportunities.”
Hanisofian Alias
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Hanisofian Alias
concrete opportunities for trade, investment and business expansion.
The intended outcome extends beyond understanding the market. Hanisofian said:“ WHBC should not end when the conference ends. The real measure is what happens after the conference.”
DIPLOMACY THROUGH HALAL The broader discussion at WHBC 2026 reflects an increasingly interconnected but fragmented global economy, where supply-chain resilience, market access, investment flows, technology and changing consumer expectations are influencing international trade.
He noted that countries are also increasingly looking for trusted partners and new markets.
In this context, halal provides a natural area for cooperation because it already connects countries and sectors, particularly within Southeast Asia. Its cross-border nature and links across multiple sectors provide opportunities for countries to bring complementary capabilities together.
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“ For example, one country may have strong production capabilities; another may have strong consumer markets; another may have technology, logistics or financing capabilities.
“ The opportunity is to connect these strengths rather than operate in separate markets.”
For halal to become an effective instrument of economic diplomacy, practical cooperation would need to extend across several areas.
He identified stronger government-to-government cooperation, greater understanding between halal authorities and improved connections between businesses as possible areas of cooperation.
Investment partnerships, technology and knowledge transfer, stronger halal supply chains, and talent and capacity development are also part of the potential framework.
He also sees a need to reduce unnecessary friction for businesses while maintaining halal integrity. Its role is to connect different parts of the ecosystem and facilitate meaningful partnerships, ultimately making
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