MIHAS reports strong growth in 2026

The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026, a key halal marketplace for connecting Malaysian businesses with international markets, has delivered a strong four-day performance. The event recorded sales of RM6.78 B from 23 to 26 September 2026 — 12% more than the RM6.05 B recorded in 2025.

Dato’ Indera Abu Bakar Yusof, CEO, MATRADE said: “MIHAS 2026 demonstrates that the platform is not only growing in terms of sales, but is also creating greater opportunities for Malaysian businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to access international markets.

"We remain committed to strengthening SMEs and mid-tier companies (MTCs) to expand into global markets especially the emerging and non-traditional markets.”

“The RM6.78 billion in sales achieved at MIHAS 2026 represents valuable opportunities. With the integration of agentic AI, MIHAS is evolving into a more connected and digitally enabled trade facilitation ecosystem, helping Malaysian companies identify potential buyers, build meaningful business relationships and pursue new export opportunities beyond the exhibition floor. Under the MADANI Digital Trade Platform (MDTP), we shall provide Malaysian exporters with continuous connectivity with global buyers and support them in securing sustainable export opportunities,” he added.

MIHAS 2026 attracted 69,104 visitors from 93 countries, up from 50,340 visitors in 2025 — 37.3% more, the highest increase since its inception in 2004. The event also brought together participating exhibitors and International Sourcing Programme (INSP) buyers from 58 countries, further strengthening MIHAS’ international reach and appeal as a global halal trade exposition.

The INSP generated RM4.02 B against RM3.63 B in 2025, growing 10.9%. INSP facilitates structured business meetings between Malaysian sellers and international buyers, creating targeted opportunities for sourcing, business matching and potential export transactions.

Meanwhile, the MIHAS Exhibition recorded approximately RM1.99 B, compared to RM1.89 B in 2025, up 5.5%. Among the top products driving exhibition sales were processed food and confectionery, food technology and packaging, frozen food, as well as fertilisers and agrochemicals.  

Malaysian SMEs benefited as well with MIHAS Exhibition 2026 sales of RM620, compared with RM557 M in 2025 (up 11.3%). SME participation has increased over six years, from 64 companies in 2021 to 339 companies in 2026, a 429.7% jump.  

Under RMK13, the 13th Malaysia plan ending 2030, Malaysia has set a target of RM80 B in halal exports. The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026 continues to support this ambition by providing Malaysian SMEs with access to international buyers, business matching, sourcing opportunities and digital tools to expand their market reach and strengthen their export capabilities.

The 2026 edition also marked a significant step forward in MIHAS’ digital transformation through the integration of agentic AI. More than 22,000 AI-assisted business appointments were generated during MIHAS 2026. Of these appointments, 324 matches were made, representing RM28 M in sales. 

The AI platform will continue to operate until 2027, enabling participating businesses to continue connecting, engaging with potential buyers and pursuing new trade opportunities beyond the four-day exhibition.

Malaysia’s halal exports reached RM68.52 B in 2025, a 10.9% increase from RM61.79 B in 2024.

Hashtag: #MIHAS2026

Labuan IBFC, ASA and STEP further discussion on Islamic wealth management

Labuan IBFC, the official marketing agency for Labuan International Business and Financial Centre (Labuan IBFC), together with the Association of Shariah Advisors in Islamic Finance Malaysia (ASAS) and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Malaysia recently brought together industry practitioners and experts to explore the intersection of Islamic wealth planning, estate administration and shari'ah governance, with a focus on cross-border wealth management and family governance. 

The event built on the partnership established through the memorandum of understanding between Labuan IBFC and ASAS, while further strengthening engagement with STEP Malaysia and the wider professional community. Discussions covered estate administration beyond faraid, shari'ah estate administration governance, succession planning and the use of trusts, takaful and other wealth structures. 

Ben Quah, CEO of Labuan IBFC highlighted Labuan IBFC's role as a platform for Islamic private wealth planning and cross-border wealth solutions in a keynote address. "As wealth becomes increasingly global, families need flexible solutions that offer asset protection and long-term continuity. 

"Labuan IBFC is well positioned to meet these needs while complementing Malaysia's leadership in Islamic private wealth through strong ecosystem collaboration," he said. 

The programme opened with Beyond Faraid – The Real Challenges in Muslim Estate Administration, examining practical challenges in estate administration while exploring solutions to translate succession intentions into effective estate planning. This was followed by a dialogue which explored how effective governance and proper documentation can help ensure wealth planning arrangements are implemented consistently with shari'ah requirements. 

In her welcome address, Farah Deba, Branch Chair of STEP Malaysia said: "Beyond faraid means faraid is only one part of estate planning. However, this does not mean planning beyond Islamic principles. We come from three different perspectives - where STEP speaks as advisors to families across generations while Labuan IBFC brings the international family wealth and structuring dimension, whereas ASAS brings the core shari'ah perspective." 

In her closing remarks, Yusaini Yusof, EXCO member of ASAS emphasised: "Shari'ah governance ensures that the legacy is properly structured, successfully implemented and ultimately serves maqasid shari'ah. ASAS shall continue to support this journey for greater engagements and increased professionalism of the wider shari'ah fraternity and practitioners." 

Maqasid (مقاصد) refers to goals and intents.

New at SIAL Guangzhou: a Halal Food Village

Source: Comexposium-SIAL Exhibition Company. Poster for SIAL Guangzhou.

 

New initiatives planned for SIAL Guangzhou in 2026 include a Halal Food Village, reflecting rising demand from Muslim consumers across Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East as well as growing interest from retailers and foodservice operators looking for certified products with international potential. 

The village will showcase halal-certified products from China's major Muslim food-producing regions, including Xinjiang and Gansu, alongside international exhibitors and country pavilions, including from Thailand. 

With Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Gulf markets continuing to expand on halal food imports that respond to mainstream expectations around quality, convenience and innovation, the segment is expected to become one of the exhibition's fastest-growing categories. 

According to the organisers, the halal category also overlaps with clean labelling, traceability, premiumisation and food safety, all themes that resonate beyond Muslim-majority markets. 

Taking place from 3 to 5 September 2026 at the Guangzhou Poly World Trade Center Expo, SIAL in Guangzhou arrives at a time when international buyers, distributors and retail procurement teams are looking more closely at supplier reliability, product differentiation and faster access to Asian growth markets.

The event is expanding to four exhibition halls this year, hosting over 1,500 exhibitors across 15 sectors. The ambition is to make South China’s edition a more prominent international sourcing platform, especially for buyers seeking export-ready Chinese suppliers and Asian market insight in the same place.

Details

SIAL Guangzhou 2026 | 3–5 September | Guangzhou Poly World Trade Center Expo, Guangzhou, China

Register at https://dwz.cn/I3xC9VAY

 

Uzbekistan's heritage takes centrestage at the first International Forum of Islamic Civilization

The President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has called for greater investment in education, stronger scientific cooperation, and the promotion of religious tolerance as essential responses to rising global conflict, extremism, and Islamophobia. Mirziyoyev made the remarks at the first International Forum of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan on July 7.

The forum, organised by the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, reflects Uzbekistan's growing role as a centre of Islamic scholarship and intercultural dialogue while advancing the concept of Islamic enlightenment. Islamic enlightenment was first introduced by President Mirziyoyev during the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2017.

In a message read at the Forum's opening ceremony, President Mirziyoyev noted that despite unprecedented scientific and technological progress, the world is facing growing geopolitical tensions, declining trust between nations, and increasing attempts to deepen divisions between cultures and religions. "In these challenging times, noble ideals, including Islamic values, remain the most important and enduring foundations of peace, social progress, harmony and enlightenment," he said.

The President stressed that Islam has historically encouraged scientific inquiry, education, artistic development, and intellectual discovery, rejecting the notion that religion is incompatible with modern progress. He paid tribute to the enduring contributions of Central Asia's great scholars, including Muhammad al-Khwarizmi, Abu Rayhan al-Biruni, Ibn Sina, and Mirzo Ulugh Beg, whose achievements transformed mathematics, medicine, astronomy, and philosophy and continue to shape global science today.

Delivering greetings on behalf of the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, His Virtue Professor Dr Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims' Board, Chairman of the Qazi Council (Fetwa institution) of the CMB, and Sheikh ul-Islam of Caucasus, described Uzbekistan as "a beacon of Islamic knowledge for centuries" and praised the country's efforts to preserve and promote its rich intellectual heritage.

Themed The Path of Peace, Tolerance and Enlightenment, the forum brought together more than 450 participants from over 50 countries and examined the contribution of Islamic civilisation to peace, tolerance, enlightenment, and intercultural dialogue. It also underscores Uzbekistan's commitment to preserving its intellectual heritage while expanding international cooperation in science, education, and cultural exchange.

In 2017, President Mirziyoyev said that the principles of peace, tolerance, and enlightenment at the heart of Islam are universal values capable of uniting societies rather than dividing them. He called for combating extremism and Islamophobia through enlightenment, science, and culture, laying the foundation for a state policy based on the principle of Enlightenment Against Ignorance.

Over the years, Uzbekistan has established a modern cultural, educational, scientific, and academic infrastructure that supports the comprehensive study, preservation, and promotion of the intellectual heritage of Islamic civilisation. The cornerstone of these efforts is the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, which brings together research, museum activities, educational initiatives, and international cooperation within a single complex.

"As Forum participants have noted, the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan is becoming a platform for shaping a new international agenda for humanitarian cooperation based on knowledge, enlightenment, mutual respect, and trust. The Forum concluded with agreements to launch numerous joint research initiatives, international expeditions, educational programmes, digital manuscript preservation projects, and other major cultural initiatives aimed at strengthening peace, mutual understanding, and dialogue among civilisations," said Dr Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan.

During the event, delegates discussed preserving and studying Islamic manuscripts and cultural heritage, applying digital technologies and AI to historical research, expanding international academic cooperation, and exploring the relevance of Islamic intellectual traditions in addressing today's global challenges.

The Forum also served as a platform for presenting new publications, launching major cultural and scientific initiatives, signing international cooperation agreements, and adopting the Declaration of the First International Forum of Islamic Civilization,, which outlined a shared vision for future collaboration in promoting the universal values of Islamic civilisation.

Among the Forum's flagship events are international conferences dedicated to the scholarly legacy of Imam al-Bukhari, Imam al-Maturidi, and Imam al-Tirmidhi, highlighting the influence of their works on the development of Islamic thought and world civilisation.

Winners announced for The BrandLaureate World Halal BestBrands Awards 2026

The World Brands Foundation (TWBF) has presented The BrandLaureate World Halal BestBrands Awards 2026. 

For The BrandLaureate, each recognition platform is a reaffirmation of brand purpose, principled leadership, and long-term value creation. In today's increasingly discerning environment, brands are defined not only by visibility, but by the strength of their governance, the discipline of their strategy, and the trust they inspire among stakeholders, the company said.

Across the global halal landscape, the progressive growth of bumiputera enterprises and the evolving fast-moving growing and sustainable business and brands (FMGS) sector, branding has become a catalyst for credibility, competitiveness, and sustainable economic contribution.  

In an increasingly competitive marketplace, these brands have demonstrated that strong identity, structured governance and strategic branding are catalysts for sustainable growth, the organisers said. 

Anchored by the theme Advancing Halal: Inspiring Trust, Elevating Standards, Expanding Vision, The BrandLaureate World Halal BestBrands Awards 2026 recognises brands that have strengthened the global Halal ecosystem through innovation, governance and unwavering commitment to excellence. 

The global halal economy has matured into a multitrillion-dollar force spanning food, pharmaceuticals, finance, logistics, technology, hospitality, and lifestyle. In this expanding landscape, the concept of halal has emerged as a universal symbol of trust, ethics and quality that transcends geography and culture, The BrandLaureate said. 

The award honours brands that understand halal as a disciplined system of values embedded throughout leadership, operations and supply chains. Recipients represent the new standard of halal excellence; brands that elevate industry benchmarks while expanding their global influence. 

Organisations honoured spanned food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, Islamic finance, logistics, manufacturing, hospitality, technology, and professional services. Recipients included Maybank Islamic, Blackmores Malaysia, Ikano Handel (Ikea Malaysia: Swedish Restaurant), KHH Double Lion Fruit Juice Manufacturing, Kart Food Industries, Majlis Agama Islam Selangor and Teo Seng Capital. 

The BrandLaureate World Halal BestBrands Awards 2026 - Signature Brand recognise organisations demonstrating strong brand identity, innovation, and sectoral excellence. The recipients included Apollo Food Industries, Borenos, Halal Products Research Institute: Universiti Putra Malaysia, IKOP Pharma, Gemini Beauty Resources (Kitsui), Kumpulan Medic Iman (KMI Healthcare), Lay Hong (Nutriplus) and RCE Marketing. 

The BrandLaureate World Halal BestBrands Awards 2026 - Most Preferred Brand honoured organisations that have achieved strong consumer trust, preference, and market resonance. Award recipients included HERO 99, JCL Credit Leasing (JCL i-Fund), Kanika Malaysia, Kwantas (Minyak Mas), Desa Southern Food Products (Sweet & Sour), and Village Park Restaurant. 

Strategic business partners of The BrandLaureate World Halal BestBrands Award 2026 include Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) and Halal Development Corporation (HDC). YBhg Dato' Dr. Sirajuddin Bin Suhaimee, Director General of JAKIM, was honoured with The BrandLaureate World Halal BrandLeadership Award 2026 for outstanding leadership in halal governance. 

"In a world of expanding opportunities and intensifying competition, branding is what elevates a business into a lasting force — it is what makes a brand be seen, heard, known, and remembered. As industries evolve and the halal economy rises globally, these awards honour brands that build with trust, stand with purpose, and grow with unwavering resilience," said President Emeritus Professor Dr KK Johan, World President of The World Brands Foundation. 

Source: The BrandLaureate. The World Brands Foundation (TWBF) has celebrated The BrandLaureate World Halal BestBrands Awards 2026. 

Explore

See the full list of winners and award categories.

17th IFSB Summit: envisioning impact and stability

The Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) invites financial sector professionals to the 17th IFSB Summit, slated to take place from 2 to 4 February 2026 in Muscat, Oman. 

Source: IFSB. Poster for the  IFSB Summit 2026.

Hosted by the Central Bank of Oman, the summit brings together policymakers, regulators and global thought leaders to examine how the industry can respond to fast-evolving market conditions and rising societal expectations. Governors and senior leaders from over 30 jurisdictions are expected to attend.  

Themed Islamic Finance for the Future: Breaking New Ground for Global Impact, the summit highlights how Islamic finance is transitioning from being reactive to proactive amid economic and technological disruptions. At the same time, Islamic finance is strengthening the non-bank financial sector, deepening market liquidity through sukuk development, and enhancing crisis preparedness and financial safety nets within the industry. 

Islamic finance further promotes financial inclusion, social impact, sustainability and climate resilience, alongside harnessing emerging digital technologies for a more resilient future. 

Speakers at the event are expected to help frame the industry's strategic direction and offer insights into global trends shaping Islamic finance. The lineup includes senior representatives from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI), the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the United Nations. 

Held over three days, the Summit includes a public pre-summit programme featuring broader themes on leadership, business strategies, youth empowerment, NGO engagement, and the role of credit rating agencies. These sessions capture a wider group of stakeholders and reflect the IFSB's commitment to fostering informed, inclusive and progressive discourse.

Details

Registration is free for IFSB member organisations and US$400 for non-members. With limited seats available, prospective delegates are encouraged to register early at www.ifsb.org/17thsummit 

Indonesia Shariah Economic Festival 2025 increases exposure for startups, designers

The Indonesian National Committee of Sharia Economics and Finance (Komite Nasional Ekonomi dan Keuangan Syariah or KNEKS), together with the Department of Economy and Shariah Finance at Bank Indonesia (DEKS), have held a Halal Startup Demo Day (HSDD) as part of Indonesia Shariah Economic Festival (ISEF) 2025. ISEF is Indonesia's largest annual shari'ah economic and financial event. 

Themed Dare to Jumpstart Halal Industry With Ambition, HSDD 2025 brought 20 halal industry startups, investors, mentors, and stakeholders together.

Rp21 B has been set aside for selected startups. Potential business partners and committed investors include the Indonesian Muslim Entrepreneur Community (Komunitas Pengusaha Muslim Indonesia or KPMI), the Gaido Group, Equitree, PUM Netherlands, the Rahmania Foundation, HASAN Venture Capital, BTPN Syariah Venture Capital, and LBS Urun Dana. Other participants included the Indonesian Fintech Association (AFSI), the Venture Capital Association for Indonesian Startups (AMVESINDO), Gobi Partner, and World Startup.

"On behalf of Bank Indonesia, we express our highest appreciation and appreciation to the KNEKS and all parties participating in the implementation of this activity—from the organising partners, supporting institutions, to startups that today will showcase their work and innovation in the halal industry sector," said Yono, Deputy Director of Economics and Finance of Sharia at Bank Indonesia in a statement in Bahasa Indonesia*.

“In line with the great vision of Asta Cita Indonesia, Bank Indonesia is committed through this activity to supporting the acceleration of the national halal startup ecosystem in order to cement Indonesia as the world’s halal industry hub through matching innovators with investors, and opening wider access to Islamic financing. This activity is also a platform to strengthen the halal value chain and nurture superior startups that are ready to compete globally.”

“The Ministry of Industry is committed to supporting the growth of technology startups in the industry through the Startup for Industry programme. This programme is a forum for coaching and acceleration for startups to collaborate with the industrial sector, present technology-based solutions, and strengthen the national supply chain," said Dini Hangandari, Director of IKM, LMEA, Ministry of Industry.

The 20 startups came from a variety of sectors, including food and beverage, fashion, health, shari'ah finance, Muslim-friendly tourism, renewable energy, as well as media and recreation.

The Director of Business and Entrepreneurship of Sharia at KNEKS, Putu Rahwidiyasa, said that HSDD 2025 is an important part of KNEKS' commitment in driving the growth of the innovation-based sharia economy. “We want to help startups be ready to compete in the domestic and global markets by taking advantage of funding opportunities and a wider network,” he said.

HSDD 2025 is here to address the obstacles faced by many startups in obtaining adequate access to funding, networking, and business assistance. Through this activity, startups are expected to gain access to funding, guidance from experienced mentors, and expand the network with investors, buyers, and strategic partners. The programme also provides mentoring through the development of pitch decks.

Wahyu Wicaksono, Director of Applications, Ministry of Creative Economy, Indonesia, shared that the development of halal-based creative economic startups has been prioritised. "Through digital technology and creativity, startups can deliver halal products and services that are more inclusive, competitive, and have a broad economic impact,” he said. 

“Continuous collaboration between stakeholders — governments, financial institutions, investors, academia, and the entrepreneurial community. The hope is that this activity will give birth to a generation of halal startups that are innovative, competitive, and make a real contribution to the progress of the nation," said imbuh Irwansyah, Asdep Incubation And Digitalization of Entrepreneurial Deputy for Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium sized Enterprises (MSMEs). 

"HSDD 2025 is expected to be a strategic meeting point that strengthens the synergy between stakeholders and opens up greater opportunities for halal startups in Indonesia," Putu added.

The Indonesia International Modest Fashion Festival (IN2MOTIONFEST) 2025, also part of ISEF 2025, showcased 1,785 modest fashion works, highlighting the richness of Indonesian wastra***.

Organised by the Indonesian Fashion Chamber (IFC) together with Bank Indonesia, IN2MOTIONFEST is committed to optimising the use of Indonesia's rich cultural diversity and wastra in sustainable modest fashion products. This approach aligns with the implementation of a green economy within the Indonesian modest fashion industry, positioning it as a strong player in the global market.

Themed One Vision, One Movement: Advancing Indonesia Modest Fashion Through Synergy & Collaboration the event emphasised collective action, cross-sector collaboration, and synergy among industry players to enable Indonesia's modest fashion to dominate the domestic market and compete globally.

A wide variety of wastra from across Indonesia—including batik, songket, ikat weaving, ATBM (non-machine weaving), lurik, tapis, sasirangan, jumputan (tie-dye), embroidery, knits, and ecoprints—were showcased in diverse modest fashion styles. These pieces were designed by members of IKRA (Indonesia Sharia Creative Industry), fashion brands, MSMEs, and fashion school students.

Source: IFC. The Grand Finale on Opening Day at IN2MOTIONFEST 2025. Models wearing Khanaan fashion.

IN2MOTIONFEST 2025 featured a fashion show and trade exhibition, presented modest fashion collections from 214 designers and brands, both local and international, along with 100 wastra artisans participating in the Wastra Business Matching programme. This year, IN2MOTIONFEST collaborated with 11 international designers from Thailand, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Malaysia, Turkey, Italy, Spain, Australia, and the UAE (Dubai).

Explore

View catwalk videos from the at https://www.instagram.com/in2motionfest/?hl=en

*Parts of this content came from an e-translated press release and may be inaccurate as a result.

**Asta Cita refers to the eight aspirations conceived by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto towards achieving the vision of a Golden Indonesia in 2045. The aspirations cover welfare, economic resilience, food and energy sovereignty, education and human resource development, and strong national defence.

***Wastra refers to traditional Indonesian textiles, such as batik and tenun ikat, which come with a rich cultural heritage, and are associated with complex symbolism and quality craftsmanship.

IFAT to open in KSA in 2026

Messe München will be holding its first-ever trade fair in KSA in 2026 with IFAT, the trade fair for environmental technologies. A memorandum of understanding was signed in late January with the National Center for Waste Management (MWAN) in KSA.

The trade fair, the 13th in the IFAT stable, will be held at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center from January 26 to 28, 2026, and will bring together the key players in waste, water and various environmental technologies from the Middle East and North Africa region. 

"Strong and successful international business also secures the economic future of our trade fairs in Munich," explained Messe München Co-CEOs Stefan Rummel and Dr Reinhard Pfeiffer. 

"We see great potential in Saudi Arabia and are looking forward to the first IFAT in the Middle East."

The trade fair is an important part of the KSA government's Vision 2030 programme, through which it is investing more heavily in the sustainable development of the economy. This development offers great growth potential for environmental technologies and the circular economy.

Goals include 91% source segregated waste, 79% of waste prepared for recycling and 90% diversion from landfills by 2040. For the water sector, desalinating seawater, expanding water networks and building wastewater treatment plants and associated infrastructure to meet national needs are all being accomplished while ensuring the sustainable extraction and consumption of this valuable resource, and protecting the natural environment of the Kingdom.

MIHAS ventures across borders to Dubai

Source: MATRADE. The MIHAS@Dubai logo.

The world's largest halal showcase, Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), is gearing up for its international debut after 20 successful editions in Malaysia.

MIHAS is set to launch MIHAS@Dubai as part of the 22nd Middle East Organic and Natural Product Expo at Dubai World Trade Centre from November 18 to 20, 2024. The event is expected to help expand the halal economy by connecting the UAE and Malaysia's halal ecosystem with others worldwide.

"The debut of MIHAS in an overseas market marks a significant milestone in its global expansion, offering Malaysian exhibitors an unparallelled platform to access the thriving international halal market. Showcasing in Dubai - one of the world's prominent trade hubs - enables Malaysian businesses, particularly SMEs, to broaden their reach, forge strategic partnerships, and seize valuable opportunities for sustained growth in the international market," said Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, CEO, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). MATRADE organises MIHAS.

MIHAS@Dubai comes close on the heels of MIHAS Malaysia being recognized by the Guinness World Records for having the largest attendance for a halal trade show. In 2024, MIHAS Malaysia attracted 43,353 visitors from over 90 countries and featured 2,028 booths from 66 nations in Kuala Lumpur from September 17 to 20, 2024.

"MIHAS@Dubai represents a pivotal moment as the first step in the internationalisation of MIHAS. By placing our products at the heart of a major international trade hub, this initiative empowers our businesses, especially SMEs, to extend their market reach, forge lasting strategic partnerships and capitalise on new growth opportunities, setting the stage for long-term global success," added Datuk Mohd.

"The upcoming show will be very significant for both the region as well as the industry since it will witness the global debut of an event that is considered as the nerve centre of the global halal ecosystem," said P Ravi, Director, Global Links Exhibition Organizers & Conferences, organiser of the organics expo.

Mihas@Dubai will help nearly double the number of exhibitors at the organics expo to 550 for its upcoming show. Malaysia will also be the country partner for the Middle East Organic and Natural Product Expo 2024 and will be one of 20 country pavilions at the event.

"MIHAS@Dubai and country partner Malaysia will bring together more than 200 exhibitors and can play a pivotal role in advancing the halal and organic industries in the Middle East. Key avenues for this growth include certification and standards, trade partnerships, investment opportunities, knowledge transfer, and consumer awareness, among others," added Ravi.

The UAE is positioning itself to lead the US$3 T global halal sector. The country is committed to help the region gain from advanced legislative and regulatory aspects while also integrating modern technology for the sustainable development of the halal industry.

"The trade fair is merely the starting point – a gateway for showcasing our products and making initial connections. The true potential lies beyond the event itself, in the lasting relationships, market expansion and trade opportunities that our exhibitors, particularly SMEs, can leverage long after the fair ends. It paves the way for new partnerships, sustained business growth and a broader global impact that will continue to benefit our businesses and the economy for years to come," concluded Datuk Mohd.

*SME stands for small and medium-sized enterprise.

Halal Food Market at THAIFEX - Anuga Asia 2023 to offer access to global innovations and trends

The THAIFEX - Anuga Halal Market, one of six special programmes at THAIFEX - Anuga, will reflect the boom that the global halal food sector is currently experiencing.

Exhibitors at the event include:

Ghanim International Corporation (GIC), Brunei

GIC has been promoting and marketing bruneihalalfoods products worldwide since 2009. The company was established` with the aim of meeting the growing demand for halal, quality, safety, and sustainability in all aspects of consumption. Their product portfolio includes a wide range of food and beverage items, such as confectionery, snacks, ready-to-eat meals, and frozen poultry.

Serba Wangi, Malaysia

Serba Wangi began operations in 1993 and has since established itself as one of the leading rice millers and wholesalers in Malaysia. Serba Wangi performs a broad range of rice-related activities, such as milling, processing, and packaging for distribution of various rice and rice products under their flagship brand JATI. Household names under the JATI brand include Kapal Layar, Carnation, Songhe Noble Pine Crane, S. Wangi, Fres-Harvest, and Jati Signature. EcoBrown’s is the company's healthy rice series.

Spunky Food Company, a startup, will showcase ethnic food and regional chili toppings at the event. The company is introducing a new plant-based brand, Chivi, at THAIFEX - Anuga Asia. Visitors will be able to see its plant-based tempeh toppings in various flavours, plant-based furikake seasonings, and vegan Thai noodle sets in different flavours.*

According to the Imarc Group, the halal food market was valued at US$2.2 B in 2022, and is projected to be worth US$4.2 B by 2028, a CAGR of 10.8% from 2023 to 2028.

In terms of geographies, the Asia Pacific region is the leading purchaser of halal food, driven by a rising Muslim population and increasing demand for halal food and beverage products, Technavio said. The research firm projected that 51% of the total halal market share growth will originate from the Asia Pacific (APAC) region by 2027. Technavio further reported that Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Singapore are among the leading markets for halal food in the APAC region.

Indonesia is known as the world's largest halal consumer market, with consumer spending reaching US$184 B in 2020.

The halal meat, poultry and seafood (MPS) segment is projected to grow significantly in terms of market share from 2022 to 2027. The upturn began in 2017 and has continued in 2021, said Technavio.

Thailand is presently the world's 12th biggest exporter of halal products and the 5th largest producer of halal foods, with halal export taking the lead among ASEAN countries. Halal food makes up 20% of Thailand's global food exports, and over 60% of halal exports are sent to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

Details

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023 is set to host leaders and innovators in the food and beverage industry this May at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand. The trade fair features 11 signature trade shows and six special shows with a focus on innovative blueprints, bold ideas, and cutting-edge solutions. Running from 23-27 May, the food trade fair will unite 3,000 exhibitors from 43 countries and over 60,000 trade visitors from over 120 countries.

*While Spunky Food's products are vegan or plant-based, it's not clear if they are halal as there is no indication of whether alcohol is an ingredient. Spunky Food is not part of the halal pavilion.

Marrybrown to manage cafe for Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai

The Malaysia Pavilion has announced that the largest halal quick serving restaurant chain in the world, Malaysian-owned Marrybrown, is its café operator for Expo 2020 Dubai. Marrybrown currently has more than 500 restaurants in Malaysia and across 16 countries, including in Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, India, the Maldives, and the Middle East.

Marrybrown will feature signature Malaysian delicacies as well as fast food favourites that have proven to tantalise international taste buds. The offerings include Malaysian fried chicken, burgers, Arabian wraps and nasi lemak (fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf). There will also be nasi kari ayam (curry chicken rice) and teh tarik (aerated milk tea).

"Malaysia Pavilion is incredibly happy to have Marrybrown as our café operator to represent our Malaysian identity. Marrybrown is a shining example of a Malaysian business which pioneered fast food chain franchising in Malaysia and went on to successfully spread its wings globally," said Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor, CEO, Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre (MGTC).

"With its vision to bring Malaysian favourite dishes to the world, Marrybrown has flown the Malaysian flag high by going global as a brand. Marrybrown fittingly represent the Malaysian spirit and the best brands of Malaysia at Expo," added Shamsul Bahar.

Malaysia will be among 192 countries participating in Expo 2020 Dubai, scheduled for 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. Themed Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, the world expo is the first to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region.

Malaysia's overall participation at Expo 2020 is led by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Malaysia while MGTC is the implementing agency. The Pavilion will house segments for permanent display and showcases, a business centre, an amphitheatre and retail and café areas. The net zero carbon site has the theme of Energising Sustainability and will be designed as a rainforest canopy. It is to be located between the Sustainability District and Mobility District at the 438-hectare expo site.

Malaysia's activities during the expo will include permanent displays, showcases, pocket talks, summits and forums, cultural performances, demonstrations and 26 weekly thematic trade and business programmes. The business weeks will be helmed and supported by 22 ministries, 44 agencies and five state governments.

Islamic Fintech Dialogue aims to analyse ecosystem

The 3rd Islamic Fintech Dialogue (IFD) focuses on the convergence of the fast-growing Islamic finance industry with the financial technology (fintech) industry. Established in 2017, IFD has become a trailblazer platform for dialogue and engagement among industry experts.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the need to adapt and accelerate the digitalisation of financial services as a survival strategy across the globe. Market players and regulators of the Islamic financial services industry must make it a top priority. Institutions that drag their feet on planning for fintech will face irrelevance or, more likely, extinction. Can the Islamic fintech industry transform this disruption into new solutions and opportunities?

Although the Islamic fintech industry is expanding, there are still gaps in the industry. In the interest of creating an Islamic fintech ecosystem, whether regional or global, these gaps must be identified. This year’s event will discuss these areas to better understand the existing ‘dots’ and how they can be better connected, leading to this year's theme: Islamic Fintech Ecosystem: Connecting the Dots. It will also explore what fundamental building blocks are still missing.

The event will feature the launch of an Islamic Fintech Report that will provide wider insight about the Islamic fintech industry. The 1st IFD set the stage with discussions on the fundamentals of fintech in Islamic finance. It highlighted developments in key fintech areas such as governance, regulations, shari'ah compliance and technology. The 2nd IFD dealt with the challenges and opportunities that fintech brings to the Islamic finance industry. It provided insight on how fintech is challenging the norm in the global financial industry and disrupting the Islamic financial system.

The 2nd IFD also hosted the event’s first pitch competition with 26 submissions from various countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Bahrain, Morocco, Singapore and Pakistan.

The IDF is organised by the International Shari'ah Research Academy for Islamic Finance (ISRA), which was established in 2008 by the Central Bank of Malaysia as an Islamic finance and shari'ah-related research institution.

Details:

The e-conference is held on 1 and 2 December, 2020.

Register.

GIES Series will cover digitisation in Islamic banking in November

The Global Islamic Economy Summit Series is hosting a webinar on digitisation in Islamic banks this November.

Digitization of Banking: Lessons Learned from 2020 will be held on 10 November, 2020 at 1 pm, GMT +4. Islamic banks have been affected by this year's pandemic as customers postpone payments under government-instituted loan deferment programmes. However, there are also growth areas such as for digital finance, as well as market demand from capital markets with multilaterals (Islamic Development Bank), sovereigns (Indonesia) and corporate issuers in Malaysia, Indonesia, the UAE and KSA. This webinar will cover key lessons from this year that can increase industry resilience against future crises and pandemics.

The Global Islamic Economy Summit (GIES) is the world’s largest and most inclusive gathering for the Islamic economy. While the annual GIES event has been postponed, the organisers are hosting a virtual series that will be covering a range of the Islamic economy including Islamic finance, halal food and halal lifestyle.

The sessions are designed to:

- Facilitate collaboration in addressing the potential challenges the industry faces in the post-COVID-19 era.

- Explore new ideas and exchange knowledge on ways to optimise the development of key Islamic economy sectors

- Stimulate discussion among all stakeholders as to how to become innovative, interconnected and impactful.

- Encourage Islamic economy businesses to leverage technology to bypass traditional barriers to entry.

Details:

Register

Eighth update to Islamic financial services industry to be launched in August

The Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) will be launching the 8th edition of its flagship Islamic Financial Services Industry (IFSI) Stability Report 2020 during its Members and Industry Engagement Session (MIES), to be held online on 6 August 2020 at 3:30 pm Malaysia time.

HE Dr Fahad Abdullah Aldossari, Deputy Governor for Research and International Affairs, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA), will be the Guest of Honour. He will officiate the launch of the report online.

The IFSB’s IFSI Stability Report series, which was first launched in 2013, has become an important benchmark publication providing an assessment of the growth, development, and stability of the IFSI. The objectives behind the report are anchored on the IFSB’s mandate to promote the development of a prudent and resilient IFSI.

In this MIES session, the IFSB will present key structural and prudential developments, assessment of vulnerability, resilience, and future outlook, as well as expected implications of COVID-19 on the global IFSI. This will be followed by a panel discussion to allow greater interaction and exchange of views among the industry’s stakeholders, regulators and market players.

The discussion will be moderated by the Secretary-General of the IFSB, Dr Bello Lawal Danbatta and representatives from the regulatory and supervisory authorities as well as market players. A question and answer session will be held after the discussion, led by Dr Danbatta and both Assistant Secretary-Generals, Walid Alzahrani and Dr Rifki Ismal.

Details:

Regulatory and supervisory authorities and industry players from among IFSB members and non-members are invited to witness the launch of the IFSB’s IFSI Stability Report 2020 and also participate in the MIES. Register.

Online forum on COVID vs Islamic financial services on 28 July

An online forum for regulatory and supervisory authorities, Covid-19 and the Islamic Financial Services Industry: Policy Implications and Regulatory Challenges, will be held on 28 July 2020 at 3 pm Malaysia time by the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB).

In its role as the global prudential standard-setter for Islamic finance, the IFSB aims to provide a platform for its egulatory and supervisory authority (RSA) members to explore and discuss the effectiveness of various policy interventions introduced to counter the implications of COVID-19 on the Islamic financial sector.

The forum also aims to facilitate sharing of policy implementation experiences across jurisdictions, discuss their potential long-term impact on financial markets and institutions offering Islamic financial services (IIFS) and identify areas that may require further concern and coordination by the IFSB.

The objectives of the forum are to:

- Explore the effectiveness, implementation and challenges of international prudential and other financial policy measures (both conventional and Islamic) in response to COVID-19.

- Deliberate on the potential medium-term and long-term consequences for IIFS, financial markets and consumers.

- Identify any Islamic finance specific-issues that have emerged or are likely to emerge in the future due to the direct impact of the pandemic or as a consequence of policy actions taken to mitigate the impact of the crisis.

- Share of policy implementation experiences across jurisdictions and identify policy areas that require further coordination and provision of guidance for the global Islamic financial services industry with regard to the impact of the pandemic, and

- Identify potential areas for future IFSB standards and research

Details:

Regulatory and supervisory authorities from among IFSB members are encouraged to participate in this forum. Register.

Regulatory checks and balances needed for Islamic financial instruments

The 14th Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) Summit 2019, touched on trends that will impact Islamic finance and what is now needed to support maturity.

In his opening address, the Secretary-General of the IFSB, Dr Bello Lawal Danbatta highlighted that the theme of the summit - Islamic Finance for Sustainable Development in the Era of Technological Innovation - points to the future of Islamic finance. He said that economic challenges, environmental awareness and technological innovations will change the traditional understanding of how the financial industry should operate. Sustainability is also a growing concern among investors, industry players and regulators.

Dr Danbatta further outlined that technological developments have led to the emergence of conceptual innovations and new tools for Islamic financial services but need a strong regulatory, supervisory and legal underpinning that can facilitate the mainstreaming of these instruments.

In a keynote speech, HE Dr Perry Warjiyo, Governor of Bank Indonesia and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the IFSB said: "It is heartening to note that Indonesia is hosting the IFSB Summit 2019." He appreciated the progress made so far by the organisation and is confident that ongoing reforms will advance the IFSB further.

He outlined five overarching strategies to develop Islamic finance in the era of the technological innovations:

- Supporting the digitalisation of Islamic banking;

- Interlinking Islamic banking with fintech;

- Encouraging startup innovations for Islamic finance development;

- Developing the infrastructure for payment systems and the Islamic money market;

- Strengthening cross-border collaboration and cooperation among IFSB members.

In her keynote, Dr Zeti Aziz the former Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, lauded the rapid technology-led innovations in the financial services industry. They have dramatically changed the way in which financial systems operate across the globe, she said. While the technological innovations may have been disruptive to the current structure of the financial services sector, they also offer potential for enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the financial system.

Dr Zeti explained that with technological innovation the cost of transactions are significantly reduced, outreach is extended, economic participation increases, and greater financial inclusion is achieved. However, technological developments require regulations and standards that address potential risks such as the improper use of data, fraud, cybercrime, and money laundering.

She suggested that the IFSB can play an important role as a repository of policy responses to financial innovations as well as a facilitator for the coordination and harmonisation of such responses across borders.

A video keynote was delivered by the Honourable Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia. In his speech, he expressed his gratification at the positive development of the global Islamic finance industry and its positive impacts on the financial system in general and financial inclusion in particular. HE Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad also said that it is heartening to see how the IFSB has flourished and has become a highly respected international standards body for the Islamic financial industry.
 
Other speakers at the event, which ran from November 13 to 14, included HE Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus, Governor, Bank Negara Malaysia, HE Dr Ahmed Abdulkarim Alkholifey, Governor, Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) and HE Tahir bin Salim bin Abdullah Al Amri, Executive President, Central Bank of Oman.

Nomad Universe to take place in March

Source: PRNewsfoto/World Ethnogames. Archery in action.

The World Ethnogames Confederation in Kyrgyzstan, in cooperation with The Camel Club of KSA, are organising Nomad Universe. The event will be held from March 9-19, 2019 as part of the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival in KSA.

"Nomad Universe in the framework of The King Abdulaziz Camel Festival is a global summit of peoples and ethnic groups who come together for preserving and demonstrating their uniqueness. A great role model for unity in diversity and in-line with Saudi Arabia's 2030 Vision," said Askhat Akibayev, President of The World Ethnogames Confederation.

The main goal of Nomad Universe is the preservation and revival of historical heritage and diversity of the original culture of peoples and ethnic groups worldwide. A thousand participants from 90 countries will attend Nomad Universe to perform and present their cultural treasures in art, sport and science.

"Every year due to globalisation, many traditions, customs and ancient wisdom of various peoples and ethnic groups are getting more and more lost. Preserving the great heritage of our ancestors is a necessity to meet the challenges of the future responsibly and sustainably. With Nomad Universe, we created a new global format to present, visualise and preserve ethno-art, ethnosport and ethnoscience from all over the world, based on ancient traditions and historical heritage," said Akibayev.

The King Abdulaziz Camel Festival is the world's largest camel festival, held annually under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The festival is a diverse cultural, economic and sporting event that accentuates the heritage and reflects the cultural depth of KSA.

It is currently taking place from February 21 till March 24, 2019 near the village of Al-Sayahid, 150 km from Riyadh, KSA. The location is a permanent venue, built on 30 million sq m of desert, and visited by 35,000 people per day. For many centuries this historical place has been served as a meeting point for camel caravans arriving from all points of the Arabian Peninsula.

Explore:

Watch the associated video

MITEC kitchens now halal-certified

The Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre’s (MITEC) kitchens have been certified halal by The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim).
All kitchens – the main kitchen (which oversees Chinese, Malay, Western sub-kitchens), butchery – meat, butchery – seafood, commissary kitchen*, fruit and vegetable kitchen, garde manger kitchen* as well as the pastry and bakery kitchen received individual halal certificates from Jakim.

The halal certification confirms that MITEC has been audited by the department and assures that food prepared by the venue’s kitchens complies with stringent Islamic requirements in addition to quality hygienic and sanitary conditions.

Jakim awarded the certification after an on-site inspection, detailed assessment and evaluation and recommendation on halal compliance which took approximately four months.

MITEC CEO Gunther Beissel said as a world-class venue, MITEC has always been cognisant of the importance of ensuring the concept of halal is not only applicable for preparation of food, but also the process of managing the storage, handling of raw materials and procurement.

“We have set up a Halal Committee to oversee and maintain our halal standard and very proud to receive halal certification for all our kitchens in just over a year in operation. The certification would also boost the confidence of our clients and guests,” he said.

*The commissary kitchen is a kitchen that is rented out to professional food service providers. The garde manger is a chilled, well-ventilated area where cold dishes are prepared. It may also store refrigerated foods and dishes.

MIFB to emphasise halal as one of four segments

The 20th Malaysian International Food & Beverage (MIFB 2019) trade fair will provide a platform to taste the future, from new processes and technologies to industry trends, consumer needs, food safety, traceability, and sustainability.

Themed Future of Food Business, the event offers showcases under four categories:

- Food technology

- Food & Beverage (healthy and natural produce),

- Halal food, and

- Seafood and Fishery.

The halal food segment was only introduced in 2018. The time was right to do so as Malaysia is perceived as a leader in the global halal industry, with a halal ecosystem that is equipped with comprehensive and proactive policies as well as the frameworks to develop the halal industry. The organisers also noted that halal certification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) is stringent and highly sought-after under a bilateral halal system recognition programme. Additionally, the Halal Industry Development Master Plan (HIDM) 2008 – 2020 identifies the halal industry as a new source of economic growth.

Over 600 participating companies from 50 countries will be hosted and more than 20,000 trade visitors from around the world are expected to visit the show.

Preregister before 25 June 2019 to collect an express trade visitor pass and a free show directory.

Details:

20th Malaysian International Food & Beverage Trade Fair 2019
Dates: 26-28 June 2019
Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Register
Only trade visitors aged 19 and above will be allowed entry.

There are two MIFB 2019 roadshows:

Sabah:

9 am – 1 pm, 25 February 2019
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Register

Sarawak:

2 pm – 6 pm, 26 February 2019
Borneo Convention Centre. Kuching, Malaysia
Register

La Kopi, the coffee consumer festival, begins 25 January

Source: La Kopi.

The inaugural heritage-driven coffee consumer festival, La Kopi 2019, is designed to be a fun-filled weekend that raises awareness and appreciation of Singapore coffee and bakeries, with the support of its host, the Singapore Coffee Association.

The one-of-a-kind coffee festival will be held at Singapore Expo Hall from 25 January to 27 January 2019 and occupies 4,000 sq m with almost 70 vendors. There will be booths hailing from Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia and Hong Kong.


Aside from promoting a sense of belonging and togetherness, La Kopi also seeks to educate people about the origins of different coffees and the industry as a whole through events and competitions.

First Live Barista Competition @ Coffee Festival

La Kopi will be the first local coffee consumer festival to host a live barista competition sanctioned by the World Coffee Events. Skill and talent will be showcased at the annual Singapore National Barista Championship 2019 and Singapore National Brewers Cup 2019.

The 2018 Japan Aeropress Champion who will be at the show with Homeground Coffee Roasters. The Cupping Room HK @cuppingroomhk will also make an appearance.

Activities

Classic games like marbles, hopscotch, five stones will be available together with coffee cupping. There are also workshops such as block printing on tote bags with WithAutumn, silk screen printing and coffee cup silk screening.

Participants can also collect “beans” via the La Kopi app during the event to qualify for daily lucky draws and the grand lucky draw. Prizes include a return ticket to Milan, Italy worth S$3,000 and an OTO WELLNESS Massage Chair worth S$2,980.

Educational Zone 

At the Educational Zone, attendees can expect to participate in an origami dripper demo by Trunk Coffee Japan, Japan pour-over coffee demo by Hoshikuwa, Japan Coffee Cupping and Sharing, as well as a keynote session from the founder of social enterprise and cafe, The Caffeine Experience.

Details:

Opening hours:

25 January - 12 pm to 9 pm
26 January - 11 am to 9 pm
27 January - 11 am to 7 pm

Venue: Singapore Expo Hall 5B 1 Expo Dr, Singapore 486150