The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) has officially unveiled the 22nd edition of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas 2026), scheduled for September 23–26, 2026, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) in Kuala Lumpur.
Positioned as a strategic global platform to strengthen the halal economy, Mihas 2026 aims to help businesses navigate uncertainties, such as supply chain disruptions and rising costs, through enhanced digital trade and trusted partnerships.
Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) deputy secretary general for investment and management Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil said the theme of MIHAS 2026 resonates strongly with the aspirations of the National Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030.
“As we embark on the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) chapter, the halal sector is no longer just a contributor to growth but a strategic enabler of economic transformation.
“By aligning with NIMP 2030 priorities, we aim to establish Malaysia as a global halal leader, driving halal exports to RM80 billion and increasing the sector’s GDP contribution to 11% through innovation and resilience,” she said at the soft launch of the 22nd Mihas 2026 held at Mitec on April 28, 2026.
Meanwhile, Matrade chief executive officer Abu Bakar Yusof said trust has become a key competitive advantage for Malaysian exporters.
“Buyers want assurance not only that a product is halal, but also that the claim is governed, verified and sustained over time.
“Through Mihas 2026, artificial intelligence (AI) will bridge trust and innovation, giving MSMEs and multinationals equal access to precision- driven opportunities across ASEAN and our FTA partner markets.”
Mihas 2026 theme “Shaping Trust, Driving Resilience”, focuses on navigating a challenging global landscape marked by market fragmentation, supply chain disruptions and rising business costs.
It is set to deliver strong commercial impact and international participation, with targets of RM4.5 billion in trade value, alongside 2,380 booths and an expected 45,000 visitors from 45 countries.
Mihas 2026 will utilize AI-powered tools, including the International Sourcing Programme (INSP), to connect 200 international buyers and 50 premium buyers under the Hosted Buyer Programme, while showcasing the strength of local industry with 600 Malaysian exporters featured through MIihas Showcase initiatives.
Collectively, these targets reflect Mihas’ growing scale and strategic importance as a leading global halal business platform.
In addition, the AI-assisted Mihas Awards will feature a jurying process for exhibitors and partners to ensure transparent, efficient and fair evaluation, focusing on excellence in product quality, innovation, and sustainable, Shariah-compliant business practices.
Mihas 2026 will also introduce the Women in Export (WiEX) initiative to expand participation of women-led enterprises businesses and strengthening inclusivity within the global halal trade ecosystem.
By embedding AI across the entire trade journey – from discovery and matching to engagement and follow-through, MIHAS 2026 moves beyond facilitating connections to increasing the likelihood of real transactions.
This approach aligns with Malaysia’s National AI Action Plan 2026–2030, the National Industry Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, and the Halal Industry Master Plan (HIMP) 2030, reinforcing the country’s commitment to digitalisation, ESG compliance and sustainable trade.
Malaysia’s halal sector showed strong 2025 growth, with exports rising 10.9% to RM68.52 billion, reflecting sustained global demand and the sector’s resilience amid changing geopolitical and economic conditions.
Halal exports accounted for 4.3% of Malaysia’s total exports.
The performance was led by the food and beverages segment, which contributed RM36.86 billion (53.8%), followed by halal ingredients at RM21.39 billion (31.2%). Exports of palm oil and derivatives reached RM4.57 billion, recording a significant 55% growth.
Halal products continue to gain traction across diversified markets, with top destinations include China, Singapore, the United States, Japan and Indonesia.
This broad market distribution reinforces Malaysia’s strategy of diversification and strengthens resilience against regional disruptions.
For more information and to register for Mihas 2026, visit the official website at https://mihas.com.my or email sales-mihas@es-corp.co
