KUALA LUMPUR: The world’s largest halal trade show – Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) – is set to boost the promotion of Malaysia as an epicenter for the world’s halal industry. The dedicated halal trade fair organised by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), will showcase high-quality halal products and services from around the world in Kuala Lumpur and will take place from 3 to 6 April 2019 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
The 16th edition of the event, MIHAS 2019, is targeted to host exhibitors and visitors from over 70 countries and is part of the Global Halal Summit spearheaded by Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM) from 1 to 6 April 2019. Launched by MATRADE’s Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Wan Latiff Wan Musa on 27 February 2019, MIHAS 2019 is under the patronage of Ministry of International Trade and Industry and supported by JAKIM as well as Halal Development Corporation.
According to Dato’ Wan Latiff, MIHAS 2019 will reflect the maturity of the event as a world-class platform for the world’s halal industry. “With the strong support from both the public and private sector, MIHAS has earned the status as the centre point for industry players to converge under one roof in showcasing the latest trends and innovations in halal apart from exchanging insights and knowledge on the halal industry,” he said.
MIHAS 2019 will attract over 1,000 exhibitors and 31,000 trade visitors. Other than congregating industry players, MIHAS 2019 will also provide trade visitors with the unprecedented opportunity to benefit from a series of value-added programmes. Among the wide range of programmes include six conferences and more than 35 seminars such as:
- Trade Talk by MATRADE focusing on international market insights
- Islamic Tourism Conference by Islamic Tourism Center and HalalTrip to provide the latest halal tourism industry developments
- IMHalal Conference by iHALALMAS@FBUiTM, which brings together international and local practitioners as well as academicians to develop ideas and initiatives for the halal industry
- Halal Innovation Forum by World Startup Festival to strengthen Malaysia’s economy through Islamic Digital Initiatives and enhance Malaysia’s Halal Ecosystem through technology and e-commerce.
Complementing the world-class seminars and fora is MIHAS high-powered business matching. Two business matching programmes will be rolled out namely the International Sourcing Programme (INSP) and MIHAS Hosted Buyer Programme (HBP).
The INSP will bring over 200 selected buyers from around the globe to Menara MATRADE in Kuala Lumpur a day before MIHAS 2019 starts. Through the event, more than 450 Malaysian companies will be matched with foreign buyers seeking to source from Malaysia. The initiative is effective due to the quality of buyers and sellers of the programme. The buyers are selected by MATRADE’s global network (in 46 locations worldwide) while the Malaysian sellers are reputable exporters from all over Malaysia. During MIHAS 2018, INSP resulted in generating sales of RM602.5 million for local companies.
Meanwhile, the HBP will provide an opportunity for non-INSP participants to be matched with MIHAS 2019 exhibitors through the utilisation of MIHAS Connect – an online meeting scheduler.
The focus sectors to be highlighted at MIHAS 2019 are those pivotal to the industry’s ecosystem namely Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, Finance, Digital, Logistics, Islamic Tourism and the latest addition – Modest Fashion.
The Food & Beverage sector continues to be the main sector highlighted at MIHAS. Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd (F&N), one of MIHAS’ participants is eager to be part of this year’s edition. Mr Lim Yew Hoe, CEO of Fraser & Neave Holdings Berhad said, “We believe MIHAS is the best platform to directly connect us visitors from around the world, and we’re looking forward for the event.”
Meanwhile, another exhibitor, Berjaya Starbucks Coffee Co Sdn Bhd (Starbucks Malaysia), will return to the event for their breakfast networking session. “It’s great to witness industry players gather on our platform with their peers to discuss the industry’s development and establish business relationships, all while enjoying a good cup of coffee,” Mr Tengku Ferry Widayat, Business Development Manager, Halal Lead Malaysia & Brunei Coffee Master said.
Another exciting feature of MIHAS 2019 is the “Halal Corridor”, to be introduced by CIMB Investment Bank Bhd. This segment aims to support the transaction and business activities for the Halal industry. “MIHAS is the best platform to introduce the Halal Corridor, as it is the world’s largest international Halal trade show,” Mr Ken Mohamed Faiz Bin Kamal, Head of Marketing, Communication & Corporate Responsibility Group Islamic Banking mentioned.
One more participant, LightArtVR, whose revolutionary virtual reality project called “Mecca: A Journey Through Time”, will use MIHAS 2019 as an avenue to showcase their services in virtual reality for businesses in the halal industry. “We are introducing our solution for the halal industry, so that brand owners can let the customer experience their latest products and solution through virtual reality,” Mr Muhammad Bayazid, CEO/Founder of LightArtVR said.
With such a dynamic mix of contents and the wide array of business opportunities available, MIHAS 2019 will deliver the value to grow the world’s halal industry. News Desk
