MIHAS 2023: Landmark Edition of the World’s Largest Halal Showcase
MIHAS 2023 marked a significant milestone as the largest Halal trade showcase ever held, both in terms of scale and industry involvement. Hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and organized by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), this 19th edition took place at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, and was conducted in a hybrid format—physical and virtual—over four days from 12–15 September 2023.
Record-Breaking Scale & Participation
This edition shattered previous records:
- It featured nearly 1,900 booths representing 44 countries, drawing around 35,000 visitors.
- It eclipsed previous trade targets by delivering RM 3.11 billion in sales, beating expectations by 24%.
Over the last 18 editions, MIHAS had generated a staggering RM 21.66 billion in cumulative sales, underscoring its long-term impact on the global Halal market.
Strategic Focus: Diversification & Inclusion
MIHAS 2023 expanded beyond typical food and beverage exhibits. It showcased a wide spectrum of sectors:
- Halal pharmaceuticals, medical devices
- Modest fashion, personal care, cosmetics
- Islamic finance, fintech, e‑commerce
- Islamic tourism, green technologies, and more.
This diversity reflects a growing recognition that the Halal economy extends far beyond food—covering ethical and inclusive business opportunities across industries.
MATRADE also emphasized engaging diverse stakeholders, including ministries, agencies, and state governments, in order to boost participation from local Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Global Access: INSP & Buyer Engagement
The International Sourcing Programme (INSP) was a standout feature, facilitating structured business matching between Malaysian exporters and close to 500 international buyers from countries like Australia, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Qatar, Thailand, Türkiye, and the UK.
These buyers comprised powerful conglomerates, hypermarkets, and IPCs with a combined revenue of USD 28 billion, making this a high-impact B2B platform.
MIHAS continues to be a pivotal gateway for global Halal trade, enabling exporters to forge long-lasting partnerships and expand their global footprint.
Government Support & National Leadership
MIHAS enjoys high-level support. Its official launch was conducted by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the opening of the Global Halal Summit (GHaS) held at MITEC.
MATRADE Chairman Dato’ Sri Reezal Merican Naina Merican emphasized MIHAS’s strategic role in helping businesses tap into the rising global Halal market, projected to reach USD 3.5 trillion by 2030.
Additionally, MATRADE CEO Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz highlighted the importance of inclusivity and inter-agency collaboration to ensure broad-based participation, particularly from MSMEs.
Supporting Events & Value-Added Programming
MIHAS 2023 ran concurrently with several key industry events to enhance value and offer deeper insights:
- The 13th Halal Certification Bodies Convention (HCBC) organized by JAKIM
- The Halal Sector Forum by Halal Development Corporation (HDC)
- A Seminar on Halal Profession by the Department of Standards Malaysia (DSM).
These additions enriched the event with knowledge sharing and sector-specific expertise, adding another dimension to the trade showcase.
Post-Pandemic Recovery & Strategic Significance
The 2023 edition was pivotal in the post-COVID economic recovery, reasserting MIHAS’s position as the world’s leading Halal exhibition.
Minister Tengku Datuk Sri Zafrul Tengku Aziz lauded Malaysia’s pioneering role in the Halal industry, citing strong export growth—63.8% jump in Halal exports to RM 59.46 billion in 2022—and drawing attention to the nation’s Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 as key enablers.
With global Halal market estimates ranging from USD 2.3 trillion to USD 5 trillion, MIHAS stands as a powerful platform for unlocking opportunities across sectors.
Summary: Why MIHAS 2023 Mattered
MIHAS 2023 underscored Malaysia’s leadership in the global Halal economy, offering a powerful forum where:
- Diverse sectors—from food to finance and lifestyle—converged
- Businesses connected through structured programs like INSP
- National bodies supported inclusive participation and export readiness
- The event galvanized post-pandemic industry recovery and future growth
With its record-breaking scale, inclusive strategy, and sectoral breadth, MIHAS 2023 not only delivered immediate trade impact but also reinforced Malaysia’s role as the world’s Halal business powerhouse.
