Malaysia is preparing to bring thousands of businesses and buyers together in Kuala Lumpur as MIHAS 2026 returns with a RM5 billion sales target and a stronger focus on technology-enabled trade.
The 22nd Malaysia International Halal Showcase will run from September 23 to 26 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). Organisers expect around 50,000 visitors from 45 countries, with 1,700 companies occupying 2,000 booths.
Hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), the event reflects Malaysia’s continuing push to connect local exporters with the wider halal economy.
Trade Connections Take Centre Stage
MIHAS has grown beyond its early focus on halal food. The 2026 exhibition covers sectors including food and beverages, halal ingredients, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and personal care, modest fashion, logistics and Islamic finance.
For Malaysian businesses, particularly smaller exporters, the value lies in access to buyers that may otherwise be difficult to reach.
The International Sourcing Programme (INSP) is expected to arrange about 4,000 business meetings. Around 450 international buyers, including 50 premium buyers, will meet approximately 600 Malaysian exporters.
These meetings are expected to contribute to MIHAS 2026’s overall RM5 billion sales target.
AI Enters the Trade Exhibition Experience
Technology will play a bigger role this year.
Registered participants will receive access to the new MIHAS AI system. It is designed to help visitors find relevant businesses, identify potential partners, navigate the exhibition and manage meetings.
The system also provides multilingual support and tools for engagement after the event.
MATRADE Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Indera Abu Bakar Yusof said the system would give registered participants personalised assistance to discover businesses and make relevant connections.
For exporters, this could make a large trade exhibition easier to navigate. Instead of relying mainly on chance encounters, businesses can use digital tools to identify potential partners before and during the event.
More Support for SMEs and Women Exporters
Business development is another part of this year’s programme.
The MIHAS Knowledge Hub provides trade information and learning resources for Malaysian exporters, with particular attention to micro, small and medium enterprises. Its Power Talk 2026 will address supply-chain resilience and international competitiveness, with speakers from DHL Malaysia, UOB Malaysia and Farm Fresh Berhad.
Women in Export, or WiEX, has also expanded from a standalone forum into a dedicated pavilion.
It will feature 80 booths, including 60 Malaysian and 20 international exhibitors. The programme aims to give women-led businesses more visibility and opportunities to connect with international markets.
The MIHAS Awards will also introduce a Women in Export category alongside awards covering excellence, innovation, sustainability and digitalisation.
International Firms Look Towards Malaysia
Trade at MIHAS will move in both directions.
Through the Hosted Buyer Programme, international exhibitors will be connected with Malaysian importers, retailers and distributors. This gives overseas businesses an entry point into Malaysia while potentially positioning the country as a base for wider regional expansion.
MIHAS 2026 will also feature modest-fashion runway presentations and an expanded MIHAS Kitchen. This year’s culinary programme will involve 32 chefs across four days, up from 15 last year.
Why MIHAS 2026 Matters for Malaysia
The wider significance of MIHAS 2026 lies in how Malaysia is building links between halal standards, exports, technology and international market access.
Since its launch in 2004, MIHAS has developed into a multi-sector trade platform. Its 22nd edition carries the theme “Shaping Trust, Driving Resilience”, with greater attention on governance and technology-enabled commerce.
A RM5 billion sales target also puts the focus firmly on measurable trade activity.
For Malaysian SMEs, stronger international connections can create routes into new markets. For overseas companies, the event provides access to Malaysian buyers and a potential gateway into Southeast Asia.
As halal demand spreads across more products and services, Malaysia’s opportunity is not limited to supplying goods. Trade facilitation, logistics, digital tools, finance and market knowledge are becoming part of the same ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
MIHAS 2026 runs at MITEC in Kuala Lumpur until September 26.
The scale of this year’s gathering shows how the halal economy is becoming increasingly connected across industries and borders. For Malaysia, the event offers another platform to strengthen exports while helping local enterprises build international relationships.
MIHAS 2026 kicks off on 23 September 2026 and will run until 26 September 2026. Register as a visitor through the MIHAS 2026 website at https://register.mihas.com.my/visitor/register and start planning your MIHAS 2026 agenda today!
