13 Winners of Excellence Awards & Signing of MOUs
Kuala Lumpur – The 2023 Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) has surpassed its sales target of RM2.5 billion as of the third day, according to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade), which last year, the world’s largest halal event secured RM2.3 billion in sales.
Matrade chairman, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, said he did not rule out that the overall sales might hit RM3 billion by the conclusion of the four-day showcase.
We have exceeded RM2.5 billion in sales and it is still counting. It will not be impossible to reach RM3 billion,” he told reporters after presenting the “MIHAS” Excellence Awards September 15, Reezal Merican said one of the main components of “MIHAS” is to serve as a platform for entrepreneurs to expand their overseas market presence.
He said this year’s event had attracted 1,900 exhibitors from 44 countries compared to last year’s 1,300 exhibitors from 33 countries.
“If there is any softening in demand from global trade, the halal industry is one sector that can contribute to the country’s export growth,” Reezal Merican said.
“MIHAS” is a robust marketplace for both international and local players to seize opportunities beyond halal food, including halal pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, modest fashion, personal care and cosmetics, and even Muslim-friendly tourism.
This year’s showcase placed special emphasis on the agenda of helping local and international players look to innovation and sustainable initiatives to spearhead steady growth for the halal economy.
“MIHAS” is not limited to the Asean region but is also supported internationally by the enthusiastic participation of international pavilions from countries across the globe, from trade commissions to various government agencies, from industry players to market leaders.
This year’s Malaysia International Halal Exhibition Awards (MIHAS) 2023 honoured 13 companies that collectively exemplified some of the most innovative and progressive elements of the global Halal industry by infusing sustainability and digitalisation in their products and services.
The Awards ceremony, which was held at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), was hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and organised by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).
“The 10th edition of “MIHAS” Awards 2023 proved yet again that “MIHAS” is the right platform for innovative Halal companies to showcase their success stories. We were very impressed with the quality of the submissions,” said MATRADE Chairman YB Dato’ Sri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, who also pointed out that many submissions had very strong elements of sustainability and digitalisation. He added that MATRADE decided to give more focus on these two criteria when evaluating the submissions as these two elements are key to exporters who wish to continue thriving in the global Halal industry.
