The 22nd Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) has opened at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, bringing together Malaysian exporters and international buyers through its signature International Sourcing Programme (INSP).
The 2026 edition of INSP features more than 4,000 pre-arranged business-to-business (B2B) meetings connecting around 450 international buyers with 600 Malaysian exporters. The buyers represent 58 economies, with 50 participating as premium buyers.
The programme is designed to facilitate targeted business matching between Malaysian businesses and international buyers, creating opportunities for exporters to develop new commercial relationships and expand into global markets.
International Buyers Drive Halal Trade Opportunities
The strong participation from international buyers reflects the global demand for Malaysian halal products and services.
This year’s buyer delegation includes representatives from both established and emerging markets. First-time participating economies such as Comoros and Rwanda are engaging directly with Malaysia’s established halal ecosystem to source products and services.
Northeast Asia and ASEAN form the largest regional buyer contingents, while participation from Africa continues to expand as the region emerges as a potential growth market for Malaysian exporters.
The broad geographical representation gives Malaysian businesses opportunities to connect with buyers beyond their traditional export markets and strengthen their international trade networks.
Premium Buyers Expand Opportunities Beyond F&B
According to MATRADE Chairman Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, the International Sourcing Programme remains a key driver of MIHAS by directly connecting Malaysian businesses with international buyers seeking halal products and services.
“The INSP represents the core engine and ‘soul’ of MIHAS. With international buyers actively seeking high-quality Malaysian Halal products and services, our local SMEs must take full advantage of this platform.”
He said the programme has served as a direct catalyst for Malaysian businesses by providing access to high-value global trade networks and supporting longer-term export growth.
The participation of premium buyers also extends opportunities beyond conventional food and beverage products.
According to MATRADE, these buyers have a combined annual revenue of nearly RM700 billion, with procurement interests spanning specialised ingredients, biotechnology, Islamic finance, logistics and education.
This broader demand reflects Malaysia’s efforts to expand its halal exports beyond physical products and towards services-led exports and deeper integration into global supply chains.
Physical and Virtual B2B Matching
The physical International Sourcing Programme takes place on 23 September at MITEC, alongside MIHAS 2026.
A virtual component of INSP is also running from 1 April to 30 November 2026, allowing international buyers to engage Malaysian exporters remotely. Up to 150 international virtual buyers are expected to participate in the virtual programme.
The combination of physical and virtual business matching gives Malaysian exporters additional opportunities to reach international markets and establish connections with buyers who may not be attending MIHAS in person.
Businesses and visitors interested in participating in MIHAS 2026 can register through the official MIHAS registration portal. Trade visitor admission is free, with online pre-registration providing priority entry.
MATRADE has previously positioned INSP as a demand-driven initiative designed to connect international buyers with Malaysian exporters through pre-arranged one-to-one business meetings.
MIHAS Strengthens Malaysia’s Global Halal Trade Position
Since its launch in 2004, the Malaysia International Halal Showcase has developed into a major platform for international halal trade, bringing together exporters, buyers, investors and industry players.
Hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), MIHAS now covers 14 sectors across the halal value chain.
These include food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, Islamic finance, modest fashion, personal care, technology, services and Muslim-friendly tourism.
MATRADE describes MIHAS as a major platform for facilitating the sourcing and selling of halal products and services globally, with the showcase attracting participants across sectors including pharmaceuticals, Islamic investment and banking.
Shaping Trust and Driving Resilience
Themed “Shaping Trust, Driving Resilience”, MIHAS 2026 is focused on strengthening trust and resilience across the global halal economy.
The showcase will place emphasis on regulated-by-design governance and technology-enabled trade, reflecting the growing importance of digital tools and stronger governance in facilitating international business.
The 22nd edition continues MIHAS’s role as a platform for Malaysian companies seeking to expand their international presence, while giving overseas buyers access to Malaysia’s established halal ecosystem.
With hundreds of international buyers and thousands of scheduled B2B meetings, the International Sourcing Programme remains central to MIHAS 2026’s role in connecting Malaysian exporters with new global trade opportunities.
