MIHAS 2025 to Kick Off in Malaysia after Tomorrow, Redefining the Global Halal Economy with Record-Breaking Ambitions

Written by Dr. Abdul Rahim Abdul Wahid

Kuala Lumpur – The 21st edition of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS 2025), the world’s largest halal industry exhibition, will launch in Kuala Lumpur this Wednesday and run until 20 September 2025 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). Organized by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), it will bring together over 2,400 exhibitors and buyers from 80 countries, and is expected to attract around 45,000 visitors from across the globe. Aiming to stimulate and expand trade among participating countries, support the local economy, and enhance global sustainability, the exhibition targets business deals worth USD 1.05 billion.

The event will be officially opened on 19 September by Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia. MIHAS 2025 will serve as a window into the evolving dynamics of the global economy — a convergence point of faith, commerce, and technology — and highlight Malaysia’s pivotal role in shaping the future of this rapidly expanding and increasingly sophisticated market.

The exhibition will address current challenges facing the halal industry, drive innovation locally and globally, and promote sustainable initiatives to support steady growth in the halal economy. It will feature a wide range of halal-certified products, including: food and beverages; food technology and packaging; e-commerce; cosmetics and personal care; pharmaceuticals and healthcare; modest fashion; education; Islamic finance and fintech; retail; Muslim-friendly hospitality and tourism; media and entertainment; and Islamic arts and crafts.

The showcase will include domestic and international pavilions exhibiting halal food and beverage products, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, Islamic finance, modest fashion, personal care and cosmetics, and Muslim-friendly tourism offerings.

Record-Breaking Prospects

MIHAS 2025 is expected to see record-breaking participation, hosting over 2,300 exhibitors from 45 countries and 45,000 trade visitors — a significant increase from last year. If these numbers hold, MIHAS could surpass its own Guinness World Records milestone set in 2023. These figures reflect not only the scale of the exhibition but also the growing global demand from nearly two billion Muslims, along with a rising number of non-Muslim consumers seeking ethically produced goods.

The global halal economy is projected to reach USD 5 trillion by 2030, with the Middle East contributing over USD 200 billion, or about 10% of the total market.

Among the key features is the International Sourcing Program (INSP), which facilitates direct business meetings between buyers and sellers via digital platforms, alongside the “Knowledge Hub” hosting seminars and panel discussions on halal certification, market access, digital transformation, and sustainability.

The event will conclude on 20 September with an awards ceremony honoring companies that excel in innovation, sustainability, and business performance. Notably, this year marks the launch of MIHAS Shanghai, scheduled for 5–10 November alongside the China International Import Expo (CIIE), expanding Malaysia’s presence in the fast-growing Chinese market.

This 21st edition of MIHAS emphasizes innovation and sustainable practices to ensure the halal economy remains vibrant and resilient in the face of global challenges. It aims not only to boost the industry’s competitiveness but also to contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable global economy.

Under the theme “Halal Excellence Summit,” the exhibition expands beyond its traditional focus on food and beverages to encompass pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, modest fashion, Islamic finance, medical devices, and Muslim-friendly tourism — marking a major shift from food compliance to a holistic lifestyle ecosystem. For Malaysia, hosting MIHAS is also a form of economic diplomacy.

As Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chairmanship approaches, MIHAS serves as a powerful symbol of Malaysia’s regional leadership and offers a platform for coordinated halal standards that could open vast new markets. Organizers are targeting RM 4.5 billion in global halal sales, supported by new digital tools such as real-time analytics platforms linking buyers and sellers, reflecting a broader technological modernization of global trade.

MIHAS: A Global Halal Success Story

Since its launch in 2004, MIHAS has evolved into a pivotal global trade event, significantly expanding the halal economy. In 2024, MIHAS achieved a milestone with RM 4.3 billion in sales, reaffirming its position as a premier global halal trade platform and driving innovation across the sector.

MIHAS has become a dynamic marketplace extending well beyond halal food, covering pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, modest fashion, personal care and cosmetics, and Muslim-friendly tourism. This diversity reflects the evolving nature of the halal market and MIHAS’s commitment to meeting its varied demands.

The exhibition enjoys strong international support, with enthusiastic participation from global trade delegations, government agencies, industry leaders, and market pioneers, who come together to explore the immense opportunities within the halal sector. This global collaboration cements MIHAS’s role as a central hub for cross-border halal trade, knowledge exchange, and international partnerships.

As MIHAS continues to grow, it remains dedicated to driving the global halal industry, fostering innovation, and supporting sustainable growth. Each edition reinforces MIHAS’s standing as a key player shaping the future of the global halal economy.