MALAYSIA is targeting RM5 billion in sales from the 2026 Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas), which will tap artificial intelligence (AI) to connect businesses with international buyers.
The event’s 22nd edition runs from Sept. 23-26 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur. Expected are 50,000 visitors from 45 countries and 1,700 companies represented in 2,000 booths.
The four-day event is organized by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp. (Matrade) and hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry.
This year, every registered participant will have access to a dedicated AI agent designed to identify relevant exhibitors, companies and potential business partners.
Matrade CEO Dato’ Indera Abu Bakar Yusof said the technology would help participants navigate the exhibition, arrange meetings and build connections. The system should improve the overall experience and support Mihas’ RM5-billion sales target, he added.
The AI platform will offer business matching, multilingual assistance, exhibition navigation and meeting management. Participants may use it before, during and after the trade show, including post-event engagement.
Mihas’ International Sourcing Programme, its flagship business-matching initiative, will facilitate about 4,000 meetings. These will involve 450 international buyers, including 50 premium buyers, and about 600 Malaysian exporters.
It will cover 14 sectors in the global halal economy, including food and beverages, halal ingredients, cosmetics and personal care, pharmaceuticals, modest fashion, logistics, Islamic finance, technology and Muslim-friendly tourism.
Mihas will also expand programs helping Malaysian micro, small and medium enterprises obtain trade information and enter overseas markets.
Its Knowledge Hub will provide market intelligence and trade-related learning through digital platforms, webinars and expert sessions.
Its Power Talk 2026, themed “The Next Wave of Halal Trade,” will feature executives from DHL Malaysia, UOB Malaysia and Farm Fresh Berhad. Discussions will focus on supply-chain resilience and international competitiveness amid global trade uncertainties.
The Women in Export program will be expanded into a dedicated pavilion with 80 booths — 60 for Malaysian exhibitors and 20 for international participants.
The Hosted Buyer Programme will connect foreign exhibitors with Malaysian importers, distributors and retailers. It aims to help overseas companies enter Malaysia and use the country as a base for regional expansion.
Mihas 2026 carries the theme “Shaping Trust, Driving Resilience,” highlighting regulatory governance and technology-enabled trade.
