KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) Awards 2026 highlighted innovation, sustainability and digitalization as companies across the global halal industry responded to changing market demands.
Thirteen awards were presented on Saturday at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre under three categories: Excellence; Innovation, Sustainability and Digitalization; and the newly introduced Women in Export (WiEX).The awards recognized business excellence and the use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to improve products, operations and market reach.The Malaysia External Trade Development Corp. (Matrade), which organizes Mihas, said the expanded criteria reflected the growing importance of technology and responsible business practices in the global halal market.“The Mihas Awards are no longer only about recognizing excellence achieved today, [but] also capabilities that will shape the halal industry of tomorrow,” Matrade chairman Reezal Merican Naina Merican said.The quality and diversity of this year’s entries demonstrated the increasing sophistication of businesses in the halal sector, Matrade CEO Abu Bakar Yusof said.“What stood out was the recognition of sustainability, digitalization and emerging technologies as integral to competitiveness and long-term growth,” he noted.The inaugural WiEX Awards recognized women-led businesses in the Excellence and Innovation, Sustainability and Digitalization categories.Nims Adeliciousz Sdn Bhd, Industri Makanan Jati Sdn Bhd and RK Mubaraka Sdn Bhd received the Product/Service Excellence Award.Chocofac (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and Haritage Brands Sdn Bhd won the Product/Service Excellence Emerging Star Award, while Zhafou Global Sdn Bhd received the Product/Service Excellence WiEX Award.Hygr Sdn Bhd, Printdaddy Sdn Bhd, Betrimex (Coco Investments Pte. Ltd.), Mega Fortris Bhd, Nestlé Products Sdn Bhd and Abin Manufacturing Sdn Bhd bagged the Product/Service Innovation, Sustainability and Digitalization Award.Innovate Health Sdn Bhd won the corresponding WiEX Award.Eligible Malaysian and international exhibitors underwent pre-assessment and pitching sessions before an independent panel of judges. An external auditor observed and validated the evaluation process.The 22nd Mihas, themed “Shaping Trust, Driving Resilience,” covered 14 sectors, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, Islamic finance, modest fashion, personal care, technology, services and Muslim-friendly tourism.Established in 2004, Mihas is organized by Matrade under Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry as a platform for halal trade and market access.
