Malaysia Halal Expo 2023 Bridges Local Entrepreneurs to Global Opportunities

As Southeast Asia continues to draw global attention, the Malaysia Halal Expo 2023 (MHE) stands out as a key event for local entrepreneurs seeking to expand their reach in the international market. Taking place at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre, the expo is more than just a showcase of products—it’s a gateway for local businesses to seize global opportunities in the thriving halal industry. With expectations of generating between RM3 million to RM5 million in sales, the event is set to solidify Malaysia’s position as a leader in the halal market.

Malaysia Halal Expo 2023

The Malaysia Halal Expo 2023 is a platform designed to empower local businesses by connecting them with international markets. Featuring 123 companies and organizations, the expo covers a broad range of halal products and services across multiple sectors, including food, education, fashion, digital commerce, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and finance. This diversity reflects Malaysia’s holistic approach to the halal economy, ensuring that businesses from all sectors can benefit from global halal market expansion.

The presence of over 40 international business delegations from countries like Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Vietnam emphasizes the international scope of this year’s expo. Fuziah Salleh, the Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, highlighted the event’s potential to forge collaborations between local entrepreneurs and international business leaders. She also noted the ministry’s ambitious retail sales target of RM4 million, signaling strong confidence in the expo’s ability to deliver tangible business outcomes.

Empowering Local Businesses for Global Success

Under the theme “Empowering Locals for Global Sustainability,” the Malaysia Halal Expo 2023 aims to position local halal enterprises as global players. The event showcases Malaysia’s innovative halal products and services, emphasizing their potential to succeed in international markets. This year’s expo isn’t just about presenting goods and services—it’s about providing local businesses with the knowledge and resources to expand beyond Malaysia’s borders.

A key feature of the event is its business and job matching sessions, designed to connect local entrepreneurs with international partners and foster employment opportunities for Malaysia’s youth. These sessions are crucial for local businesses looking to expand globally, as they offer a direct path to entering new markets. “This business matching initiative is a golden ticket for local entrepreneurs, priming them for the global market,” said Fuziah Salleh during the expo’s opening ceremony.

In line with the Malaysia Madani vision, which seeks to improve the economic standing of Malaysians, the job-matching segment aims to combat unemployment and position recent graduates, particularly those in the halal industry, for success. Mohd Zuhairi Mat Radey, Selangor’s Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Director, echoed these sentiments, noting the strategic importance of these initiatives in supporting both the local workforce and the broader halal economy.

Innovation at the Forefront

Another highlight of the expo is the Business Pocket Talk, a series of knowledge-sharing sessions where industry experts and business leaders provide valuable insights to local entrepreneurs. These sessions are essential for entrepreneurs looking to learn from experienced professionals, gain trade secrets, and explore best practices for success in the global halal market.

The expo also serves as a platform for participants to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the halal industry. For example, the World Bank reported that Malaysia’s halal food services sector generated RM128.8 billion in revenue in 2021 and is projected to reach RM201.02 billion by 2025. These figures underscore the immense growth potential within the halal market and the significant role Malaysia plays in driving that growth.

The expo’s focus on halal innovation goes beyond just halal certification—it encompasses new technologies, product development, and market strategies that enable Malaysian businesses to compete on a global scale. Malaysia Halal Expo 2023 is an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to not only showcase their products but also learn how to innovate and adapt to the evolving demands of the halal industry.

Inclusivity and Collaboration

One of the standout aspects of the expo is its inclusivity. Mohammad Sahar Mat Din, president of the Malaysian Islamic Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of non-Muslim allies in the halal industry. He extended an invitation for collaboration, noting that halal is not solely a religious concept but a global business opportunity. The widespread recognition of Malaysia’s Jakim halal certification logo further reinforces the country’s leadership in the global halal industry, making it an attractive partner for businesses worldwide.

The event’s welcoming nature is evident in the wide range of activities available to the public. From culinary showcases and makeup masterclasses to latte art demonstrations and family-friendly attractions like an inflatable playground and a petting zoo, the expo offers something for everyone. Sponsored by major industry players like EcoWorld and Affin Bank, the event combines business with community engagement, making it an enjoyable experience for both participants and visitors.

A Landmark Event for Malaysia’s Halal Industry

The Malaysia Halal Expo 2023 is more than just an event—it is a critical opportunity for local businesses to establish their presence on the global stage. With its focus on halal innovation, international partnerships, and local empowerment, the expo is set to drive significant growth for Malaysian entrepreneurs and solidify the country’s leadership in the halal market.

As the event runs until September 3rd, visitors and participants alike are encouraged to take advantage of the myriad opportunities available at the expo. Whether you’re looking to explore business opportunities, expand your knowledge of the halal industry, or simply enjoy the variety of public activities, the Malaysia Halal Expo 2023 is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the future of the global halal market.

By bridging local entrepreneurs to global opportunities, Malaysia Halal Expo 2023 underscores Malaysia’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in the halal industry.