PIHEC 2023: Fostering Halal Development & Innovation in a Fragmented World

Penang Halal International Takes Center Stage with Monumental Expo: PIHEC 2023 Elevates Halal Economy through Digital Innovation and Global Partnerships

The esteemed Penang Halal International is geared up to host the momentous 12th edition of the Penang International Halal Expo & Conference (PIHEC) from June 23-25, 2023, at the state-of-the-art SPICE Convention Center & Arena. This year, PIHEC 2023 emerges as northern Malaysia’s premier Halal event, bridging a plethora of industries – from food & tourism to modest fashion and cutting-edge Halal technology. The objective is to strategically capitalize on the Halal sector’s burgeoning growth amid an evolving digital global landscape.

As Malaysia charts a path to economic recovery in the aftermath of the pandemic and navigates through inflationary pressures, the need for rapid digital transformation within the Halal sector is increasingly evident. With traditional pen-and-paper processes and conventional food production still prevalent, PIHEC 2023 is set to herald a new era by spotlighting innovative digital solutions capable of turbocharging the Halal industry.

Emphasizing forward-thinking dialogue, the conference is expected to host riveting panel discussions. These will encompass projections on the Halal industry’s landscape over the next decade, strategies to bolster logistics resilience within the ASEAN bloc as the linchpin of regional trade, the pivotal role of women in the Halal domain, and the game-changing potential of technological innovation.

Poised at the crossroads between maritime and mainland Southeast Asia, Penang holds a venerable history as a trading hub and is set to reclaim its prominence by fostering the Halal sector. YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, expressed confidence in the region’s potential, stating, “As a trailblazer in the E&E sector, Penang is eyeing the Halal industry as a burgeoning frontier with boundless market prospects.”

YB Dato’ Haji Abdul Halim Hussain, State Exco for Trade, Industry and Entrepreneur Development, reinforced Penang’s prospects as a catalyst within the Halal sector, asserting that the state possesses the quintessential components to emerge not only as Malaysia’s Halal nucleus but also as a cornerstone in the ASEAN Halal supply chain.

Echoing this vision, En. Fazil Irwan Som, CEO of Penang Halal International, articulated that PIHEC 2023 represents an invaluable platform to unveil Penang’s proficiencies. “We aim to redefine Halal as a beacon of economic prosperity and social responsibility, thereby catalyzing industry growth and consolidating Penang’s leadership in the Halal market,” he remarked.

Amongst the eminent speakers and delegates at PIHEC 2023 will be leaders from various fields such as Mahadhir Aziz, CEO of MDEC; Sari Lenggogeni, Chairwoman of the West Sumatra Tourism Board; Marcelo Hidalgo Valdes, Director of Chilehalal; Aleem Siddiqui Guiapal, Group Manager, Philippines Economic Zone Authority, and more.

International delegations will be in full force, including representatives from Chile’s Halal Certification Center, Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism, China’s Henan Provincial Government, Spain’s Instituto Halal, and a plethora of others.

PIHEC 2023 is shaping up to be an epoch-making event, elevating the Halal industry to new heights by fostering global collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth in an increasingly interconnected and digital world.