Taiwan Businesses Eye Halal Market at Malaysian Expo

KUALA LUMPUR — The bustling city of Kuala Lumpur is once again hosting the prestigious Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), now celebrating its 20th anniversary. This four-day event, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Center (MITEC) and organized by the Malaysian Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry, serves as a global hub for businesses, including Taiwan Business Ventures, and industries eager to expand their footprint in the halal market.

More than 1,000 exhibitors from 44 countries, including Taiwan, Japan, and Singapore, are taking part in MIHAS this year. The event has garnered attention worldwide as a critical platform for fostering growth and innovation in the halal sector. The attendance of Taiwan at MIHAS reflects the country’s strategic ambition to tap into the lucrative halal market, particularly in Muslim-majority nations such as Malaysia and Indonesia. With the event focusing on halal certification and market access, Taiwan business ventures are gearing up to seize these emerging opportunities.

Taiwan Business Ventures’ Shift Toward Halal Certification

Over recent years, Taiwan has adopted a more strategic approach toward halal certification, aiming to capture a share of the vast and growing halal economy. This shift is part of the broader New Southbound Policy that Taiwan has promoted since 2016, which aims to strengthen economic ties with Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia. By securing halal certifications, Taiwan hopes to penetrate new markets, particularly in regions with large Muslim populations.

The story of Hsiao Chung-wei, a winter melon tea brick seller, is emblematic of Taiwan’s journey towards halal compliance. Since 2016, Hsiao and his team have been deeply involved in the complex and meticulous process of obtaining halal certification. He recounts how the certification process reshaped their entire business model.

“Our factory was almost entirely mobilized to meet the halal requirements,” Hsiao shared. “We had to go through rigorous training, attend Muslim regulation classes, and overhaul our production lines to ensure everything complied. From what ingredients could be used to how our production lines were disinfected—these were all important details that needed to be addressed.”

For Hsiao and many other Taiwanese businesses, obtaining halal certification is more than just meeting a set of religious standards; it’s a gateway to the global halal economy, which is projected to be worth over $3 trillion by 2026. The stringent requirements of halal certification ensure that products are not only permissible for consumption by Muslims but are also held to high standards of quality and hygiene, further enhancing the reputation of Taiwan’s export products in international markets.

Taiwanese Innovation Meets Halal Compliance

Taiwanese companies are well known for their innovation and product quality. However, entering the halal market requires adapting these strengths to align with Islamic principles. This has led to a surge in Taiwan business ventures focusing on meeting halal standards to open new avenues for growth.

Tu Shu-ching, a tea oil manufacturer from Taiwan, believes that halal certification is key to unlocking new business opportunities for Taiwanese products. “The halal certification process represents more than just a religious requirement. It’s about signaling to global markets that Taiwanese businesses are serious about meeting the needs of diverse consumer bases. It’s a trust signal,” Tu explained.

This view reflects a broader shift within Taiwan’s business community, which recognizes that halal certification can be the stepping stone to entering massive markets in Muslim-majority countries. With over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide, the halal market spans multiple sectors, from food and beverages to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Taiwanese companies, known for their high-quality products, are increasingly seeing halal certification as a necessity to compete globally.

The Role of Halal Certification in Market Expansion

In a market like Malaysia, where over 60% of the population is Muslim, halal certification is critical for businesses looking to thrive. Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM) is recognized as one of the world’s most rigorous halal certification bodies, ensuring that products labeled halal are entirely free from any prohibited substances. The high standards maintained by JAKIM are well-respected internationally, making halal certification obtained in Malaysia a mark of global quality assurance.

Steve Eng, a travel industry expert, highlighted the importance of halal certification for businesses looking to expand in Malaysia and other Muslim-majority countries. “JAKIM’s certification is globally recognized for its stringent requirements, and for Taiwanese businesses, obtaining this certification is crucial for ensuring that their products are trusted by Muslim consumers. Halal certification is not just a label—it’s a guarantee of adherence to religious, ethical, and safety standards,” Eng noted.

Beyond Malaysia, halal certification offers Taiwanese businesses the chance to enter a global market, including countries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa, where Muslim populations drive demand for halal products. With the halal economy expected to grow exponentially over the next decade, Taiwanese businesses are positioning themselves strategically to be part of this economic shift.

Taiwan Business Ventures Eye Global Halal Opportunities

While halal food and beverages are the most visible sectors, halal principles extend into other industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, fashion, and tourism. Taiwan’s push into halal markets reflects the growing diversification of its business ventures. The halal cosmetics market alone is expected to reach $52 billion by 2025, providing significant opportunities for Taiwanese companies to innovate and meet the needs of Muslim consumers worldwide.

The global halal pharmaceutical industry, which is worth approximately $132 billion, is another promising sector for Taiwan business ventures. Given Taiwan’s strong pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, halal certification could open doors for Taiwanese companies to offer medicines and healthcare products that adhere to Islamic principles, a growing concern for many Muslims worldwide.

Expanding Halal Tourism: Taiwan’s Next Frontier?

Another area ripe for exploration by Taiwanese businesses is halal tourism, a sector that has seen tremendous growth in recent years. Malaysia, which has long been a leader in promoting Muslim-friendly travel experiences, serves as an excellent model for Taiwan’s burgeoning halal tourism industry.

Halal tourism is characterized by services that cater specifically to the needs of Muslim travelers, including halal food options, prayer facilities, and gender-segregated spaces. In 2019, the global halal tourism market was valued at $190 billion, and it is expected to grow substantially over the coming years. With Taiwan’s strong infrastructure, natural beauty, and reputation for hospitality, developing halal-friendly travel options could be the next significant venture for the island nation’s business community.

Steve Eng adds, “Taiwan is well-positioned to attract Muslim tourists by offering tailored experiences that align with halal travel standards. From luxury hotels offering halal-certified dining to prayer-friendly tourist attractions, there’s immense growth potential”

The Future of Taiwan Business Ventures

As Taiwan business ventures continue to explore the halal market, participation in international events like MIHAS plays a critical role in expanding their presence. With companies increasingly aligning their products and services to meet halal certification standards, Taiwan is positioning itself to be a key player in the global halal economy.

From halal-certified food products to halal pharmaceuticals and tourism, Taiwan’s business community is steadily diversifying its offerings to appeal to Muslim consumers around the world. The commitment to quality, innovation, and compliance with halal principles will be crucial as Taiwanese businesses look to expand their footprint in this lucrative market.

As the halal industry continues to grow, Taiwan’s proactive approach ensures that it remains at the forefront of this expanding global economy, proving once again that strategic ventures, like those showcased at MIHAS, are paving the way for a new era of cross-cultural and cross-industry collaboration.