KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) is allocating more than 750 booths comprising both, physical and virtual at the Matrade Exhibition and Conference Centre (MECC) here for the 17th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) from Sept 9 to12.
In a statement today, Matrade said for the first time the showcase will be presented in a hybrid format.
“Exhibitors also have the option of securing virtual booths that are accessible by online visitors at any time, a helpful feature for international visitors from different time zones. Each virtual booth will be equipped with info points to showcase key products and services,” it said.
Matrade chief executive officer Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said in keeping up with the current trend, the team has carefully crafted a versatile hybrid showcase with digital capabilities to bring patrons, investors and trade partners the best of both worlds.
“Mihas has historically been the marquee halal sourcing platform, with over RM1.6 billion in potential sales recorded in 2019 alone. We look forward to fortifying Malaysia as the heart of the global halal hub with another successful showcase this year,” he said.
The new showcase format, taking into consideration health and safety concerns, will feature a controlled on-ground exhibition presence at the MECC, with all the relevant protocols in place, integrated with virtual components, including a virtual exhibition, Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted business matching sessions, virtual network lounge, industry specific sessions and live conferences.
“In an effort to widen perspectives about the halal industry, the event will focus on showcasing 12 key pillars representing growing halal markets across the globe.
“These include long-established sectors such as food and beverage, education, pharmaceuticals, services and enablers, and franchise. While the more contemporary sectors comprise modest fashion, Islamic finance, cosmetics and personal care, media and recreation, Muslim-friendly travel, e-commerce, and food technology,” it said.
Organised by Matrade under the patronage of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, this year’s Mihas Showcase themed “Empowering Halal, Tomorrow, Together”, aims to position Malaysian businesses to be world’s halal champions by embracing Industry Revolution 4.0 and serving as the ultimate launchpad for digitally-powered halal brands and innovators.
“Since its inception in 2004, Mihas has hosted more than 8,200 exhibitors from 44 countries, and attracted over 400,000 visitors from 88 countries. The event has generated over RM17.2 billion in business leads in the past 16 years of its organisation,” Matrade said. – Bernama
