Imagine 4,000 business meetings happening in a single day. That’s what unfolded today at MIHAS 2026, as 600 Malaysian exporters were matched directly with 450 international buyers from 58 economies through the International Sourcing Programme (INSP). For Malaysia’s halal SMEs, this isn’t just an exhibition — it’s a once-a-year business opportunity.
Unlike a typical trade show that relies on visitors wandering up to a booth, INSP runs on a pre-arranged meeting system — business meetings scheduled and matched in advance based on buyer needs and what exporters have to offer. The system is designed to convert pre-vetted buyer interest into real export orders, not just serve as a business-card exchange. MATRADE Chairman Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican calls INSP “the core engine and soul of MIHAS” — not a side event, but the core of the entire export strategy built around MIHAS.
One notable detail from this year’s data: premium buyer demand is increasingly reaching beyond the F&B sector — into specialised ingredients, biotechnology, Islamic finance, logistics, and education. For exporters who have long focused on a single sector, this is a signal to start looking at opportunities to diversify the products or services they offer the global halal market. This year’s buyer mix also reflects a blend of traditional and non-traditional markets, with Northeast Asia and ASEAN as the largest base, followed by growing African representation — meaning new market opportunities are opening up too, for exporters who know where to look.
For exporters who couldn’t attend in person today, INSP also has a virtual component running from 1 April to 30 November 2026, with up to 150 international buyers participating remotely. That means this business matching opportunity doesn’t stop on opening day — there’s still room to connect with buyers throughout the year, even for exporters only planning to get involved after MIHAS 2026 wraps up.
“This strategic programme has always served as a direct catalyst for local businesses, unlocking their access to high-value global trade networks and driving sustainable, long-term export growth,” said Reezal Merican. In other words, INSP is designed not just for one-off transactions, but for building lasting trade relationships between Malaysian exporters and global buyers.
MIHAS 2026 itself is the 22nd edition since it first began in 2004, holds a Guinness World Records title, and spans 14 halal industry sectors — leaving plenty of room for exporters across different lines of business to take part, not just those in food and beverage.
Moslem Journey will continue following INSP and MIHAS 2026 throughout the four-day event. Stay tuned for full coverage.
