KUALA LUMPUR, 24 AUGUST 2026 (MONDAY) – The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) today hosted a joint press conference at Menara MATRADE to unveil key initiatives under the Global Halal Summit (GHaS) 2026. The summit underscores Malaysia’s position as a trusted global halal hub while expanding opportunities for Malaysian exporters and international partners.
The press conference was led by Dato’ Dr. Sirajuddin Suhaimee, Director General of JAKIM and Dato’ Indera Abu Bakar Yusof, Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, who outlined the overarching vision for GHaS 2026 and its component events.
GHaS continues to serve as the nation’s premier platform to reinforce Malaysia’s position as a global leader and benchmark for halal. The summit is a collaborative joint initiative between JAKIM and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), along with its agencies MATRADE, the Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC), and the Department of Standards Malaysia (JSM). The initiative is further strengthened by the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) and the Halal Products Research Institute (IPPH) of the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), playing vital roles in strengthening research, innovation, and halal tourism development to support the growth of Malaysia’s comprehensive halal ecosystem.
Speaking on the strategic vision of the summit, Dato’ Dr. Sirajuddin Suhaimee, Director General of JAKIM, stated that “GHaS 2026 serves as a vital global platform to unite halal authorities, certification bodies, academia, and industry leaders under a shared vision of integrity and innovation. Through key components like the Halal Certification Bodies Convention and technical capacity-building sessions, we aim to address complex modern challenges, such as contemporary fiqh issues, novel food technologies, and global regulatory standardisation, while reinforcing Malaysia’s gold standard in halal governance.”
Key GHaS Component Programmes
The Halal Certification Bodies Convention (HCBC), held in conjunction with the Global Halal Summit (GHaS) from 22 to 23 September 2026, will feature the theme “Shariah and Integrity: Empowering Halal Ecosystem”, bringing together halal authorities, halal certification bodies, experts, academics and industry players to discuss current developments, emerging challenges and the future direction of the global halal ecosystem.
Throughout the summit, a series of presentations, forums and expert-sharing sessions will focus on key contemporary and strategic issues, including shariah auditing and contemporary fiqh issues. The use of alcohol in food and beverage products, cultured meat, halal vaccine certification, islamic finance, import and export regulations, as well as procedures for the recognition of foreign halal certification bodies are among other topics that will be covered.
The International Halal Technical Capacity Development Programme (IHTCDP) will also be held as one of the key programmes under GHaS. The programme will offer specialised capacity-building sessions covering key halal sectors, including food and beverages and food services, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, as well as halal logistics. It will focus on key areas such as Malaysian Halal Certification requirements, halal standards and assurance systems, critical halal ingredients, sampling and analysis, halal crisis management, traceability, as well as new halal standards.
Flagship Trade Component: MIHAS 2026
As the core trade platform under the GHaS umbrella, the 22nd Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS 2026) will take place from 23 to 26 September 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur. Themed “Shaping Trust, Driving Resilience,” MIHAS 2026 will bring together global buyers, industry leaders, and exhibitors across 14 distinct sectors.
Highlighting the technological advancements of this year’s edition, Dato’ Indera Abu Bakar Yusof, Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, stated that “MIHAS 2026 will feature enhanced Agentic AI capabilities designed to create a more seamless, efficient, and engaging experience for buyers, exhibitors, and visitors alike. By analysing product categories, business interests, and buyer requirements, the AI platform intelligently facilitates B2B matchmaking, enabling potential partners, including local homegrown Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Mid-Tier Companies (MTCs), to connect and communicate effectively before stepping onto the exhibition floor. It also offers real-time navigation support to guide visitors to specific booths and exhibitors, while eight-language support ensures seamless accessibility for our international delegates. I am proud to see homegrown Malaysian innovation leading the way, with agentic AI working proactively behind the scenes to deliver a truly personalised experience for every participant.”
Collectively, these programmes demonstrate the comprehensive scope of GHaS 2026 as a strategic international platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building and collaboration across the halal ecosystem. They are designed to enhance technical knowledge and competencies, facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices, and strengthen collaboration among halal authorities, certification bodies, academia and industry stakeholders.
