SHAH ALAM, Sept 13 — Malaysia has strengthened its involvement in global trade through the Mihas Knowledge Hub 2025, a core initiative of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) to turn the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) from an annual event into a year-round trade ecosystem.
Mihas Knowledge Hub, accessible via the Mihas portal and Madani Digital Trade, provides live 24/7 market intelligence, data-based analyses, rules briefings, and direct access to high-profile global buyers, which gives exporters opportunities and helps them remain competitive year round.
Permanent trade platform
From August 25, the hub has held four live and on-demand streams with cooperation from the Halal Development Corporation Bhd, MBSB Bank, FedEx, and Nazsoft Tech, with over 1,000 participants. Discussions focused on ways to increase export competitiveness, including via digitalisation, cross-border e-Dagang, logistics optimisation, and trade funding as practical preparation for Mihas 2025.
From September to December, 16 Meet the Experts webinars will be held, featuring trade doyens and global market drivers from Asean, East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and the United States, which would open doors for exporters targeting halal resources.
“Knowledge Hub translates market views into real action by linking nearly 10,000 halal-certified producers live to important information and buyer networks. This strategic initiative was designed to springboard SME exports past RM61 billion to the RM63.1 billion target by 2025 to strengthen Malaysia’s leadership in the global halal economy,” said Matrade president Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican.
High-value transactions
On September 18, Matrade will once again hold the International Sourcing Programme (INSP) in conjunction with the Mihas to connect global buyers with local exporters. In 2024, INSP facilitated over 2,500 business-matching sessions, having drawn 250 international buyers and generating over RM1 billion in transactions, as well as seeing the signing of 24 memoranda of understanding worth RM111 million.
“This track record is the basis for the development of the Mihas Knowledge Hub. With real-time market intelligence and 24/7 buyer information, it builds a proven formula to help exporters move from mere connections to real opportunities,” said Matrade CEO Datuk Seri Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz.
Power Talk: Building resilient digital brands
The Power Talk summit, themed “Building Durable Business Growth Through Branding and Digital Platforms”, will be held September 18. Industry leaders, major local brand drivers and digital innovators will discuss strategies to overcome global market uncertainties, including supply chain pressures, rapid technology changes, and consumer preferences.
“Brand resilience and digital capabilities are now the main requirements for halal exporters who want to penetrate new markets. Mihas isn’t just a networking platform, but a driver of quantifiable growth. Our duty is to help exporters translate information into transactions, and transactions into lasting market presence,” said Mustafa.
