Exports of Malaysia’s halal products are expected to reach RM45 billion this year, which is a double-digit growth from the RM40 billion registered in 2018.
Meanwhile, the global halal industry is estimated to be worth about US$2.3 trillion and growing at an estimated annual rate of 20%, valued at about US$560bil a year.
Offering networking and trading opportunities, halal conventions serve as a platform that connects exhibitors with potential buyers from various sectors.
In addition to networking and trading opportunities, visitors can look forward to knowledge-sharing sessions on the latest trends and business tips by the key players of the halal industry.
These are three well-known halal conventions to attend in 2019/2020:
1. HalFest JAKIM 2019
Organised by the Department Of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), HalFest JAKIM 2019 is Malaysia’s largest halal food and beverage expo. Some of the top programmes include:
- Malaysia Halal Clinic by JAKIM
This clinic shows how to go about applying for JAKIM’s Halal certification as well as addresses key issues pertaining to reapplying, renewing and maintaining the certification.
- HalFest JAKIM’s WOKShop
This programme is an opportunity for companies to collaborate with celebrity chefs in promoting their Halal products and services. The chefs will give personalised tips and recipes based on the products or services.
- Halal industry chat sessions
There will be 50 sessions from 25 prominent industry speakers discussing various topics, from creating business proposals to applying for loans.
Date: April 2020 (TBC)
2. Penang International Halal Expo & Conference (PIHEC)
For those in the northern region, PIHEC would be the go-to halal convention. Organised by Penang State Government of Malaysia under its halal facilitation agency, Halal Penang, PIHEC connects exhibitors and trade clients to promote and market a wide array of halal consumable and non-consumable products. Past programmes include:
- Halal Healthcare & Wellness Conference
This conference provided the latest information related to Halal Pharmaceutical and Healthcare and discussed related issues in this sector. - Global Blockchain Halal Industry Forum
This forum discussed the impact of Blockchain Revolution and its technological advances on halal business models and operating processes.
Date: March 2020 (TBC)
The Malaysian halal industry is no longer just about the food sector. It has now expanded into fashion, hospitality, tourism, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, health products, and even medical devices and logistics. Malaysia’s reputation as a leading global halal hub has placed the country on the world map, and the halal conventions further solidify the country’s reputation.