Malaysia reinforces its role in the ASEAN halal economy through MIHAS Awards 2026, highlighting innovation, sustainability, digitalisation and global trade competitiveness.
Malaysia is continuing to strengthen its position in the regional halal economy by placing greater emphasis on innovation, sustainability and digital transformation. The direction is reflected in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) Awards 2026, which recognises businesses that are helping shape the future of the global halal industry.
The MIHAS Awards 2026 are structured around three major areas: the MIHAS Excellence Award, the MIHAS Innovation, Sustainability & Digitalisation Award, and the WiEX Award, or Anugerah Wira Ekonomi Wanita. The categories demonstrate how the halal industry is expanding beyond conventional product compliance toward business performance, technology adoption, sustainability and international market development.
For ASEAN businesses, this shift is significant. The regional halal market is increasingly connected through trade, investment, supply chains and consumer demand. Companies are therefore required not only to meet halal requirements, but also to demonstrate quality, efficiency, innovation and the ability to operate across increasingly competitive markets.
Technology has become one of the important components of this transformation. MIHAS 2026 highlights the adoption of technologies including artificial intelligence, automation, the Internet of Things, blockchain, halal traceability and digital commerce. These technologies can support businesses in improving operational efficiency while strengthening transparency and trust throughout the supply chain.
The development is also closely connected to Malaysia’s broader industrial policy. Through the Halal Industry Master Plan 2030, Malaysia has established a long-term framework aimed at strengthening the country’s global halal position through a more competitive, innovative and internationally oriented ecosystem. The plan emphasises areas including industry development, standards, certification, talent and market expansion.
At the same time, Malaysia is linking halal development with the wider transformation agenda under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030. The country’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry has highlighted technology adoption and sustainability as important elements in strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of the halal sector.
MIHAS itself illustrates the scale of this ambition. The 2026 edition brings together businesses across 14 industry clusters and combines physical trade activities with digital tools designed to improve business matching and international engagement. MATRADE has also positioned artificial intelligence as part of the trade facilitation process, including buyer profiling, business matching and lead management.
For ASEAN, such developments create opportunities for stronger regional collaboration. Halal businesses across Southeast Asia operate within interconnected consumer and production markets, making cooperation in standards, supply chains, technology and cross-border trade increasingly relevant.
The recognition of women-led enterprises through the WiEX Award also adds another dimension to the regional discussion. The programme highlights women entrepreneurs’ contributions to business growth, innovation and resilience within the halal economy, while connecting participating companies with international buyers and potential business partners.
Ultimately, the MIHAS Awards 2026 represent more than a recognition programme. They reflect an evolving definition of competitiveness in the halal industry, where certification and compliance remain fundamental, while innovation, sustainability, digital capability and international connectivity increasingly determine how businesses position themselves in the global marketplace.
For ASEAN companies, Malaysia’s approach offers a broader picture of where the halal economy is heading. The next phase is likely to be shaped not only by the ability to meet established halal standards, but also by how businesses use technology, develop sustainable operations and build trusted partnerships across borders.
