KUALA LUMPUR, 28 JULY 2026 – MATRADE invites MIHAS 2026 exhibitors to showcase innovation, sustainability and digital transformation as applications open for one of the halal industry’s most prestigious awards programmes
Businesses exhibiting at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026 are invited to compete for one of the halal industry’s highest honours as the MIHAS Awards 2026 officially opens for entries.
Organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), the awards celebrate businesses that have demonstrated excellence in innovation, sustainability, digital transformation and business growth while contributing to the continued advancement of the global halal economy.
Applications opened in July 2026 and will remain open until 10 August 2026, with winners set to be announced during the MIHAS Awards 2026 Ceremony on 26 September 2026.
Celebrating Excellence Across the Halal Industry
The MIHAS Awards continue to recognise exhibitors that have achieved outstanding business performance while setting new benchmarks for product and service quality, innovation and leadership.
This year’s programme will present 15 awards across three flagship categories, reflecting MIHAS’ commitment to supporting a rapidly evolving halal business ecosystem.
The categories include:
MIHAS Excellence Awards
These awards recognise exhibitors that have demonstrated outstanding achievements in:
- Product Excellence
- Service Excellence
- Emerging Star
MIHAS Innovation, Sustainability & Digitalisation Awards
This category honours businesses that have successfully integrated advanced technologies—including artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain and other digital solutions—to improve operational excellence, sustainability and long-term business growth.
WiEX @ MIHAS (Anugerah Wira Ekonomi Wanita)
The awards also celebrate outstanding women-led businesses across the Product, Service, and Innovation, Sustainability and Digitalisation categories, recognising female entrepreneurs driving growth within the halal economy.
Recognising Future-Ready Halal Businesses
Commenting on the awards, Dato’ Sri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Chairman of MATRADE, said the MIHAS Awards continue to play an important role in raising industry standards while recognising businesses that are shaping the future of halal trade.
He described the awards as a hallmark of excellence within the global halal industry, honouring companies that consistently demonstrate innovation, resilience and sustainable growth.
“As the halal economy continues to expand beyond traditional sectors, companies must embrace innovation, sustainability and digitalisation to remain relevant and competitive,” he said.
He added that this year’s awards place even greater emphasis on businesses that are preparing for the future by adopting digital transformation, sustainability initiatives and emerging technologies to create lasting value.
Through the MIHAS Awards, MATRADE aims to encourage more companies to innovate, compete internationally and contribute to the continued expansion of the global halal economy.
Who Can Apply?
The MIHAS Awards 2026 are open to all Malaysian and international exhibitors participating in MIHAS 2026.
Malaysian applicants must also be registered MATRADE members and satisfy the prescribed financial eligibility requirements.
Applicants must record average annual sales of:
- More than RM500,000 for product categories.
- More than RM250,000 for service categories.
Additional eligibility requirements include:
- Applicants for the MIHAS Excellence Awards must have participated in MIHAS on at least three occasions.
- Nominees under the Emerging Star category must have previously exhibited at MIHAS at least once.
- Applicants for the WiEX Awards must be exhibitors within the WiEX Pavilion.
Rigorous Evaluation Process
Following the application deadline on 10 August 2026, submissions will undergo a comprehensive assessment process.
The evaluation will begin with a pre-assessment stage at the end of August before shortlisted applicants participate in pitching sessions before an independent panel of judges in early September.
Successful companies will be honoured during the official MIHAS Awards 2026 Ceremony on 26 September 2026.
More Than Just Industry Recognition
Beyond receiving industry recognition, winners will enjoy a range of branding and promotional benefits designed to strengthen their international market presence.
These include:
- Feature stories on the MATRADE Success Stories Portal.
- A complimentary one-year listing in the Malaysian Brand Directory.
- Media interview opportunities.
- A 15 per cent discount on future MIHAS exhibition booth rentals.
- An exclusive MIHAS 22nd Edition corporate jacket.
These incentives are intended to help award recipients enhance their visibility while strengthening their branding in both local and international markets.
Strengthening the Global Halal Economy
As the world’s largest international halal trade exhibition, MIHAS continues to serve as a platform for business growth, innovation and cross-border collaboration by connecting companies with opportunities across the global halal value chain.
MATRADE is encouraging all eligible exhibitors to seize the opportunity to gain international recognition and showcase their achievements on one of the world’s leading halal business platforms.
Interested exhibitors can submit their applications through the official MIHAS portal before the 10 August 2026 closing date.
