MALAYSIA’S halal industry has matured beyond its traditional boundaries, expanding into diverse sectors and emerging as a model of ethical and sustainable business, said Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said this at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) 2025, which brought together businesses, policy-makers and industry leaders to explore opportunities across food, finance, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fashion and technology.
Anwar noted that the industry embodies values of integrity and accountability, making it not only a commercial pursuit but also a form of outreach.
“It is not just motivation for profit, which is essential in any trade and business, but is also embedded in core principles and values.
“It is the best practical showcase of what ‘dakwah’ is all about, giving a message through our actions, our character and our belief in issues of integrity and accountability,” he said at the Global Halal Summit (Ghas) 2025 during Mihas 2025 recently.
Malaysia, Palestine Sign MOU
During the event, Malaysia and Palestine strengthened bilateral ties with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on trade and economic cooperation.
The agreement, exchanged between Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) secretary general Datuk Hairil Yahri Yaacob and Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia Walid Abu Ali, was witnessed by Anwar.
The MOU aims to create new opportunities in trade, investment and economic development while supporting Palestine’s recovery efforts.
Areas of cooperation include the development of industrial zones, strengthening small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as collaboration in the halal industry, tourism, energy and the digital economy. It also focuses on training, knowledge-sharing and private sector partnerships.
MITI Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said the agreement reflects Malaysia’s steadfast commitment to Palestine’s economic resilience.
“Malaysia stands firmly behind Palestine, to help rebuild its economy and establish the foundations for socio-economic recovery.
“This MOU is a testament to our shared vision of creating sustainable trade and investment linkages, particularly in sectors with high potential such as the halal industry, digital economy and SMEs,” he said during the MOU signing ceremony.
He added that Malaysia has agreed in principle to exempt some Palestinian agricultural and food products from customs duties, further boosting market access.
In 2024, Palestine was Malaysia’s 15th largest trading partner in West Asia. Malaysia’s main exports to Palestine were plastics and processed foods, while its key imports from Palestine included agricultural products such as dates.
Empowering Young Entrepreneurs
Another MOU signed at the event was between Selangor Youth Community (Say) and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade), marking the beginning of a strategic collaboration aimed at strengthening youth entrepreneurship in Selangor through the Selangor Export Entrepreneurs League (Say Aspire) programme.
Under this partnership, Say Aspire participants will benefit from mentorship, market exposure, access to Matrade’s digital library and international trade networks.
The collaboration also provides direct access to Matrade membership registration, the Madani Digital Trade platform, as well as opportunities to tap into various grants offered by Matrade.
The exchange of documents was formalised by Say CEO Aiman Syafiq and Matrade CEO Datuk Seri Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, witnessed by Crown Prince of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah Ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj.
The initiative is expected to have a significant impact on Say Aspire participants and alumni, equipping them with the knowledge, tools and connections necessary to penetrate global markets and unlock their full business potential.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from the Selangor state government, members of Matrade’s board of directors, senior management representatives from both organisations, as well as Say Aspire participants.
Global Expansion
Nova Laboratories Sdn Bhd leveraged Mihas 2025 to strengthen its foothold in the halal-certified health and wellness sector while seeking new distributors both locally and abroad.
Based in Sepang and operating since 1989, the company manufactures over 300 products across four categories, namely supplements, nutritional drinks, functional foods and skincare.
Business development executive Chong Jin Wei, a registered pharmacist, highlighted the company’s longstanding mission of promoting good nutrition and prevention against chronic diseases.
With halal certification from the Islamic Development Malaysia Department (JAKIM), Nova Laboratories sees the Muslim consumer market as a vital growth driver, especially in tapping into the global halal economy.
One of the company’s upcoming launches is its range of functional gummies, tailored for children and adults.
These plant-based gummies, made using pectin instead of gelatin, target health concerns such as immunity, sleep and collagen support. The products are designed with a low glycemic index, making them suitable even for diabetics.
Chong explained that Mihas provides Nova Laboratories with a platform to expand its international reach, having already generated leads from Japan and the Middle East in previous editions.
“Our main objective is of course, finding more distributors, no matter local or overseas,” he said.
Currently operating from a single manufacturing plant in Sepang, Selangor, Nova maintains a business-to-business (B2B) focus, supplying primarily through independent pharmacies, clinics, hospitals and organic shops.
With nearly four decades of presence in the market, the company is now positioning itself to expand its brand exposure globally while staying true to its core mission of providing accessible, health-focused solutions.
Automated Packaging Solutions
Meanwhile, Foshan, China-based Ding Yan Automatic Packaging Machinery Co Ltd is setting its sights on Malaysia as part of its regional expansion strategy, aiming to support the growing adoption of automation among local SMEs.
Founded in 2017, the company specialises in packaging solutions for a wide range of products, from biscuits to modern food items.
Although Ding Yan has already supplied machines to several Malaysian factories, the company is now taking steps to strengthen its presence by establishing a local base.
Currently operating a warehouse in Tangkak, Johor, Ding Yan plans to move its operations closer to Kuala Lumpur (KL) to enhance accessibility and customer support.
Manager Yang Xiao Jian viewed that Malaysian manufacturers are increasingly shifting towards automation to reduce reliance on manual labour.
“Now in Malaysia, quite a lot of SME factories are developing, and they try to use machines to replace manpower, because this is the trend for the future,” he said to The Malaysian Reserve (TMR).
The company offers both fully automated and semi-automated equipment, with customisation options depending on client needs and investment capacity.
Participation in Mihas 2025, he added, provided Ding Yan with a platform to connect with more local businesses and demonstrate how its technology can help companies improve efficiency and competitiveness.
With Malaysia’s halal and food manufacturing industries continuing to expand, Ding Yan is positioning itself as a reliable partner for SMEs seeking to modernise their production lines.
By moving its operations to the nation’s capital, the company hopes to build stronger relationships with local clients and establish itself as a long-term player in the market.
Mihas 2025 highlighted Malaysia’s growing leadership in the global halal economy, showcasing its commitment to ethical business, international collaboration and youth empowerment.
From high-level trade agreements to grassroots entrepreneurial initiatives, the event demonstrated how Malaysia is leveraging the halal sector not only for economic growth but also as a platform for values-driven engagement.
With businesses expanding their global and regional presence, the showcase also stressed the vital role of innovation, sustainability and strategic partnerships in shaping the future of the halal industry.
Source: https://themalaysianreserve.com/2025/09/22/malaysia-leads-the-global-halal-push-at-mihas-2025/amp/