The MIHAS Awards 2026, a key event at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026, took place at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur. The ceremony honored exhibitors who are shaping the future of the global halal industry through excellence, innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation. This year's edition marked a significant evolution of the MIHAS Awards, with a stronger focus on future-ready business practices, emerging technologies, and inclusive growth.
A total of 13 awards were presented across three core categories: Excellence Awards, Innovation, Sustainability & Digitalisation Awards, and the Women in Export (WiEX) Awards. The WiEX Awards, introduced for the first time in 2026, recognize exceptional women-led businesses, promoting greater inclusivity and acknowledging the contributions of women entrepreneurs to the halal economy. The awards assessed businesses not only for their achievements but also for their innovation, adaptability, and sustainable value creation in a competitive global market.
The 2026 awards placed greater emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and digitalization as drivers of competitiveness. The assessment recognized businesses leveraging digital solutions and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance products and services, improve processes, and create new value sources. This approach reflects the changing nature of the global halal industry, where competitiveness extends beyond product quality and commercial performance to technology adoption and responsible business practices.
The MIHAS Awards 2026 were open to eligible Malaysian and international exhibitors participating in MIHAS 2026. Entries underwent a comprehensive evaluation process, including pre-assessment and pitching sessions before an independent panel of judges. An independent external auditor was appointed to observe and validate the evaluation process, ensuring the integrity, transparency, and credibility of the awards.
Chairman of MATRADE, YB Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, highlighted the evolution of the MIHAS Awards, reflecting the changing priorities of the global halal industry. He emphasized the importance of innovation, sustainability, digitalization, and emerging technologies in business competitiveness and growth. The winners demonstrated resilience, creativity, and forward-thinking capabilities needed to navigate a rapidly changing global marketplace.
Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, YBhg. Dato’ Indera Abu Bakar Yusof, noted the increasing sophistication and maturity of businesses within the halal ecosystem, as reflected in the quality and diversity of entries. He welcomed the introduction of the WiEX Awards and the strengthened assessment framework, which broadens the scope of the MIHAS Awards. The independent validation of the evaluation process reinforces MATRADE's commitment to credibility and transparency.
Looking ahead, the MIHAS Awards will continue to evolve in line with developments across the global halal ecosystem, recognizing businesses that demonstrate measurable impact, technological adoption, responsible growth, innovation, and international market potential. The awards serve as a platform to celebrate achievement and a catalyst for businesses to raise their standards, pursue sustainable growth, and strengthen their global competitiveness.
Key points
- The MIHAS Awards 2026 emphasized innovation, sustainability, and digitalization as key drivers of competitiveness in the global halal industry.
- The introduction of the Women in Export (WiEX) Awards promotes greater inclusivity and recognizes the contributions of women entrepreneurs to the halal economy.
- The awards will continue to evolve, recognizing businesses that demonstrate measurable impact, technological adoption, and responsible growth.
