IHEC 2026 EYES RM500 MLN IN HALAL TRADE OPPORTUNITIES, ENGAGEMENTS

BANGI, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- The International Halal Economic Conference 2026 (IHEC 2026) is targeting trade and business engagements worth RM500 million.

The event is scheduled to be held from Feb 3 to 5, 2026, at Hotel Tenera and Suite, Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor.

IHEC 2026 programme director Datuk Seri Abdul Rani Osman said the event is in line with the nation’s development agenda as the advancement of the halal economy remains a key priority under the MADANI leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“The government is firmly committed to strengthening the halal industry as a high-value economic growth driver, encompassing trade, investment, innovation, and globalisation. This commitment reflects Malaysia’s determination not only to maintain its position as a trusted halal hub, but also to expand its influence as a global thought leader and governance pioneer in the halal economy,” he told a media briefing on the event.

Abdul Rani said IHEC 2026 will serve as a strategic platform bringing together economists, policymakers, industry leaders, academicians, investors, and key players from the domestic and international halal ecosystem.

“The conference will focus on global market trends and consumer dynamics, with particular emphasis on international halal markets across ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Europe, China, and Africa.

“Over the two-day conference, 14 invited panels will share expertise across various economic and related sectors, including international trade, halal certification and governance, Islamic finance, digitalisation, logistics, as well as global investment opportunities,” he added.

Complementing the conference, a gala night and international recognition ceremony will be held on Feb 5 to honour recipients of the International Halal Awards.

Tan Sri Dr Yusof Md Noor has been appointed as patron and chairman of the IHEC 2026 organising committee.

Meanwhile, in a statement, WIED Capital Sdn Bhd, as the organiser of the event, said IHEC 2026 is positioned as a premier global platform dedicated to shaping the future of the halal economy through strategic dialogue, policy alignment, industry collaboration, and international market integration. The event will convene global policymakers, industry leaders, regulators, investors, academicians, and innovators from across ASEAN, the GCC, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states, Europe, and emerging halal markets.

“IHEC 2026 is designed to address the rapid transformation of the halal economy, which has evolved far beyond food to encompass pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, logistics, Islamic finance, digital technologies, tourism, sustainability, and environmental, social, and governance-driven value creation.

“The conference will also function as a strategic policy platform, enabling governments and institutions to exchange insights on incentives, trade facilitation, and governance models that support sustainable halal economic development. These policy-level discussions are expected to contribute to stronger regional integration and improved global alignment of halal standards,” it said.

To date, 18 countries have confirmed participation, with the conference expected to attract more than 500 domestic and international delegates. In addition to physical attendance, IHEC 2026 will be broadcast virtually to audiences in over 30 countries, significantly expanding its global reach and impact.

-- BERNAMA