LIHAS 2026 TARGETS RM100 MLN IN BUSINESS MATCHING VALUE

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 11 (Bernama) -- The Langkawi International Halal Showcase 2026 (LIHAS 2026) is targeting RM100 million in business matching value at the event, which will be held from Nov 5 to 8 this year. 

LIHAS 2026, to be held at Langkawi’s Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre, is an international halal trade platform that promotes halal products, services and innovations, while strengthening business networks and fostering collaboration.

Its chief operating officer, Shazzwan Shawaluddin, said the inaugural edition in Langkawi, themed “business meets nature”, combines business and tourism elements within a single international halal platform.

He said that exhibitions and business expos are typically organised in major cities, but LIHAS is adopting a different approach by choosing a tourism destination to simultaneously promote the halal sector and the country’s tourism industry.

“We (LIHAS) are starting with a more cautious target of RM100 million (in trade transactions).

“However, even before LIHAS takes place, we have already recorded nearly RM88 million through two partnerships and trade missions,” Shazzwan told reporters after the pre-launch ceremony of LIHAS 2026 here today.

Although this is the first edition in Langkawi, the organisers are optimistic of achieving the RM100 million target following the early success of two trade missions that generated approximately RM88 million in value.

Shazzwan said hundreds of exhibitors are expected to participate in LIHAS 2026, catalysing industry growth, innovation exchange and cross-border business opportunities across various halal sectors, in line with the Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 (HIMP 2030).

“We will also hold a golf tournament, which we intend to make one of the platforms for business matching,” he said.

Several countries have so far expressed interest in participating in LIHAS 2026, including South Africa, South Korea and China, with a primary focus on participation from ASEAN countries.

Among the main programmes at LIHAS 2026 are Biz Pocket Talk sessions, live cooking demonstrations, the Asian Food Meet-Up and a Street Food Bazaar.

Halal Clinic sessions will be conducted with implementing agencies, alongside live podcast sessions and cultural performances for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the Halal Entrepreneurs’ Aspirations Night, and a forum for Halal Banking and Financial Agencies.

-- BERNAMA