KUCHING: The Borneo International Halal Showcase (BIHAS) 2026 will showcase a regional collaboration as producers from across Borneo connect with buyers from international markets to unlock potential business opportunities.
BIHAS 2026 will be held from July 21 to 23 at Kuching Waterfront Square and The Waterfront Hotel Kuching.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU and Islamic Affairs), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, said BIHAS 2026 will bring together halal industry players, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, academics and experts to strengthen collaboration, exchange knowledge and explore opportunities in the global halal economy.
The event allows visitors to discover quality halal products while helping entrepreneurs expand their business networks and market reach.
“BIHAS 2026 focuses on showcasing products from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei Darussalam and Kalimantan to promote exports and expand international market access.
“We encourage participants to exhibit their products, obtain halal certification and expand into global markets. That is the main objective of organising this expo,” he told reporters during the event media conference held at a leading hotel here yesterday (Wednesday, July 8).
The event comprises two main components namely the International Halal Conference and the International Halal Expo.
He said the conference, to be held in the city for the first time, will feature more than 30 speakers from Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Brazil and Japan.
He added that discussions will cover innovation, halal certification, trade, investment and industry development.
The International Halal Expo will showcase halal products and services from companies in Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo.
Dr Abdul Rahman, who is also Deputy Chairman of the BIHAS 2026 Steering Committee, said the event will be officially launched by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on July 21 at The Waterfront Hotel.
“In conjunction with the opening ceremony, the Premier will also launch the Sarawak Halal Industry Development Plan 2026-2030 and witness the exchange of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for strategic collaborations in halal industry development.
“As of yesterday, six MoUs have been identified for signing and the exact number and signing date should be confirmed before publication,” he said.
Meanwhile, SME Adviser to the Ministry for International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED), Datuk Seri Mohd Naroden Majais, said the expo serves as a business matching platform connecting producers with local and international buyers.
“More importantly, we are connecting these participating regional producers directly with invited buyers, including those from Saudi Arabia and other countries.
“Several MoUs are also expected to be signed between producers and buyers during BIHAS, strengthening business partnerships and creating new market opportunities,” he concluded.
