KUCHING: The inaugural Borneo International Halal Showcase (BIHAS) 2026 marked a significant milestone with the exchange of seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) involving international companies and business chambers, paving the way for business commitments estimated at approximately RM36.7 million (USD9) million over the next three years.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the collaborations in halal exports, capacity building and strategic partnerships reflect a shared commitment to strengthening economic ties.
He affirmed the partnerships involve Sarawak, Singapore, Kalimantan, Europe and other international partners, while laying a strong foundation for the future growth of the regional halal ecosystem.
“Today (July 21), we are pleased to witness the exchange of seven MoUs involving international companies and business chambers, representing potential commitments worth approximately USD9 million over the next three years,” he said in his speech at the opening ceremony of BIHAS 2026 held here yesterday.
Among the MoUs exchanged were between the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED), (Sarawak Export Programme) and Mustafa’s Pte. Ltd. (buyer group), with GHA-Haltex serving as the coordinator and export development agent for Sarawak-based products destined for Mustafa’s retail network; MINTRED, HALOK PTE LTD and HALTEX GROUP; as well as PPES Ternak Sdn Bhd and Bumi Teraju Resources Sdn Bhd.
Other MoUs were signed between UiTM Sarawak Branch and the American Lycetuff School System (ALS); UiTM Sarawak Branch and Minhaj University Lahore, Pakistan; the Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS) and the West Kalimantan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN Kalbar), Indonesia; as well as DUBS and the Sabah Bumiputera Chamber of Commerce (DPBS).
On BIHAS 2026, Awang Tengah said the three-day event will serve as a dynamic platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing and business networking.
The three-day programme features keynote addresses, plenary sessions, expert forums, business matching sessions, exhibitions, halal kitchen showcases, live cooking demonstrations and product tasting sessions highlighting the diversity and innovation within the halal industry.
“We are proud to welcome 33 distinguished speakers, comprising 16 international experts and 17 local experts.
“BIHAS also features 133 exhibition booths involving government agencies, industry players and exhibitors from Malaysia and abroad, in addition to more than 415 registered delegates and many more visitors expected throughout the event,” he said.
He added that these encouraging figures not only reflect the growing interest in BIHAS but also demonstrate the immense potential of the halal industry.
“More importantly, we hope every participant will leave Sarawak with fresh ideas, meaningful partnerships and new business opportunities that will continue to flourish well beyond this event,” he concluded.
