Crossing borders

Themed ‘Crossing Borders’ this year, the event aims to inspire small businesses to expand their reach internationally, transcending geographical boundaries. Additionally, boosting their international presence and competitiveness.

The Malaysia Halal Expo 2024 took place from June 28-30 at the MINES International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC) in Kuala Lumpur.

This is the second year that the Malaysian Islamic Chamber of Commerce, locally known as DPIM, partnered with HQC Commerce Sdn Bhd as organisers of the event.

This year, the event witnessed participation from Bangladesh, Somalia, and the Republic of Guinea, underscoring the widespread global interest in Malaysia’s halal market.

This global participation not only enhances the event’s reputation but also signifies potential opportunities for international collaboration and trade, making you feel part of a larger, interconnected community.

Their involvement further enhances the event’s burgeoning global reputation, signifying possible opportunities for international collaboration and trade.

Additionally, the event featured several programmes focused on driving business growth. Among the critical programmes was the business matching session, during which participants had the opportunity to connect with Mydin supermarket.

It was a valuable opportunity for participating businesses to present their products to one of Malaysia’s largest supermarket chains.

POSITIVE IMPACT

The Ministry of Health played a pivotal role in the event by organising a Food Safety and Certification Sharing Session.

This session provided attendees with crucial insights into meeting food safety standards and obtaining essential certifications, reinforcing the safety and quality of halal products and leaving you feeling reassured about the quality of the products in our industry.

The Halal Awareness Training programme, a significant highlight of the event, attracted over 250 participants. This programme effectively communicated the importance of halal certification and the necessary procedures, leaving attendees feeling informed.

DPIM is optimistic about how the event will positively impact the acquisition of halal certification among micro-enterprises.

That said, the event’s targeted programmes, such as Halal Awareness Training and the Ministry of Health’s Food Safety and Certification Sharing Session, are expected to increase the number of micro-enterprises with halal certification significantly.

These programmes aim to provide entrepreneurs in the halal industry with the essential knowledge and skills to run their businesses effectively and sustainably.

Additionally, a networking session took place to promote the exchange of business information among exhibitors, fostering valuable connections and collaborations.

Overall, the event highlighted the successful collaboration between DPIM and HQC Commerce. This partnership, which has significantly contributed to the growth and development of Malaysia’s halal industry, serves as an inspiring example of the potential of partnerships in our industry, leaving you feeling optimistic about future collaborations.

The Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) and the Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) confirmed their collaboration at the Malaysia Halal Expo 2024. This significant event was marked by the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a crucial step towards the development of Muslim-friendly tourism in Malaysia.

The collaboration with ITC includes developing the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) training modules. The modules will cover aspects such as halal food services, prayer facilities, and other amenities to guide hoteliers in catering to Muslim travellers.

“The primary objective of this MoU is to educate the hoteliers, our members who are 3-star, 2-star, and 1-star hotels,” said MyBHA National President and the Malaysian Tourism Federation (MTF) Secretary-General Dr Sri Ganesh Michiel.

Ganesh noted that many hoteliers operating lower-starred hotels need to be more aware of the requirements for providing Muslim-friendly services. The training will guide MyBHA members in obtaining Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR) from ITC, as well as other relevant certifications.

Professional knowledge is essential for administering halal food preparation services and qibla signs, among other things. A recognised certification can guarantee that these amenities are implemented correctly.

Plus, educating hotel operators and tourists about the significance of holding appropriate certifications will encourage tourists to choose certified hotels over unlicensed accommodations.

Ganesh believes that hotels are more inclined to seek accreditation through a simplified and affordable process. Therefore, MyBHA aims to streamline the certification process and lower the costs associated with certification.

The collaboration between MyBHA and ITC plays a critical role in enhancing Muslim-friendly accommodation offerings across the country.

Through this initiative, Malaysia’s status as a premier Muslim-friendly destination is expected to elevate, in addition to having a positive economic impact. This collaboration brings a promising future for hoteliers, offering them the opportunity to enhance their services and attract more guests. – @Halal