By Amanda L
KUCHING, July 21: Sarawak’s inaugural Borneo International Halal Showcase (BIHAS) 2026 has secured seven memorandums of understanding (MoUs) involving international partners with potential commitments estimated at about US$9 million over the next three years.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the partnerships reflect growing confidence in Sarawak’s halal industry and are expected to strengthen economic cooperation with Singapore, Indonesia, Pakistan and other international markets.
“I think the potential is there. The global halal economy is worth more than USD3 trillion,”he said at the Borneo International Halal Showcase (BIHAS) 2026 here today.
The MoUs cover initiatives ranging from halal exports and market access to education, research, capacity building and cross-border business collaboration.
Awang Tengah said the collaborations would lay a strong foundation for the future growth of Borneo’s halal ecosystem.
Held under the theme ‘Sustainable Halal Ecosystems in Borneo’, BIHAS seeks to position Borneo as a regional halal hub through greater collaboration.
He described BIHAS as more than just a conference and exhibition, saying it marks the beginning of a shared journey to strengthen partnerships, encourage innovation and build a resilient, sustainable and globally connected halal ecosystem.
“We believe collaboration is the key to sustainable growth. When we work together, we create new opportunities, strengthen industries and build a brighter future for the halal economy,” he said.
Among the exchanges were partnerships involving the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED), Singapore’s Mustafa’s Pte Ltd and HalOk Pte Ltd, SEDC subsidiary PPES Ternak, UiTM Sarawak, as well as business chambers from West Kalimantan and Sabah to strengthen halal trade, research, education and regional business collaboration.
The two-day event features keynote addresses, plenary sessions, expert forums, business matching sessions, exhibitions, halal kitchen showcases, live culinary demonstrations and product tasting sessions. — DayakDaily
