By Amanda L
KUCHING, July 21: Empurau fish, Bario rice, dabai and other premium Sarawak food items could soon find their way onto shelves in Singapore and beyond under a strategic export initiative that will use the Sarawak Pavilion at Singapore’s Mustafa Centre as a gateway to international markets.
Backed by the Global Halal Alliance (GHA) and a network of international partners, the proposed collaboration is expected to strengthen the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED) Sarawak’s export drive by connecting locally produced goods with buyers across Singapore, ASEAN, the Middle East and Europe.
The initiative was presented to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during a courtesy call held alongside Borneo International Halal Showcase (BIHAS) 2026 held here today.
The partnership brings together GHA, Haltex Group, IHF Academy, Haltexprius, HalOk Singapore, Mustafa Centre Singapore and PAGE EIGHT (P8) to prepare Sarawak businesses for entry into global halal markets.
Businesses selected for the programme will undergo export readiness assessments covering production capacity, compliance with international standards, corporate governance, supply chain capabilities and sustainable business practices before being matched with overseas market opportunities.
Eligible businesses will also have the opportunity to showcase their products at the Sarawak Pavilion in Singapore’s Mustafa Centre, participate in business matching sessions with international buyers, and explore export opportunities across ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Europe.
Products identified with strong export potential include premium Sarawak coffee, black pepper, pineapples, dragon fruit, Bario rice, Empurau fish, dabai-based products, Sarawak layer cakes, laksa paste, ready-to-eat meals, beverages and other value-added halal products.
As part of the programme, GHA and its strategic partners will conduct engagement sessions with Sarawak entrepreneurs, including product evaluations and visits to manufacturing facilities, to identify businesses with strong potential for international expansion.
The collaboration combines expertise in international halal trade, entrepreneur development, commercialisation, retail and global market access, leveraging the strengths of GHA, Haltex Group, IHF Academy, Haltexprius, HalOk Singapore, Mustafa Centre Singapore and PAGE EIGHT to create new export opportunities for Sarawak businesses. — DayakDaily
