MIHAS Awards 2026 celebrates excellence and sets new benchmark for innovation, sustainability and digitalisation across the global halal ecosystem

The MIHAS Awards 2026 celebrated excellence and set a new benchmark for innovation, sustainability, and digitalisation within the global halal ecosystem. Held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur, the awards recognised outstanding exhibitors contributing to the future of the industry through advanced practices and technologies.

This year's edition marked an evolution of the MIHAS Awards, with a stronger focus on future-ready business strategies, emerging technologies, digitalisation, sustainability, and inclusive growth. A total of 13 awards were presented across three core categories: Excellence Awards; Innovation, Sustainability & Digitalisation Awards; and the inaugural Women in Export (WiEX) Awards, which recognised women-led businesses in the Excellence and Innovation categories.

The 2026 awards placed greater emphasis on digital solutions and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance products, services, and business processes. This shift reflects the evolving nature of the global halal industry, where competitiveness now extends beyond product quality and commercial performance to include technology adoption, responsible business practices, innovation, and the ability to respond to changing market demands.

Entrants for the awards underwent a rigorous evaluation process, including pre-assessment and pitching sessions, before being judged by an independent panel. The winners were announced at the official MIHAS Awards 2026 ceremony, with Chairman of MATRADE, YB Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, emphasizing the awards' role in recognising the capabilities that will shape the halal industry's future.

Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, YBhg. Dato’ Indera Abu Bakar Yusof, highlighted the quality and diversity of entries, praising the growing recognition of sustainability, digitalisation, and emerging technologies as crucial components of business competitiveness and long-term growth. Looking ahead, the MIHAS Awards will continue to evolve, focusing on measurable impact, technological adoption, responsible and sustainable growth, innovation, and international market potential, to further strengthen the global competitiveness of the halal economy.