BIHAS 2026 to position Sarawak, Borneo as future-ready global halal hub for Asia and beyond

Awang Tengah (second right) and other distinguished guests during a press conference on BIHAS 2026 at Wisma Sumber Alam on May 21, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, May 22: The inaugural Borneo International Halal Showcase (BIHAS) 2026 is set to position Sarawak and Borneo as a globally recognised halal hub for Asia and beyond through trade, investment, innovation and sustainable growth.

Deputy Premier, who is also Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED), Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said BIHAS 2026 is a flagship initiative by the ministry, organised with the support of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak).

The event will be held from July 21 to 23, 2026, with the international exhibition taking place at Kuching Waterfront Square and conference sessions hosted at The Waterfront Hotel.

“BIHAS 2026 is more than an exhibition. It is a strategic platform for the halal ecosystem encompassing food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, logistics, tourism, Islamic finance, ESG, technology and digital economy solutions,” he said in his speech text during a press conference at Wisma Sumber Alam on Thursday (May 21).

He said the showcase aims to strengthen halal trade and investment networks, expand market access for SMEs and halalpreneurs, promote innovation and ESG-driven halal solutions, enhance talent and capacity development, and foster regional and international collaboration.

According to him, BIHAS 2026 is guided by six strategic pillars, namely halal trade and investment; capacity building and talent development; innovation, research and development and digitalisation; sustainability and ESG alignment; inclusivity and halalpreneurs; as well as policy, governance and infrastructure.

Among the key highlights of the event are a halal conference, business matchmaking sessions, a youthpreneurs pitching platform, halal food festival and demonstrations, ESG and halal technology showcases, and a consumer fair for halal products.

Awang Tengah said BIHAS 2026 will bring together distinguished speakers, policymakers, industry leaders and halal experts from Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Japan and Sri Lanka.

The event is targeting the participation of 20 international buyers and investors, 50 trade matches, 100 exhibitors and 400 conference delegates.

“We are encouraged by the strong support from sponsors, exhibitors, strategic partners and industry stakeholders. We welcome wider participation from businesses and organisations across Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei Darussalam, Kalimantan, ASEAN and the global community,” he said.

Awang Tengah also called on industry players, investors, entrepreneurs, exhibitors, sponsors and the public to participate in BIHAS 2026.

“Through this initiative, we aim to create greater trade and investment opportunities, strengthen export potential, and elevate the global visibility of Sarawak and Borneo as a future-ready halal hub for Asia and beyond,” he added. – DayakDaily