Malaysia’s ambitions in the global halal economy are entering a new phase, especially as tourism increasingly integrates into the narrative.
The soft launch of the Langkawi International Halal Showcase 2026 (LIHAS 2026) reflects a broader strategy to position Malaysia as a halal production leader and a destination where halal excellence is experienced firsthand.
Scheduled to take place from Nov 5-8, 2026, at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), Langkawi, LIHAS 2026 will serve as a meeting point for industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and international buyers.
This event is organised by Lihas Sdn. Bhd. in collaboration with key government agencies and halal industry stakeholders with the initiative aligning closely with Malaysia’s long-term tourism and economic goals.
The presence of high-level representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), the Halal Development Corporation (HDC), and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) during the soft launch portrays LIHAS’ and other government organisations’ commitment to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global halal landscape.
To date, the exhibition has recorded RM88 million in trade value from business matching. RM28 million stems from collaborations in the agriculture and food and beverage (F&B) sectors involving Levent Corporation Sdn Bhd and LeShou Yufang (Beijing) Catering Management Co Ltd.
A further RM60 million is anticipated from halal gelatin manufacturing through Jiyuan Boao Biotechnology Co, Ltd.
Furthermore, the participation projections further reflect the event’s scale. Approximately 380 exhibitors are expected to occupy 448 booths, including around 50 international exhibitors alongside 330 domestic participants.
Scheduled activities include Biz Pocket Talk sessions, live cooking demonstrations, the Asian Food Meet-Up and Street Food Bazaar, Halal Clinic sessions with implementing agencies, live podcast recordings, Malam Aspirasi Usahawan Halal, and the Halal Banking and Financial Agencies Forum.
Moreover, cultural performances will be held in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026.
The tourism-forward approach aligns naturally with the objectives of Visit Malaysia 2026.
Large-scale exhibitions such as LIHAS 2026 will generate business travel and media visibility, thereby contributing to destination branding and boosting local economies.
Meanwhile, for Langkawi, the event offers an opportunity to extend visitor stays, diversify its tourism offerings, and attract new segments of halal-conscious travellers and investors.
As Malaysia continues to improve its reputation in halal certification, governance, and export readiness, platforms like LIHAS 2026 provide perpetual visibility.
It represents Malaysia’s integrated approach to halal development, one that bridges trade ambitions with destination promotion.
