THE 12th Penang International Halal Expo & Conference (PIHEC) is set to take centre stage in Penang and the northern region at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre from June 23 to 25.
Anticipated as the largest halal gathering in the area, the event aims to position Penang at the forefront of the halal sector and foster collaboration within halal ecosystems.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed his enthusiasm for the event, which is expected to attract 20,000 visitors, including delegations from countries such as China, Spain, Chile and other regions.
“This event presents an opportunity for Penang to explore new halal markets, and we have great confidence that this event will yield remarkable outcomes,” he said at a press conference in Komtar today.
The expo will offer a fresh perspective on the halal industry by focusing on various halal businesses, bringing together promising businesses in the food and beverages (F&B), tourism, fashion and technology sectors.
Chow said the halal industry is one of the new growth frontiers that the state would focus on due to its enormous market potential.
State Trade, Industry and Entrepreneur Development Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain said the state has the right pathway to be the halal hub and gateway for the northern region.
“Penang plays a major role in the development of the halal industry,” he said.
Penang Halal International chief executive officer Fazil Irwan Som said PIHEC would be a platform to showcase Penang’s capabilities and promote a new message for halal.
Separately, Chow also announced the ninth edition of the ‘ASEAN Investment Expo & Forum’ would take place at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre on Oct 24 and 25.
“The state remains on the lookout for opportunities that will increase our competitiveness in global trade and sustain our industrial excellence for decades to come.
“I am happy that Messrs Yeoh Mazlina & Partners, a member of the ASEAN Legal Alliance (ALA) which comprises law firms from over 10 ASEAN countries, is taking the lead in organising this forum,” he said.
Chow hoped the expo would be a platform for industry players to meet and explore business potential.
Also present during the expo press conference was Yeoh Mazlina & Partners managing partner Datuk Seri Matthew Yeoh.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Muhammad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi