KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 (Bernama) — The third Halal Fiesta Malaysia or HALFEST, conceptualised to support the development of the local Halal sector is set to showcase 500 Halal entrepreneurs this October. This public-private sector strategic partnership is another significant effort to provide supportive platform to build strong, professional and resilient entrepreneurs which will truly reflect Malaysia’s strength in the Halal industry.
HALFEST aims to promote Halal products manufactured by the local companies from around Malaysia and to inculcate a Halal lifestyle amongst Malaysian consumers. By setting up a promotion platform for these companies, HALFEST will help to nurture the Halal entrepreneurs to be export-oriented. In 3 years they would be ready to experience the Halal export market through the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS).
HALFEST being a Business-to-Consumers (B2C) event attracted about 50,685 for 2011 and further increased to 67,532 for 2012 visitors from all over Malaysia. This figure is self-explanatory that the local halal industry covets a platform to promote and market their Halal products and services. HALFEST 2013 targets to showcase 570 Halal entrepreneurs and attracts 70,000 visitors.
The showcase is also proud to announce a strategic collaboration with CIMB Islamic as the main sponsor for HALFEST. Recognising the needs for Shariah-compliant financial scheme to develop a holistic halal economy, CIMB Islamic continues to become the main partner for the show in support of the event for the third consecutive year. Their role in HALFEST signifies profound understanding in the importance of halal industry as an important component for the growth of our economy. The collaboration has also proved fruitful for CIMB Islamic in which Halfest has served as a good platform for the bank to introduce and promote its Shariah-based retail and commercial products and services to the masses.
“CIMB ISLAMIC has been the key pillar of HALFEST since it was first held in 2011 in partnership with Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC), Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) and other agencies concerned. The organisation of HALFEST is in fact an advanced form of corporate social responsibility which should not just be limited to traditional welfare matters but also be expanded to programmes that are promoting economic activities, helping local entrepreneurs to improve their skills and expand their market.” emphasised Badlisyah Abdul Ghani, Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Islamic.
“Malaysia has been known for more than 35 years as a pioneer in halal certification and now we have begun to carve our name as the Hub for halal products producers and service providers. What is important are for the producers to fully understand the manifestations of the halal certification and to strive for the widest market access for Malaysian halal products. Therefore, halal products entrepreneurs should take advantage of HALFEST, the platform which, succeeded in drawing the local halal players under one roof to meet, network and trade. It is the platform where halal producers can take full advantage of, marketing and promoting their products to the local market.” said Dato’ Seri Jamil bin Bidin, Chief Executive Officer of HDC.
HALFEST 2013 will be held from 2 to 6 October at MINES Exhibition Centre (MIECC), Seri Kembangan Selangor Darul Ehsan will continue to forge strategic collaboration between Government agencies, private entities and NGOs. HALFEST 2013 is hosted by Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC), co-organised by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) and is supported by Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry (MOA) and Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).
About HALFEST:
Hosting almost 600 booths that showcases Halal products and services produced by businesses from all over Malaysia, HALFEST 2013 is expected to attract more than 50,000 visitors during this 5-day event. HALFEST aims to cultivate the Halal lifestyle amongst Malaysians by exposing these consumers to the vast array of Halal products and services available in the local market.
HALFEST is the perfect medium for SMEs to strengthen their brand development and establish their foothold in the local market before expanding into the global market. HALFEST 2013 will buzz with exciting activities all lined up during the 5-day event for both consumers and exhibitors such as cooking demonstration, celebrity appearances, Halal hunt, fun quizzes and many more.
HALFEST is hosted by the Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC), brought to you by CIMB Islamic Bhd, co-organised by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), in support and collaboration with Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry (MOA), Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and the Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM). HALFEST is organised and managed by Shapers Malaysia Sdn Bhd, founder and manager of MIHAS; the World’s largest international Halal trade fair.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
NAME : Intan Eidayu Zainal
Communications & PR
TEL : 03 6203 4433
FAX : 03 6203 4422
MOBILE : 012 294 8106
EMAIL : intan@halal.org.my
