PENANG International Halal Expo and Conference (PIHEC) is celebrating its 10th anniversary, with the sole objective of facilitating the sourcing and selling of quality local and international halal consumables, products and services.
The 10th PIHEC is expecting to draw 50,000 visitors as compared to some 45,000 visitors last year.
Themed ‘Digitalisation & The Halal Industry’, PIHEC 2019 which is held from March 1 to 3 at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre highlights tremendous business opportunities.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who graced the event today, said that halal industry can become a strong economic enhancer for the state.
He urged businesses to take advantage of the opportunities and overcome challenges posed by globalisation.
“Almost a decade has passed since the first PIHEC was held in 2010. Back then, the number of halal certified establishments in Penang was only 55. As of November 2018, a total of 1,112 halal certified establishments was recorded.
“The halal industry is growing strong in Penang. Over RM480 million has been invested in the Phase One of the Penang Halal Industrial Park.
“I hope PIHEC 2019 will provide the opportunity for delegates and visitors from various countries to disscuss issues, challenges and solutions pertaining to the development of halal industry,” Chow said.
The inaugural Global Blockchained Halal Industry Forum 2019 (GBHIF2019), the Halal Healthcare & Wellness towards Future Sustainability conference, Penang International Halal Chef Challenge (PIHCC) and series of business matching programmes and seminars are also held during PIHEC 2019.
Chow also commended the organiser of the 6th PIHCC.
“The event provides a platform for our local talents to showcase their impeccable skills in cooking up halal delights.
Meanwhile, state International & Domestic Trade, Consumer Affairs and Entreprenuer Development Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain spoke on the GBHIF2019, where it is the country’s first ever forum for halal industry stakeholders to understand the impact of Blockchain Revolution.
“It’s an interactive platform for the halal industry stakeholders to better understand the impact of Blockchain Revolution and its technological advances on industry’s business models and operating processes,” he said.
The international expo was showcasing 350 companies from the Halal F&B beauty, health and pharmaceutical products, halal manufacturing and packaging companies, halal tourism and others.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Sim Tze Tzin, Confexhub chief executive officer (CEO) Paul Yeo and Confexhub chairman Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz S.A.
Story by K. Thaarshenii
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad