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Korea.net

This article is part of the 2026 ASEAN K-Halal Food Fair series

Published on Korea.net’s ​Site for ​Honorary Reporter​s on June 3, 2026

Malaysia Hosts First ASEAN K-Halal Food Fair to Strengthen Korea-ASEAN Food Cooperation

Malaysia hosted the inaugural ASEAN K-Halal Food Fair at 1 Utama Shopping Mall from May 21 to 24, bringing together Korean food companies, Malaysian consumers and industry stakeholders to explore opportunities in the growing halal food market.

The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Malaysia Yeo Seung-bae and aT Center Kuala Lumpur Director Chang Chung Ho.

(from fourth from left) Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Malaysia Yeo Seung-bae, Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin, and aT Center Kuala Lumpur Director Chang Chung Ho officiating the opening ceremony of the inaugural ASEAN K-Halal Food Fair .  (Photo by Ing Yeen Oh)

Malaysia as a Halal Hub

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chan described the event as particularly significant as it was the first large-scale K-Halal food event representing the ASEAN region to be held in Malaysia.

He noted that Malaysia's globally recognized halal certification system and position as a global halal hub make the country an ideal platform for Korean food companies seeking to expand into ASEAN markets.

According to Chan, the event goes beyond introducing Korean food products and serves as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Korea and Malaysia while highlighting new possibilities for K-Food within the halal sector.

 

Growing Popularity of Korean Food

Chan also highlighted the growing popularity of Korean culture in Malaysia, attributing it to the influence of K-dramas, K-pop and Korean films over the past two decades.

These cultural influences have contributed to the increasing popularity of Korean cuisine, with Korean restaurants, food products and convenience stores becoming a familiar part of daily life for many Malaysians.

He added that the appeal of K-Food extends beyond taste, citing its quality standards, healthy ingredients and authenticity as factors that continue to attract Malaysian consumers.

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Malaysia Yeo Seung-bae (left), Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin, and aT Center Kuala Lumpur Director Chang Chung Ho showing off their photo taken at the ASEAN K-Halal Food Fair photo booth.  (Photo by Ing Yeen Oh) 

Strengthening Agricultural Cooperation

The deputy minister said the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is committed to strengthening food security through the exchange of agricultural technologies, the expansion of agri-food distribution networks and support for high food safety standards, including halal certification.

He also expressed hope that more Korean agri-food companies would utilize Malaysia as a gateway to the wider ASEAN market through the country's established supply chains and halal ecosystem.

Chan further expressed hope that K-Halal products would continue to gain popularity among ASEAN's 600 million consumers and that cooperation between Korea and Malaysia in the agriculture and food sectors would continue to grow.

Following the opening ceremony, Chan, Yeo and Chang toured the exhibition area and met participating exhibitors.

Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin (left) and Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Malaysia Yeo Seung-bae visiting the KTO booth at the K-Halal Food Fair after the opening ceremony of the inaugural ASEAN K-Halal Food Fair.  (Photo by Ing Yeen Oh)

Malaysia, a gateway to ASEAN

The four-day fair featured a variety of activities including K-Food sampling sessions, a K-Food Fusion Cooking Contest, K-pop cover dance performances, hanbok and school uniform experiences, Korean traditional games, quizzes, photo opportunities and family-friendly cultural activities.

A participant showing his culinary creation at the K-Food Fusion Cooking Contest.  (Photo by Ing Yeen Oh)

Through food tastings, competitions and interactive activities, the fair offered visitors a closer look at Korean food products and the growing K-Halal sector, while highlighting opportunities for further cooperation between Korea and ASEAN markets. 

Food sampling at the inaugural ASEAN K-Halal Food Fair, at 1 Utama Shopping Mall from May 21 to 24.  (Photo by Ing Yeen Oh)