Korea.net: Korean Companies Seek Business Opportunities at Malaysia's Halal Trade Showcase

This article is part of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026 series

Published on Korea.net’s ​Site for ​Honorary Reporter​s on November 4, 2026

Korean Companies Seek Business Opportunities at Malaysia's Halal Trade Showcase

2026-11-04

By Honorary Reporter Ing Yeen Oh from Malaysia
Photo by = Ing Yeen Oh

 Korean companies showcased a range of products and explored business opportunities in the global halal market at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur from September 23 to 26.

The 22nd edition of the trade showcase carried the theme “Shaping Trust, Driving Resilience.” Established in 2004, MIHAS has grown into a platform connecting businesses across sectors including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, modest fashion, personal care, technology, Islamic finance and Muslim-friendly tourism.

Among the Korean exhibitors, the Korea Pavilion brought together 14 companies representing food and beverages, wellness, beauty, biotechnology and lifestyle products. Co-organized by KOTRA and GLOBAL FM, the pavilion featured offerings ranging from halal-certified food and wellness products to beauty items and PCR-based halal test kits.

At the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026, the Korea Pavilion brought together 14 companies representing food and beverages, wellness, beauty, biotechnology and lifestyle products. MIHAS 2026 was held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur from September 23 to 26.  (Photo by Ing Yeen Oh) 

The exhibition also attracted international visitors looking beyond the Malaysian market. At one of the Korean booths, a visitor was overheard expressing interest in importing the company's products to Indonesia, highlighting the potential for exhibitors to connect with buyers from other markets.

Other Korean companies also took part in MIHAS outside the pavilion. One of them was Horizon Farmers, a company from Jeonbuk Province specializing in ginger-based products. According to Horizon Farmers CEO Heo Jihye, the company has exported its products to the United States and Japan and is seeking distributors in Malaysia. 

Horizon Farmers CEO Heo Jihye showing the company's ginger-based products at its booth at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur from September 23 to 26. (Photo by Ing Yeen Oh)

While some Korean companies were introducing their products to the Malaysian market for the first time, Korean Foods Onggojib has been operating in Malaysia for 10 years. The company specializes in fermented products.

In an interview at the company's booth, CEO Jasemin Chang recalled that Onggojib was among the first companies to respond when the Korean government encouraged businesses to obtain halal certification.

“The first country we exported to was Malaysia,” Chang said. She also described Malaysia as a second home, saying, “Ever since we entered the Malaysian market, it felt like a second home to me.”

Chang said Onggojib obtained halal certification in Korea in 2016, describing the company as the first to do so.

Korean Foods Onggojib CEO Jasemin Chang showing the company's all-purpose gochujang and sauces at its booth at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur from September 23 to 26. (Photo by Ing Yeen Oh)

Hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and organized by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), MIHAS provides a platform for businesses to explore market opportunities, connect with international buyers and build business partnerships.