KUALA LUMPUR — As the global halal economy surges past USD2.2 trillion, presenting vast opportunities across sectors like food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, Malaysia is solidifying its status as a premier global Halal trade and investment hub. With national Halal exports reaching RM68.52 billion in 2025, the international appetite for Malaysian Halal products and services has never been stronger.

However, for many local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the primary barrier to international success is not product quality or Halal certification, but rather navigating the path to the right markets, buyers, and global networks.

To bridge this gap, MBSB Berhad (MBSB) and Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) have joined forces through the ‘Global Markets Unlocked Workshop’. This strategic initiative is designed to equip export-ready SMEs and Halal businesses with the essential tools, connections, and insights required to scale globally.

The collaborative framework integrates MBSB's financial and accelerator backing—specifically through the Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF)’s GLOMAX (Global Market Access Accelerator) platform—with HDC’s Halal Integrated Platform (HIP). Together, GLOMAX and HIP create a structured pathway that combines ecosystem support, market access opportunities, and industry connectivity.

The workshop also featured key contributions from financial and regulatory bodies. Representatives from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) shared crucial insights on scam awareness and financial security, while EXIM Bank and Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan Berhad (SJPP) briefed participants on government-backed guarantee schemes to bolster their international growth ambitions.

MBSB Group CEO Rafe Haneef emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating, "Through GLOMAX, MIDF’s RM100 million market access accelerator, we are helping export-ready SMEs and mid-tier companies connect with global buyers, strategic partners, and new market opportunities while strengthening their financing readiness." He added that combined with HDC and initiatives like HATI, MBSB is building a robust ecosystem bridging market access, capability development, and financing support.

Echoing this sentiment, HDC CEO Hanisofian Alias noted that the global halal market offers unprecedented prospects across both Muslim and non-Muslim regions. "At HDC, our focus is to help businesses move beyond market readiness towards market participation," he stressed. "Through our collaboration with MBSB and the introduction of GLOMAX, we are strengthening the ecosystem that enables Halal companies to connect with buyers, build strategic partnerships, and compete with greater confidence internationally."

By aligning resources, expertise, and market intelligence, MBSB and HDC are laying a solid foundation for Malaysian businesses to unlock new export avenues, elevate their global competitiveness, and thrive in the ever-expanding global halal economy.

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