PETALING JAYA, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- HALAL FIESTA ASEAN (HALFEST ASEAN 2017) Malaysia Largest Halal Expo, will take place from August 23rd to 27th and is expected to receive 100,000 visitors. More than 550 booths and 150,000 innovative and quality Halal products and services will be showcased. The 5-day HALFEST ASEAN will have various halal trade and consumer programmes to meet the growing needs of Malaysia and the ASEAN region.
 
HALFEST ASEAN is organised by the Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC), an agency under the Ministry of International Trade & Industry (MITI) which is responsible for coordinating the development and promotion of the state's halal industry in a comprehensive and orderly manner. The main objective of HALFEST ASEAN is to be the primary platform for local entrepreneurs to become Halal Champions and to expand into the international market.
 
This expo is also a part of HDC's key role to catalyse and facilitate the growth and preparation of local halal entrepreneurs to participate in international expositions including the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS).
 
This year HALFEST ASEAN presents a new line of strategic partners to strengthen the event. For the first time through HALFEST ASEAN, HDC has collaborated with the Unit Peneraju Agenda Bumiputera (TERAJU) with the aim of enhancing Bumiputera engagement in this potentially large-scale industry. Among the collaborations are product development programmes with a focus on innovation and creativity by introducing Superb Halal Chefpreneur Challenge 2017. This programs aims to unleash local talents by highlighting innovative product ideas that have the opportunity to achieve commercialisation.

With the aim of expanding micro Halal entrepreneurs to a global level, HDC also is collaborating with Starbucks Malaysia, the world’s renowned coffee brand. The local entrepreneurs working on coffee-based products need to emulate Starbucks not only in terms of quality and branding, but also in Best Practices in the production of their respective products. As such, Starbucks Malaysia is the Official Coffee Partner of HALFEST ASEAN 2017.

HALFEST ASEAN is an expo founded by Shapers Malaysia and it is the largest Bumiputera event management company that has set up halal conceptual events such as MIHAS. Malaysia’s halal product and service exports in 2016 have increased by 7.1% to RM42.18 billion from the previous year. With the expected increase of 5% to 6% in exports of Malaysia’s Halal exports, it is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to increase more export capacity as it helps to increase export value from year to year. By 2020, Malaysia's Halal exports is expected to increase to RM50 billion.

The food and beverage sector, halal ingredients, cosmetics and personal care, palm oil based materials, industrial chemicals and pharmaceuticals are the high potential market access for Halal entrepreneurs.

With the commitment and strategic collaboration between Government agencies and the private sector through HALFEST ASEAN 2017, it surely serves as the best platform for entrepreneurs to increase their capabilities in the industry. Thus, it will also contribute to the country's economic growth. To achieve this mission, it is important to give a chance to new entrepreneurs.

HALFEST ASEAN 2017 is a strategic partnership between Government agencies and the private sector comprising the following organizations:

- Hosted by: Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI)
- Organised by: Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC)
- In Collaboration: Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-Operatives and Consumerism (KPDNKK), Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKLW)
- Strategic Partner: Unit Peneraju Agenda Bumiputera (TERAJU)
- Co-organised and Managed by: SHAPERS Malaysia Sdn Bhd

Source : SHAPERS Malaysia Sdn Bhd

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Norsida Ahmad
Public Relations & Media, Promotions and Branding Department
HALAL INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (HDC)
Tel : +603 7965 5530 / +6012 324 9703
Fax : +603 7965 5500
Email : norsida.ahmad@hdcglobal.com
 
Name: Preshath Murthi
Planning & Public Relations Division
HALFEST ASEAN Secretariat
Tel : +6016 414 0295
Email : pr@halal.org.my / preshath@halal.org.my
 
FOR HALFEST ASEAN 2017 MEDIA REGISTRATION PLEASE VISIT: www.halal.com.my

--BERNAMA