Programme Day 1 - 21 July 2026

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME | "Big-Picture Vision and Global Halal Industry Progress"

TIME PROGRAMME
8:00 AM Registration and Morning Coffee
8:50 AM Conference Welcome
9:00 AM

Expert Insights: The Halal Industry Today
A Global Snapshot of Market Trends And Emerging Opportunities.

Speakers:

  1. Nurul Balqis Binti Mohamed Othman, Shariah Banking Operation, Bank Rakyat (Malaysia)
  2. Marut Mekloy, President of Thai Muslim Trade Association (Thailand)
  3. Dr. Annie Woo, Co-founder of Haltex Group (Singapore)
10:00 AM  Morning Keynote: Halal Food Technology
From Requirements To Health, How Food Technology in The Halal Food Sphere Is Bringing Together Scientific Knowledge and Halal Requirements Into Making Food Production Sustainable, Safe and Nutritious.

Speaker: 
Dr. Mian Nadeem Riaz, IFANCA Professor of Diversity, Texas A&M University (USA)
10:40 AM  Morning Tea Break
11:10 AM

Plenary 1: Developing Sarawak's Halal Industry Towards 2030
Outlining Sarawak's Roadmap For Halal Growth.

Speaker:
Professor Dr. Firdaus Abdullah, Rector, UiTM Sarawak (Sarawak) 
11:30 AM     

Halal Businesses Success Stories
Learn From Halalpreneurs Who Have Weathered The Storm And Overcome Challenge. Emulate Business Practices That Can Change The Growth Trajectory Of Your Business.

Speakers:

  1. Damith Senanayake, Founder of Ceylonese Restaurant (Sri Lanka)
  2. Datuk Haji Abdul Kadir M.E Sikkandar, Chief Executive Officer, BTC Group (Sabah)
  3. Norhayati Arasid, Chief Executive Officer, Magna Wave Sdn Bhd (Sabah)
12:15 PM Lunch
12:49 PM Prayer Time: Dhuhr
1:15 PM Panel Discussion 1: Halal Trade Integration in a Fragmented World
Addressing Trade Barriers, Logistics Challenges, and Opportunities For Regional Integration.

Speakers:
  1. Shireen Jasmin Ali, Director of Industry ESG, Ministry of Investment, Trade & Industry Malaysia (MITI) (Malaysia)
  2. Mansor Shah Wahid, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) (Malaysia)
  3. Seyfettin Bogazli, International Relations Specialist & Founding Consultant, SRS Overseas Media & Law Consultancy (Turkiye)
  4. Adulai Bary, Founder & Global Innovation & Business Developement Lead, Tayyib Global Halal Group (Brazil)
  5. Dato Ruslan bin Abdul Ghani, President / Group Chief Executive Officer, Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad (Sarawak)

Moderator:

Kamarul Bahrin Haron, Senior Associate, Malaysia Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) (Malaysia)
2:15 PM Plenary 2: Data & Tech In Halal Assurance
Exploring Data And Technology In Assuring Halal Standards, Compliance And Viability.

Speaker:
Umar Munshi, Managing Partner, Hasan VC Venture Education Pte Ltd (Singapore)
2:35 PM Special Townhall: Halal Initiatives, Incentives & Grants
Connecting Businesses Directly With Industry Drivers And Financial Institutions

Speakers:
  1. YBhg. Dato' Sri Khairul Dzaimee Bin Daud, Secretary General of Ministry of Entreprenuer & Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP) (Malaysia)
  2. YBhg. Dato' Seri Zulfikri Bin Osman, Director General, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) (Malaysia)
  3. Muhammad Hussaini Bin Mohd Mustafa, Assistant Vice President, Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) (Malaysia)

Moderator:
Kamarul Bahrin Haron, Senior Associate, Malaysia Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) (Malaysia)
BIHAS 2026 OPENING CEREMONY
3:30 PM Arrival of Opening Ceremony Guests
4:00 PM

ARRIVAL OF GUEST OF HONOUR 

The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg

Premier of Sarawak 

 

National Anthem 'NegaraKu' & State Anthem 'Ibu PertiwiKu'

Opening Performance 

Doa Recital

 

WELCOMING REMARKS BY ORGANISING CHAIRMAN OF BIHAS 2026

The Honourable Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hasan 

Deputy Premier, Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development & Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment

 

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY GUEST OF HONOUR 

The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr.) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg

Premier of Sarawak 

 

Video Presentation 

Official Launching of BIHAS 2026

Launching of Sarawak Halalpreneur Industry Development Plan 2026-2030

Presentation of Halal Certificate of Biport Bulkers

MoU Exchanges

Momento Presentation

Press Conference
5:00 PM VVIP Booth Tour | Afternoon Tea Break for Delegates
5:30 PM VVIP Booth Tour at BIHAS Hall at Kuching Waterfront Square
6:00 PM End of BIHAS 2026 Conference Day 1