WHBC 2026 to advance Halal Diplomacy as Malaysia puts forward ASEAN Halal Council Proposal
Malaysia will further advance international cooperation in the halal economy through the World Halal Business Conference (WHBC) 2026, with the proposed establishment of an ASEAN Halal Council adding a timely regional dimension to this year’s focus on halal diplomacy.
The 18th edition of WHBC, organised by Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) under the purview of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), will take place on 24 September 2026 at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur, bringing together policymakers, halal authorities, industry leaders, investors and international stakeholders to explore how stronger cooperation can unlock new opportunities in the global halal economy.
This year’s WHBC places “Halal Diplomacy” at the centre of its agenda, examining how bilateral cooperation, regional partnerships and stronger policy coordination can support greater trade, investment, market access and innovation across the halal economy.
“The focus comes at an important time for ASEAN. Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Chairman of the Malaysia Halal Development Council, recently announced that Malaysia will promote a proposal to establish an ASEAN Halal Council, with Malaysia proposed as its secretariat. The proposal is aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, governance, investment and market access in the halal industry,” said Hanisofian Alias, Interim Chief Executive Officer of HDC.
The WHBC 2026 will open with the high-level session “Halal Diplomacy: Policy Directions for a USD5 Trillion Halal Economy”, bringing together international perspectives on policy directions, bilateral cooperation and regional mechanisms.
Beyond policy dialogue, WHBC 2026 will focus on translating halal opportunities into business outcomes. The conference will examine the latest developments in the global Islamic economy and explore how Malaysian halal businesses can move from certification to commercialisation, expand into international markets and strengthen their participation in global value chains.
WHBC has long served as a platform for thought leadership and industry dialogue. As part of the Global Halal Summit, WHBC 2026 further strengthens Malaysia’s role as a global hub for halal policy, trade, investment and business opportunities..
Industry players, policymakers, investors and international stakeholders are invited to be part of this important conversation and register for WHBC 2026 at www.hdcglobal.com.
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