BUMIPUTERA entrepreneurs, particularly those under the purview of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), must shed the “village champion” mindset and seize global opportunities, said MARA Chairman Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
Speaking at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS)@Shanghai 2025, held in conjunction with the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), Asyraf emphasised the need for Bumiputera entrepreneurs to evolve into globally competitive industry players.
“They have benefited greatly from all aspects of preparation needed to go abroad. We no longer want Bumiputera entrepreneurs to remain as ‘village champions’, but to become global players at the international level,” he told reporters at the event.
He highlighted MARA’s Gate to Global (GTG) programme, introduced in 2017, as a proven success in helping entrepreneurs penetrate international markets.
“To date, 132 MARA-trained entrepreneurs have successfully entered global markets, with total sales reaching RM632 million as of October,” he said. “Here in Shanghai alone, 16 entrepreneurs are ready to break into the Chinese market. This morning, MOAs and MOUs were signed with three Chinese buyers, amounting to RM55.5 million in total sales.”
Asyraf also extended appreciation to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) for its continued collaboration in providing platforms for Bumiputera entrepreneurs to showcase their products globally.
“Among the markets we’ve ventured into are Japan, Dubai, Australia, Germany and Switzerland, featuring health, beauty, and food and beverage products,” he added.
The MIHAS@Shanghai showcase, spearheaded by MATRADE, marks Malaysia’s largest-ever trade promotion mission in China and underscores the nation’s commitment to expanding the global reach of its halal ecosystem.
Running from 5 to 10 November 2025, the Shanghai event is the second international edition of the world-renowned halal fair, following its successful debut in Dubai last year.
In his keynote address, Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia’s relationship with China goes beyond trade figures.
“Our relationship with China is not just measured in trade figures. It is built on trust, shared prosperity and people-to-people connection. This is why MATRADE has chosen to bring MIHAS, Malaysia’s premier Halal showcase, to Shanghai for the very first time,” he said.
He noted that MIHAS provides Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with a strategic platform to connect with Chinese buyers and partners seeking high-quality halal products.
Echoing this, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz described the event as a “strategic leap” in globalising Malaysia’s halal economy.
“With China as our top trading partner for 16 years, this initiative strengthens Malaysia’s leadership in halal and deepens our economic ties. Shanghai is not just a venue — it’s a gateway to a vast consumer base and a milestone in our halal export mission,” he said.
MIHAS@Shanghai aims to generate RM2.5 billion in total trade, building on the RM2.2 billion achieved during MIHAS@Dubai 2024. The Malaysian delegation comprises over 250 companies and organisations spanning halal food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, Islamic finance, and logistics.
Participating agencies include MARA, SME Corp, EXIM Bank, FAMA, MTDC, and the Malaysian Pepper Board, alongside state governments from Selangor, Perak, Sabah, Pahang, Penang, Malacca, Sarawak and Perlis — reflecting a whole-of-nation approach to promoting halal exports.
The event supports the goals outlined under the Halal Industry Master Plan (HIMP) 2030 and contributes to the 13th Malaysia Plan’s target of achieving RM80 billion in halal exports. - November 7, 2025
