According to Bank Negara Malaysia, the global halal economy is estimated to be worth more than USD2.2 trillion, presenting significant growth opportunities across high-value sectors such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Malaysia is well-positioned to capitalise on this expanding market, with the country’s halal exports reaching RM68.52 bil in 2025, signifying the growing international demand for Malaysian halal products and services.
As a recognised leader in the global halal ecosystem, Malaysia continues to strengthen its position as a preferred halal trade and investment hub.
Yet for many Malaysian SMEs, the challenge lies not in product quality or halal credentials, but in accessing the right markets, buyers and business networks.
As competition intensifies across international markets, businesses increasingly require market intelligence, strategic connections and structured pathways to overseas opportunities to translate export ambitions into sustainable growth.
To help bridge this gap, MBSB Berhad (MBSB) is supporting export-ready SMEs through GLOMAX (Global Market Access Accelerator) by Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF), a platform designed to help Malaysian businesses identify market opportunities, establish international business connections and accelerate access to global markets.
As part of this commitment, MBSB and Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) have joined forces through the ‘Global Markets Unlocked Workshop’, an initiative aimed at equipping export-ready SMEs and halal businesses with the tools, connections and insights needed to expand internationally.
The workshop also features sharing sessions by representatives from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), EXIM Bank and Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan Berhad (SJPP).
Participants will gain insights on scam awareness and financial security from BNM, as well as government-backed guarantee schemes from SJPP that can help halal SMEs strengthen their growth ambitions and pursue opportunities in international markets.
The collaboration also highlights HDC’s role in strengthening Malaysia’s halal ecosystem through its Halal Integrated Platform (HIP), which connects businesses with industry resources, programmes, services and commercial opportunities.
Together, HIP and GLOMAX provide businesses with a more structured pathway to international expansion by combining ecosystem support, market access opportunities and industry connectivity.
“As global demand for halal products and services continues to grow, Malaysian businesses have a significant opportunity to expand beyond our shores,” said MBSB Group CEO Rafe Haneef.
“Through GLOMAX, MIDF’s RM100 mil 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 for international expansion.
“Together with HDC and initiatives such as HATI, we are building a stronger ecosystem that combines market access, halal capability development and financing support.
“Backed by the complementary strengths of MBSB Bank and MIDF, businesses can access the capital, advisory expertise and industry connections needed to scale confidently and compete more effectively in the global marketplace.”
Meanwhile, HDC CEO Hanisofian Alias noted that the global halal economy continues to present significant opportunities for Malaysian businesses, particularly as demand for halal products and services expands across both Muslim and non-Muslim markets.
“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.”
The initiative reflects a shared commitment by MBSB and HDC to help Malaysian businesses unlock new export opportunities, strengthen their global competitiveness and participate more actively in the growing halal economy.
By connecting SMEs with the knowledge, networks and market access needed for international growth, both organisations aim to build a stronger bridge between Malaysia’s halal business community and the world. ‒ Oct 15, 2026
