Penang International Halal Expo Starts Friday

GEORGE TOWN (Penang), Feb 24 (Bernama) -- The Penang International Halal Expo and Conference (PIHEC) is back again for the eighth consecutive year at the Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition (SPICE) here. Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the three-day exhibition, which starts today, saw an increase in the number of participants. "This year we have been able to gather over 330 businesses and industry players, comprising local and international companies, business associations and government sectors, including representatives from countries such as Japan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand and many others. "PIHEC provides exciting and opportune business programmes and platforms where fellow academia and captains of industry will be able to share solutions and ideas for a global sustainable living, encompassing the halal lifestyle," he said during the opening ceremony here Friday. Lim said the state has outlined a strong policy of competency, accountability and transparency which has helped the growth of the halal industry in Penang. Meanwhile, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) exchange session was also held between Halal Penang and Halal International Selangor. It focused on collaboration on developing trade, investment and industrial growth, as well as strengthening technical and competency methodologies in Halal industry practices. PIHEC will also hold the fourth edition of the International Chef Challenge this year, which would feature, among others, culinary art display, ice carving and cuisine specialties by more than 250 participants nationwide. Another unique feature at this year’s PIHEC is the "Ambient Cake and Coffee Pairing Contest", which is a taste blending contest of coffee and cake, and a barista demo. Besides various booths offering food and beverage products, cosmetics and fashion, there will also be various business programmes, as well as fun-filled activities for children and general public to participate in. -- BERNAMA