Penang: The Penang Regional Development Authority (PERDA) expects over 75,000 visitors to attend the three-day PERDA Expo (EXPERT) 2026 to be held at Midtown PERDA, Kubang Menerong, from Oct 2-4.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, PERDA chairman Datuk Dr Shaik Hussein Mydin stated that EXPERT 2026, themed 'Halal Synergy: Empowering Entrepreneurs, Driving the Economy', is set to bring together over 200 exhibitors from various business sectors. The event aims for a target sales value and contract acquisition of over RM2 million. The expo's primary goal is to promote the products of entrepreneurs, particularly those in the rural areas, while providing a broader marketing platform and business network.
"The expo will serve as a centralised and comprehensive promotional platform for Bumiputera entrepreneurs to introduce their products and services to a larger market. At last year's expo, we achieved over RM3 million in sales, so we hope to do much better this time," he told reporters after the pre-launch of the EXPERT 2026 Midtown PERDA. The event was also attended by Datuk Rashidi Zinol, the Penang Rural Development, Agro Technology, Food Security and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman and PERDA deputy chairman, as well as PERDA general manager Datuk Mohd Asri Baharum.
Shaik Hussein emphasized that EXPERT 2026 will provide a meeting platform for entrepreneurs and companies or supermarkets through business-matching activities, enhancing their marketing networks. The expo will also focus on empowering halal products by connecting entrepreneurs with halal certificates and expanding market access through the Global Hala Marketplace platform.
"The Yang Dipertua Negeri of Penang, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, is scheduled to launch the fifth edition of EXPERT 2026," he added. PERDA is also strengthening its strategic cooperation with neighboring countries like Indonesia and Thailand to attract global participation and open up import and export market opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
The expo will feature various business clusters, including food and beverage, services, agriculture and agro-food, automotive, cosmetics and self-care, health products, handicraft, and the creative industry. "EXPERT 2026 is also being packaged as an inclusive initiative targeting the participation of various community levels with events such as women's programs, family activities, a book carnival, Agro MADANI sales, and educational activities," Shaik Hussein noted. These programs are expected to draw more visitors and positively impact the local community.
Visitors will also enjoy performances by popular and contemporary artistes, featuring religious elements and light entertainment nightly throughout the three-day expo. Additionally, exhibition site sales will commence on June 29, both online and in person, at the PERDA headquarters, with prices ranging from RM120 to RM1,500.
"PERDA is responding to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's call to reduce booth prices by offering a 20 per cent discount on the booth rental rates to our entrepreneurs, ensuring they can participate in this year's expo," Shaik Hussein explained. The organization of EXPERT 2026 results from collaboration among various Federal and state government departments and agencies, private companies, and associations to strengthen entrepreneurial development and expand the marketing network of entrepreneurs.