Songkhla Nakarin news

PSU ready to host World HAPEX 2026 under the theme “Halal Wellness and Innovation,” advancing Thailand’s halal industry to the global stage




The Halal Institute of Prince of Songkla University held a press conference for the World Halal Products Exhibition and International Conference 2026, or World HAPEX 2026, on July 15, 2026, at the Halal Institute in Hat Yai. The event announced the University’s readiness to host one of Thailand’s major international halal events, scheduled to take place from July 30 to August 2, 2026, at the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne International Convention Center, Prince of Songkla University.



Held under the theme “Halal Wellness and Innovation,” World HAPEX 2026 aims to advance Thailand’s halal industry through knowledge, research, innovation, and international collaboration.



The press conference was presided over by Assistant Professor Dr. Niwat Keawpradub, President of Prince of Songkla University, together with Assistant Professor Dr. Asman Taeali, Director, Halal Institute, and representatives from the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre, the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organization, and the Islamic Committee of Songkhla Province. The participating organizations reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening Thailand’s halal industry and expanding its presence in global markets.

Assistant Professor Dr. Niwat stated that Prince of Songkla University is proud to play a leading role in supporting World HAPEX 2026. The event reflects the University’s commitment as a higher education institution dedicated to advancing halal knowledge, research, and innovation. It also serves as an important platform connecting researchers, academics, entrepreneurs, investors, and partners from Thailand and abroad to strengthen the competitiveness of Thailand’s halal industry at the international level.



He added that World HAPEX 2026 is more than a trade exhibition. It is a platform for knowledge exchange, the transformation of research into innovation, international networking, and the creation of new opportunities for trade and investment. These efforts are expected to contribute to the sustainable economic development of Thailand’s southern border provinces and the country as a whole.

Assistant Professor Dr. Asman Taeali noted that World HAPEX, now entering its 15th year, continues to integrate academic knowledge, research, innovation, trade, and investment in the halal sector. The event aims to strengthen the capabilities of Thai entrepreneurs, create opportunities to connect with international business partners, and enhance the global recognition of Thai halal products and services.




This year, World HAPEX 2026 is expected to welcome more than 20,000 participants from 12 countries, including business leaders, investors, academics, and halal experts, with more than 224 exhibition booths.

Throughout the four-day event, key activities will include an international academic conference under the theme “Halal Wellness and Innovation,” the World HAPEX Leaders Roundtable 2026, memorandum of understanding signing ceremonies, business matching sessions, the Halal Signature Drink Challenge 2026, Muslimah Day, and a halal speech competition. These activities are designed to create new business opportunities and strengthen international networks and collaboration.



Representatives from the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre, the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organization, and the Islamic Committee of Songkhla Province also expressed their full support for the event. Their collaboration aims to strengthen Songkhla and Southern Thailand as a key hub for the country’s halal economy while enhancing the competitiveness of Thai entrepreneurs in global markets.

The Halal Institute of Prince of Songkla University invites entrepreneurs, academics, public and private sector organizations, and members of the public to join World HAPEX 2026, from July 30 to August 2, 2026, at the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne International Convention Center, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai Campus.

The event will provide an important opportunity to exchange knowledge, build international partnerships, and contribute to the sustainable growth of Thailand’s halal industry on the global stage.