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LOCAL NEWS
@ Halal | January-February. 2026
A pathway forward |
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UNIVERSITI Sultan Zainal Abidin( UniSZA) launched the UniSZA BRIGHT Programme last month, an industrybacked initiative that supports students from the B40 income group in pursuing postgraduate studies.
The programme marked UniSZA’ s first structured effort to mobilise external funding specifically for postgraduate candidates, with scholarship funds raised through collaboration with corporate partners. At its launch, the university had secured RM300,000, enabling five students to receive sponsorship for Master’ s and doctoral studies.
UniSZA Vice-chancellor Fadzli Adam said the initial funding was allocated to support two Doctor of Philosophy( PhD) candidates and three Master’ s students in selected fields related to Islamic-based professional studies.
“ UniSZA is introducing this programme to provide opportunities for undergraduate students, particularly from the B40 group, to further their studies to a higher level.
“ So far, we have managed to secure RM300,000 in funds from companies. It will be used to sponsor two Doctor of Philosophy( PhD) students and three Master’ s students,” he said at the programme’ s launch.
The areas of study identified under the
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ACCESS TO EDUCATION: UniSZA’ s BRIGHT Programme seeks to strengthen access to higher education through partnerships with industry players. |
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UniSZA BRIGHT Programme included Islamic Economics, Islamic Finance, Muamalat Administration, Islamic Banking, Halal Management, and Islamic Financial Planning and Wealth Management, reflecting the growing demand for expertise in Shariah-compliant sectors.
Under the announced funding structure, Master’ s students were eligible to receive sponsorship of up to RM50,000, while PhD candidates could receive up to RM75,000. The assistance covered tuition fees, living allowances, research grants and publication-related costs.
Fadzli said the programme was
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also intended to strengthen UniSZA’ s postgraduate ecosystem by creating a sustainable and continuous funding model that supports high-impact academic work.
He added that the university had set a target of raising RM1 million by the end of the following year to expand the initiative to include additional disciplines such as medicine and law.
“ We are intensifying efforts and cooperation with industry partners to secure more funds to expand this initiative.
“ Applications for this programme will open on Jan 1, 2026 and close on Feb 15,” he said.
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Langkawi leads halal
MALAYSIA’ S ambitions in the global halal economy are entering a new phase, especially as tourism increasingly integrates into the narrative.
The soft launch of the Langkawi International Halal Showcase 2026( LIHAS 2026) reflects a broader strategy to position Malaysia as a halal production leader and a destination where halal excellence is experienced firsthand.
Scheduled to take place from Nov 5-8, 2026, at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre( MIEC), Langkawi, LIHAS 2026 will serve as a meeting point for industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and international buyers.
This event is organised by Lihas Sdn. Bhd. in collaboration with key government agencies and halal industry stakeholders with the initiative aligning closely with Malaysia’ s long-term tourism and economic goals.
The presence of high-level representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture( MOTAC), the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry( MITI), the Langkawi Development Authority( LADA), the Halal Development Corporation( HDC), and Majlis Amanah Rakyat( MARA) during the soft launch portrays LIHAS’ and other government organisations’ commitment to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global halal landscape.
To date, the exhibition has recorded RM88 million in trade value from business matching. RM28 million stems from collaborations in the agriculture and food and beverage( F & B) sectors involving Levent Corporation Sdn Bhd and LeShou Yufang( Beijing) Catering Management Co Ltd.
A further RM60 million is anticipated from halal gelatin manufacturing through Jiyuan Boao Biotechnology Co, Ltd.
Furthermore, the participation projections further reflect the event’ s scale. Approximately 380 exhibitors are expected to occupy 448 booths, including around 50 international exhibitors alongside 330 domestic participants.
Scheduled activities include Biz Pocket Talk sessions, live cooking demonstrations, the Asian Food Meet-Up and Street Food
Bazaar, Halal Clinic sessions with implementing agencies, live podcast recordings, Malam Aspirasi Usahawan Halal, and the Halal Banking and Financial Agencies Forum.
Moreover, cultural performances will be held in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026.
The tourism-forward approach aligns naturally with the objectives of Visit Malaysia 2026.
Large-scale exhibitions such as LIHAS 2026 will generate business travel and media visibility, thereby contributing to destination branding and boosting local economies.
Meanwhile, for Langkawi, the event offers an opportunity to extend visitor stays, diversify its tourism offerings, and attract new segments of halal-conscious travellers and investors.
As Malaysia continues to improve its reputation in halal certification, governance, and export readiness, platforms like LIHAS 2026 provide perpetual visibility.
It represents Malaysia’ s integrated approach to halal development, one that bridges trade ambitions with destination promotion.-