One outstanding example is Muslim cafe owner Swadiq Khan, who has successfully redefined Hong Kong’ s traditional baked goods to meet halal dietary requirements.

Recognising the limited halalfriendly options in the market, Khan established a halal-certified central kitchen ten years ago. He eliminated the use of lard and preservatives in traditional Hong Kong-style buns such as pineapple buns and sausage rolls.

These halal-compliant products are now supplied to his cafe outlets, including a new branch in Tsim Sha Tsui, which features a dedicated halal-certified bakery room.

All ingredients used in the bakery, from flour to chicken sausages, are approved by the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong, commonly known as the Board of Trustees( BOT).

This ensures that every product meets strict halal standards. Khan’ s initiative has not only served more local Muslim customers but also attracted tourists from countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. His bakery even receives

Swadiq Khan

orders from the nearby Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Centre.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board has actively supported halal certification and Muslim-friendly services. In June, the board launched an online training programme titled Tips for Welcoming Muslim Travel-

MUSLIM- FRIENDLY DINING: The front of Swadiq Khan’ s cafe in Tsim Sha Tsui, where halal-certified pineapple buns and sausage rolls welcome Muslim visitors seeking authentic Hong Kong flavours.

lers.

This educational initiative provides insights into Islamic customs, prayer times, dress codes, and festivals, with the goal of enhancing service across the tourism sector.

Hong Kong’ s efforts have achieved international recognition. In the Global Muslim Travel Index 2025, published by CrescentRating, Hong Kong ranked among the top three non-OIC destinations. It was named the Most Promising Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year.

As of mid-June, 190 eateries have been certified halal, and 60 hotels have been rated Muslimfriendly. With continued engagement and outreach, Hong Kong is well-positioned to expand its share of the growing global halal tourism market. The city’ s halal initiatives reflect a broader commitment to quality, inclusiveness, and cultural understanding.

PCS Post has made history as the first logistics company in Vietnam to receive official halal logistics certification.

Awarded on Jul 30, 2025, this milestone not only reflects the company ' s commitment to Shariah compliance and the MS 2400:2019 standards for halal logistics practices, but also marks a significant step in the company ' s journey towards halal logistics excellence.

The certification was bestowed by Halal Certification Authority of Vietnam( HalCert) Director Ramlan Osman, in a ceremony graced by industry leaders and local stakeholders.

This accomplishment signifies Vietnam ' s burgeoning role in the global Halal supply chain, reinforcing its pledge to safety, quality, and inclusivity in logistics services and paving the way for a more interconnected and diverse industry landscape.

Present at the event were Quatest 3 Representative Tran Quoc Dzung, MATRADE Vietnam Trade Commissioner Si Sia Vet, and PCS Post Head of Quality Control Bui Thi Huong, who received the certificate on behalf of the company.

The recognition sets a strong precedent for Halal logistics in the region.

WEPACK Southeast Asia, a major packaging exhibition organised by RX China, will make its debut in Jakarta from July 29 to 31, 2025, at the Jakarta International Expo( JIEXPO) in conjunction with the Paper Chain Expo. This event marks a significant milestone for the regional paper and packaging sectors.

Set to become Southeast Asia’ s largest trade fair for packaging container production and applications, the event will feature over 200 exhibitors showcasing innovations in packaging machinery, materials, and technologies. Among the highlights is the growing focus on halal-compliant packaging, as demand increases across the food

and beverage industry.

With Muslim consumers seeking packaging that aligns with Islamic principles, manufacturers are paying closer attention to the materials and production methods used. Discussions at WEPACK will explore how sustainable, traceable,

and ethical practices can support the development of the halal ecosystem. This includes everything from upstream pulp production to downstream packaging solutions. The exhibition will also host a summit where experts will examine how digitalisation is shaping the packaging landscape, enabling greater flexibility and customisation. Sustainability, another core

theme, will address the environmental responsibilities of halal packaging, including the use of biodegradable materials and clean manufacturing processes.

Supported by industry bodies from Indonesia, Vietnam, China, and Thailand, the event includes tailored networking programmes, a welcome dinner hosted by Indonesia’ s Corrugated Box Association( AKKGI), and factory tours for hands-on learning.

WEPACK Southeast Asia invites global halal industry players to connect, collaborate, and explore how packaging can better serve the values and expectations of Muslim consumers in Southeast Asia and beyond.-