@Halal March/April 2024 | Page 9

09 thriving future for Malaysia ’ s halal industry , characterised by sustainable growth , innovation , and global competitiveness .
March-April . 2024 | @ Halal

Cover Story

09 thriving future for Malaysia ’ s halal industry , characterised by sustainable growth , innovation , and global competitiveness .
Azwan emphasised HDC ’ s commitment to promoting sustainable growth , fostering innovation , enhancing global competitiveness , and developing Halal talent .
“ HDC aims for sustainable growth in Malaysia ’ s halal industry , focusing on increasing the industry ’ s contribution to the national economy ( GDP ) while ensuring environmental and social sustainability .
“ This includes expanding the halal market domestically and internationally , fostering entrepreneurship , and creating employment opportunities .
“ HDC also recognises the importance of innovation and technology adoption in driving the growth and competitiveness of the halal industry .
“ HDC aims to promote research and development activities , encourage the adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as loT , big data , Blockchain and IR 4.0 in halal production processes , and foster innovation in halal products and services .
“ HDC is committed to enhancing Malaysia ’ s global competitiveness in the halal industry . This involves strengthening the country ’ s position as a leading halal hub by improving infrastructure , streamlining regulatory processes , and enhancing the quality and credibility of Malaysia ’ s halal certification system .
“ HDC also aims to promote Malaysia as a halal innovation and excellence centre , attracting investment and talent .
“ Finally , HDC recognises the importance of halal talent development in driving the growth and sustainability of Malaysia ’ s halal industry .
“ HDC aims to devote to skills development , education , and training programs to build a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of the halal industry .
“ This includes supporting entrepreneurship and fostering a culture of innovation within the halal sector .”
COLLABORATIONS AND INITIATIVES
Strategic collaborations and innovative initiatives aim to promote Malaysia as a leader in the halal economy , foster international partnerships , and enhance industry competitiveness .
Azwan highlighted HDC ’ s collaborations with various international organisations , governments , and industry players to strengthen halal trade and investment ties .
Partnerships with countries like Indonesia , Vietnam , Cambodia , Japan , China , Korea , Saudi Arabia , Turkey , and the EU underscore Malaysia ’ s commitment to global halal industry leadership .
Recent collaborations in Osaka , Japan , demonstrate HDC ’ s commitment to supporting the global expansion of halal practices and expertise , further solidifying Malaysia ’ s position as a leader in the halal industry .
Looking ahead , Azwan outlined HDC ’ s ongoing projects aligned with the HIMP 2030 , each designed to propel Malaysia towards halal industry excellence : Majlis Pembangunan Industri Halal ( MPIH ) - Enhancing halal industry-friendly policies and legislation to support growth and innovation . Malaysia Global Halal Showcase - Creating new market opportunities for Malaysian Halal products and services through global exhibitions . Training Courses for Certified Halal Executive and Auditing Programme - Building a skilled workforce of Halal experts to meet global demand . New HALMAS - Investing in quality infrastructure to improve competitiveness and efficiency in the Halal industry .
World Halal Business Conference - Facilitating thought leadership and dialogue among industry stakeholders to shape the future of the Halal economy . Halal Sourcing Partnership Programme - Supporting the growth of Halal businesses ,

Blueprint for emulation

MALAYSIA ’ S halal industry is primed for unprecedented growth and international prominence . Therefore , Malaysia ’ s aspirations to become a global Islamic finance hub have come to the forefront , said Halal Development Corporation ( HDC ) Chairman Khairul Azwan Harun .
Azwan , who assumed his role in May 2023 , highlights the government ’ s steadfast commitment to nurturing the halal industry .
“ Over the past decade , Malaysia has consistently secured the top spot in halal F & B , Islamic finance , and recreational and media sectors , according to Dinar Standards ’ s State of the Global Islamic Economy Report .
“ This achievement underscores Malaysia ’ s stature as a global leader in halal standards and practices .”
With over 40 years of dedication to establishing gold standards in Halal , Malaysia has become a beacon for other halal markets worldwide .
The ecosystem serves as a blueprint for emulation , propelling Malaysia towards achieving Toyyib status — a testament to its unwavering commitment to quality and integrity in the halal industry .
HDC ’ s strategic roadmap , the Halal Industry Master Plan ( HIMP ) 2030 , is a blueprint for Malaysia ’ s journey towards becoming a prominent global halal hub . Projections indicate that the halal industry ’ s contribution to Malaysia ’ s GDP will surpass 10.8 per cent , with the potential for even greater expansion . The anticipated US $ 5 trillion global halal market by 2030 presents a significant opportunity for Malaysia to capitalise on , with only 20 per cent of the market currently being tapped .
Azwan expressed confidence that with the proper execution and spirit , Malaysia will meet and exceed these targets .
Azwan emphasizes the importance of collaboration and innovation in meeting the growing demand for halal products worldwide .
Khairul Azwan Harun particularly among Bumiputera entrepreneurs , through strategic partnerships .
These initiatives align with the strategic objectives of HIMP 2030 , driving Malaysia ’ s Halal economy towards global prominence and fostering sustainable growth .
Markets in North America , China , Japan , Korea , and the Middle East are increasingly turning to Malaysia for halal-certified goods and services . The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia ’ s ( JAKIM ) halal certification is recognised globally , making it a preferred choice for multinational corporations seeking to penetrate diverse markets .
FOSTERING COLLABORATIVE ECOSYSTEM
HDC ’ s role extends beyond mere facilitation ; it actively fosters an inviting ecosystem to attract multinational corporations to Malaysia .
By positioning Malaysia as an export hub for finished halal products , the nation can significantly boost its exports and achieve its ambitious targets by 2030 .
Moreover , this initiative is not just about economic growth but also about creating high-income employment opportunities , particularly for the younger generation , thus driving socio-economic development .
With a robust infrastructure , commitment to excellence , and strategic initiatives like HIMP 2030 , Malaysia is on track to realise its vision of becoming the foremost global halal hub , driving economic prosperity for the nation and its people . –