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November-December. 2025 | @ Halal
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Figure 3: A meaningful partnership begins— INHART and Iranun Development Council Sign MoU to empower the Iranun community through halalan toyyiban initiatives.
Day 2: Halal Seminar On the second day, INHART proudly conducted a short halal seminar, actively engaging participants from the local community. Guided by the inspiring theme, " Transforming the Narrative: From War Zone to Economic Zone," the seminar highlighted the immense potential of the halal industry to drive development and sustainable economic empowerment in the Bangsamoro region.
INHART was honoured to contribute to this impactful initiative by sharing knowledge and best practices for building a Halalan Toyyiban ecosystem that promotes prosperity, inclusivity, and resilience.
and moral development. The session began with Prof. Yumi Zuhanis Has-Yun Hashim, who delivered an isightful overview of the halal ecosystem, outlining its components, governance structure, and the interconnected roles of government agencies, industry players, and certification bodies.
She also discussed the current landscape of the halal industry in Malaysia and globally, emphasising emerging trends, market opportunities, and the growing demand for halal products and services.
Figure 5: The Halal Seminar received overwhelming support from industry players, investors, key stakeholders, and community representatives.
This was followed by Dr Wan Syibrah Hanisah, who conducted a brief halal awareness training session covering the principles of halal and haram, with particular emphasis on identifying and assessing halal raw materials and ingredients for halal products.
The programme concluded with Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Hafidz Mahamad Maifiah, who explained Malaysia ' s halal certification framework under JAKIM, including processes and key requirements.
The " WOW " in the project, stand for " Woman of War ", sybolising resilience, determination, and community agency in this transformative moment. development but also actively learned how to implement halal practices, making the knowledge shared immediately relevant to their own businesses and community initiatives.
EXPERIENCE FROM THE VISIT
The visit has offered valuable insights into the cultural and community landscape, revealing significant potential to develop their own halal industry ecosystem in the region.
Overall, the groundbreaking ceremony symbolised the community ' s commitment to advancing progress, while the training session showcased their eagerness and readiness to strengthen their competency in halal practices, paving the way for them to market their products more widely.
The concept of " WOW " or " Woman of War " reflects resilience, strength, and determination. It symbolises the community ' s transformative journey— from overcoming historical challenges to embracing new opportunities for growth and development. Beyond its bold name, the tagline captures the spirit of empowerment, highlighting the role of the community, particularly women, as agents of change in driving social, economic, and cultural progress.
THE WOW MOMENTUM
The WOW Matanog Special Economic Zone – Bangsamoro Halal Park represents a practical step toward economic development and community empowerment in the Bangsamoro region. The initiative, in partnership with local government, investors, and INHART, provides a platform for knowledge transfer, skills development, and infrastructure growth, supporting the gradual development of the local halal industry.
The significance of the programme lies in these concrete actions rather than in ceremonial or symbolic terms. Matanog is not only hosting events but beginning to participate actively in shaping its own economic future.
Through visible engagement, learning opportunities, and collaborative agreements, the community is taking real steps from its past challenges toward a more sustainable and inclusive economic landscape— and this is the essence of the WOW factor.-
Figure 4( a): The Halal Seminar gathered a diverse group of participants, including industry players, investors, key stakeholders, and community representatives. Figure 4( b): Mayor Zohria Bansil Guro addresses the delegates.
Figure 6: Empowering participants with comprehensive knowledge, INHART delivered multiple key topics on the halal industry ecosystem.
In the welcoming address, Vice-Mayor Sanaira Ibay Ali-Imam highlighted the important role of the halal industry as a driving force for both economic growth
Transitioning smoothly from Day 1 to Day 2, the seminar built upon the momentum of the groundbreaking ceremony. Participants not only witnessed
Figure 7: A serene landscape showcasing the richness of natural resources and untapped potential.