JAKIM to gather global halal experts , certification bodies , and industry stakeholders in Global Halal Summit 2023
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Focus
@ Halal | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER . 2023
Uniting halal experts
JAKIM to gather global halal experts , certification bodies , and industry stakeholders in Global Halal Summit 2023
Dato ’ Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee
BY FATIHAH MANAF
IN Malaysia ’ s Islamic affairs management , the spotlight has continuously focused on the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia ( JAKIM ). Its vital role in administrating Islamic matters within the country has been evident over decades .
Starting as the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs ’ s ( MKI ) secretariat , JAKIM has become a key player within the Prime Minister ’ s Department . This shift highlights its essential role in shaping Malaysia ’ s Islamic landscape .
It helps fulfil the government ’ s responsibility towards the Muslim community following Article 31 of the Federal Constitution , which designates Islam as the religion of the federation .
Earlier this year , Prime Minister Dato ’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed his vision to expand the scope of JAKIM ’ s responsibilities .
Embracing this significant initiative ,
Deputy Director General ( Policy ) of JAKIM Dato ’ Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee extended his gratitude to the Prime Minister for this strategic direction .
“ Thank you to the Prime Minister for presenting the idea and expressing the unity government ’ s intention to expand the role of JAKIM . When people mention JAKIM , they often think of mosques , prayers , halal certificates , and specific matters related to Islamic affairs .
“ However , the Prime Minister ’ s desire to broaden JAKIM ’ s significance goes beyond just , for example , organising Quranic recitation events ; it encompasses the economic development and national planning where JAKIM is actively engaged in providing input ,” explained Sirajuddin .
Sirajuddin shared that Anwar would like to incorporate JAKIM ’ s insights into the 12th Malaysia Plan , infusing an Islamic perspective into the country ’ s development .
This move signifies a broader scope for JAKIM , encompassing more than just spiritual aspects . It indicates JAKIM ’ s contribution to economic planning and reflects an integration of Islam as a way of life .
GLOBAL HALAL SUMMIT 2023
In partnership with the Ministry of Investment , Trade and Industry ( MITI ), the
Datuk Hakimah Mohd Yusoff , Director General of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia ( JAKIM ), and Dr Hisham Al-Jadhei , Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority ( SFDA ), represented the Malaysian and Saudi Arabian governments , respectively in the signing ceremony of the memorandum of cooperation between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia , which signifies a collaboration on the mutual recognition of halal Certification for local products .
Department of Standards Malaysia ( JSM ), the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation ( MATRADE ), and the Halal Development Corporation ( HDC ), JAKIM is set to host the esteemed Global Halal Summit ( GHaS ) 2023 from Sept 9 to 15 , 2023 , in Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with Halal Week .
GHaS is a preeminent congregation of global halal experts , certification bodies , and industry stakeholders . This event offers attendees a unique opportunity to delve into the forefront of halal industry trends and advancements .
It is an exceptional platform for participants to foster halal exchanges , uncover best halal practices , and forge valuable connections . The event , which will take place at the prestigious Pullman KLCC Hotel & Residence , is a valuable opportunity to learn , connect , and network with experts in the halal industry .
“ Alhamdulillah , we initiated GHaS in 2019 . GHaS is a halal conference containing several previously held programmes scattered throughout the year - some in January , some in March , May , etc .
“ This has led our industry partners and clients abroad to question when they should visit Malaysia . Is it practical to fly to Malaysia every month ?
“ Consequently , as a result of this , JAKIM , together with MITI and MATRADE , along with JSM and HDC , convened and reached a consensus . We decided to align the dates with the Malaysia International Halal Showcase ( MIHAS ) and combine it with the Halal Certification Body ( CB ) Convention ,” said Sirajuddin .
As of June 26 , 2023 , JAKIM has recognised 84 foreign halal certification bodies ( FHCB ) from 47 countries . Aside from MIHAS and the CB Convention , he highlighted several other programmes to complement GHaS 2023 . These include the Halal Sector Forum and Halal Profession Seminar hosted by MITI .
“ The industry is also eager for an explanation of how they can penetrate the halal market . So , this is an opportunity when these foreign certification bodies are in Malaysia ; the industry can directly ask the authorities in those countries .
“ They can learn how to penetrate the market in those countries . MIHAS , on the other hand , will serve as a platform for halal players to promote their products .”
Sirajuddin anticipates that after two years of Covid-19 restrictions , halal players and consumers eagerly await the latest approaches within the halal industry .
Through GHaS and other components such as MIHAS , they will gain access to the most current information and unravel their queries regarding halal products and services .
MALAYSIA ’ S HALAL DEVELOPMENT Sirajuddin emphasised that right from the