As global demand expands and the halal economy becomes more sophisticated, Malaysia has an opportunity to build an ecosystem that does more than adapt to change. It can help shape that change— creating home-grown solutions, intellectual property and expertise for global markets.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi believes digitalisation, stronger research-to-market pathways and specialised talent will be critical to taking Malaysian halal leadership to the next level.

DIGITAL TRUST Technology is set to transform how trust is built across the halal ecosystem.

Zahid identified digitalisation, artificial intelligence and blockchain as tools that could make processes more transparent, efficient and traceable— from certification to the movement of ingredients and finished products.

POWERING DIGITAL TRUST: Technology opens new possibilities for the halal industry.

Digital platforms can support certification applications, document verification and audit management, while AI can assist with risk assessment, document screening and anomaly detection.

Blockchain and other secure technologies, meanwhile, could strengthen the integrity of supply-chain records.

“ Technology can strengthen confidence by improving transparency, speed and traceability throughout the halal value chain,” he said.

But technology should support, not replace, human responsibility.

Shariah judgement and regulatory oversight remain essential, while digital systems must be secure, interoperable and accessible to smaller businesses if their benefits are to extend across the industry.

FROM LAB TO MARKET Zahid’ s vision goes beyond digitalisation.

He wants Malaysia to close the gap between halal research and commercial success by turning knowledge generated in universities and research institutions into products, technologies and services that reach the market.

Research should increasingly address real industry needs, including alternative ingredients, product authentication, rapid testing, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, sustainable materials and digital traceability.

Stronger links between researchers, manufacturers, investors and market-development agencies could help promising ideas move from the laboratory to commercialisation.

“ Our goal must be to build a halal innovation pipeline that creates Malaysian-owned technology, brands and global solutions,” Zahid said.

For that to happen, support must extend beyond research funding.

Promising innovations need assistance with prototyping, regulatory approval, certification, scale-up and commercialisation. Protecting intellectual property and connecting researchers with companies that can take their innovations to market will be equally

PUSHING HALAL PROGRESS: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi pictured giving a speech at the 5th Summit H20 opening ceremony.

important.

The real measure of research success should ultimately be what it creates— commercially viable products, technologies, intellectual property, and businesses.

BUILDING THE TALENT Technology and innovation, however, require people who can turn ideas into reality.

The halal industry of the future will need specialists across Shariah and halal auditing, food technology, chemistry, pharmacy, engineering, data, logistics and international trade.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training( TVET) can play an important role in building that workforce.

Training in halal manufacturing, food processing, laboratory services, quality assurance, logistics, hospitality and equipment maintenance can equip workers with practical skills aligned with industry needs.

Closer collaboration between educational institutions and industry would also ensure graduates emerge with the capabilities employers require, not just qualifications.

Malaysia’ s ambition should therefore extend beyond growing its halal industry.

It should develop the technology that powers it, commercialise the ideas that transform it, and train the people capable of taking that expertise around the world.

The next phase of halal leadership will not be measured only by how many Malaysian products carry the halal logo, but by how much Malaysian technology, intellectual property and expertise sits behind them.