WHI 2025 Empowers Women In Halal Industry

KUALA LUMPUR,  Nov 11 (Bernama) -- Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) continues to empower women as key leaders in developing the country's halal ecosystem, through the implementation of the Women in Halal Industry (WHI) 2025 Grand Kick-Off Programme: Transformation of Women in the Halal Industry.

Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said the WHI initiative represents an ongoing collaboration between the government and private sector to ensure women continue to thrive as leaders, innovators and key contributors in the global halal industry, which is currently valued at more than USD3 trillion.

“The WHI programme is comprehensive, encompassing halal literacy, entrepreneurship, financing and certification. It reflects Malaysia’s commitment to building an inclusive, competitive and values-based halal ecosystem,” she said at the closing ceremony of the WHI Grand Kick-Off 2025 here today.

Noraini, also a WHI Leader, said the halal industry is no longer confined to the food and beverage sector but has expanded into various fields such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, Islamic finance, logistics, tourism and fashion, hence opening up wider opportunities for women’s participation.

She said the two-day programme, which began yesterday, offers holistic support to women entrepreneurs, including halal certification training, business mentorship, access to financing and markets, as well as leadership development and networking opportunities.

Since its launch last June, WHI has attracted more than 400 women entrepreneurs for its first series, with 153 participants selected, which is more than triple the initial target of 50.

“This encouraging response shows that Malaysian women are ready to explore new opportunities in the halal industry and possess the drive and capability to compete globally,” she added.

Themed  ‘Transformation of Women in the Halal Industry’, the programme also received strategic support from Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (KUSKOP), and the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA). These agencies provided additional assistance in the form of halal skills training, digital guidance and access to financing through HDC’s Halal Integrated Platform (HIP).

Meanwhile, HDC acting chairman Datuk Azhari Shaari said the programme aligns with Malaysia’s aspiration to become an inclusive, sustainable and competitive Global Halal Hub by 2030, with women serving as agents of social change who embody halal values, integrity and innovation across sectors.

“Women’s involvement in business is nothing new. I once met a young entrepreneur who began by selling sambal from her home kitchen and is now exporting ready-to-eat products to several neighbouring countries. This proves that when women are given opportunities and knowledge, they not only become self-reliant but also create opportunities for others,” he said.

Among the WHI participants was UniNoto Sdn Bhd owner Sharon Chen, who found the programme highly beneficial, especially in deepening her understanding of the halal concept and certification process.

“Many people misunderstand what halal means. It’s not just about being pork-free or alcohol-free. Halal also relates to cleanliness, integrity, and adherence to proper procedures in business operations,” she told Bernama.

Another participant, Dawisy Rizqi Maummy Empire owner Nirhayati Amran, said the programme helps entrepreneurs understand the process of obtaining halal certification to enhance business credibility and open doors to international markets.

“Through this programme, we’ve learned various important aspects, including how to apply for halal certification and prepare the necessary documentation correctly. This knowledge is crucial for me as I plan to expand my business globally,” she said.

--BERNAMA