TVET Players Urged To Support Halal Industry Ecosystem, Talents

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged Technical and Vocational Education and Training  (TVET) industry players to contribute and create an ecosystem that supports TVET graduates and experts in the halal industry.

Ahmad Zahid said with more talents and experts in the halal sector, it will further reinforce Malaysia’s role as a global leader in the industry that is currently valued at over US$ 3 trillion in the global market. 

“I encourage TVET industry players, particularly in food and ingredients, to contribute and create an ecosystem that supports TVET graduates in halal industry.

“This includes developing skilled halal auditors with the technical expertise needed to ensure the authenticity and integrity of halal practices,” he said in his opening remarks at the World Halal Business Conference (WHBC) 2024, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), here today.

Ahmad Zahid said it is crucial to include TVET talents in the halal industry which also in line with government efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s position as the world’s Halal Centre of Excellence (CoE) as well as the preparation to be the global halal hub.

The launch of the 2024 WHBC was also attended by the Chairman of the Halal Development Cooperation, Khairul Azwan Harun. The one-day conference gathered more than 500 participants, including government officials, business leaders, academic experts, and global players in the halal industry.

Elaborating on his call for TVET industry players to create an ecosystem that supports graduates in the halal industry, Ahmad Zahid said such support will further strengthen the expertise and talent of institutions of higher learning (IPT) and TVET colleges offering courses related to the halal industry.

He said the creation of an ecosystem chain of IPT and halal industry players is also seen to help the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim) which needs officers and staff to manage and smoothen the halal certification process.

“It is good when those who graduated in halal studies know the ins and outs of halal certification process and this can be used as a source of Jakim’s internal and external expertise to speed up the process of issuing halal certification,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid, who is also UMNO president, refused to comment further on the recently concluded PAS Muktamar, which was allegedly used by PAS leaders to spread lies and badmouth their political opponents.

“If they want to commit sins, let them be,” he responded briefly.

Meanwhile, in his Facebook post, the deputy prime minister said, earlier today, he also spent some time checking out the booths mounted by various states, ministries and Bumiputera companies showcasing local halal products with high potential to penetrate the global market at the 20th edition of Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) at MITEC.

He said was also proud to see his ministry, the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development’s (KKDW) booth themed Gate to Global@KKDW showcasing the products of 20 halal entrepreneurs born from various programmes organised by KKDW, Mara and RISDA.

“The showcase has inadvertently opened our eyes to the vast potential of the halal industry in Malaysia, not only in terms of products but also the advanced technology used in the production of halal food. This clearly proves that the halal industry is growing rapidly, in line with the latest technological innovations.

“This is a very proud development because it shows the ability of our local entrepreneurs to compete in the global arena,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid also expressed hope that MIHAS would be the platform that opens up greater opportunities for local entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and further strengthen Malaysia's position as a leader in the world's halal industry.

-- BERNAMA