Brunei Halal Product Academy In
Pipeline
By Fadhil Yunus
Bandar Seri Begawan - To provide a clear and reliable definition on consumer and food products considered 'Halal' in the market today, Brunei is mulling to set up a Halal Product Academy, which will be the first of its kind facilitating Syariah scholars and specialists in Halal science and research.
| Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources to handle the upcoming IHMC. |
According to Dr Haji AbdulHamid, the setting up of the Halal Product Academy will be discussed in depth on the second day of the conference.
The conference will feature high-level speakers and experts from various countries and established companies in the Halal industry.
In an interview yesterday, Dr Haji AbdulHamid said that Brunei should uptake, identify and apply the resources available in the Halal economy.
He acknowledged that while oil and gas remain the backbone of the country's economy, the Sultanate is also keen to diversify and is looking at finding a route through the Halal market.
One of the main missions of the event—the International Halal Products Expo — is to increase awareness of the Halal market and economy while at the same time expand and diversify the growth of the nation's economy away from the dependence on oil and gas.
He highlighted several government initiatives in this field including ecotourism, Islamic finance and the Halal industry.
"Brunei should realise its ability and convert opportunities in the market as its niche role in standard certification and development of human resources," he said.
He also said that leadership is not by size but by how much positivism the country will bring forward to the market.
"In five years' time, we will hope Brunei to be a centre of excellence in Brunei Halal Brand, standard certification, scientific research and IT applications," he added.
"As a Malay Islamic monarchy, it suits the country to improve its Halal economy sector and make it an identity for its people.
"The food industry is now high-tech with its application of science and technology. These days, the manufacturing of food is based on a very industrialised procedure," he said.
Overall, the topics during the conference will cover market analysis, manufacturing and distribution challenges, brand development, Halal park clusters, online applications for Halal, Halal tourism and hospitality, Halal science and the pharmaceutical industry, and the development of ICT in the Halal sector.
Imarat Consultants specialises on the content, research, analysis and logistics of the Halal market, which also include the development of the Halal product process.