Continuing our exclusive interview with Roziatul Akmam Osman, halal industry strategist and honorary strategic advisor to the Malaysia International Halal Research and Education Conference 2025 (MIHREC 2025)

Your focus has evolved from pioneering to strategy. What is the core of your ‘halal built-in’ philosophy?
‘Halal built-in’ represents the natural evolution of our initial struggles. It’s a top-down strategy that transforms halal from a compliance checklist to an enterprise-wide culture of integrity, shifting from boardrooms to marketplaces.

It cultivates a reputation that’s authentically earned and unshakeable. 

How have you expanded your leadership focus beyond halal pharmaceuticals?
Building on lessons learned from spearheading halal pharmaceuticals, I now emphasise strategic halal leadership across governance and marketing, embedding integrity throughout the enterprise. This transition from compliance to strategic value creation is vital for the resilience of the halal industry.

One of the biggest global challenges is fragmented standards. How do we solve this?
A pivotal yet currently under-discussed milestone is the formal alignment of SMIIC with the WTO’s Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) framework in 2023. 

This establishes a legitimate basis for dispute resolution and mutual recognition, transforming halal from a perceived religious barrier into an internationally recognised technical and quality standard — crucial for removing trade obstacles.  

How does this SMIIC-WTO alignment tie in with your ‘halal built-in’ concept?
They are interconnected — halal built-in’ ensures enterprise-level integrity, while the SMIIC-WTO framework provides global governance for trusted certifications.

Neither succeeds alone — this is the ultimate ‘convergence of minds’, aligning Shariah, science, technology, and Muamalat with international policy.

Why is the alignment pivotal?
It establishes a standardised, reliable, and trustworthy global framework that encourages mutual recognition, thereby reducing trade barriers.

This achievement, shaped by Malaysia’s 50-year halal journey, motivates OIC member countries to adopt or adapt OIC/SMIIC internationally recognised halal standards as their national standards to facilitate easier market access and foster increased global trust and confidence.

How has Malaysia pioneered halal certification for global impact?
International engagement is crucial. Malaysia has been an active ISO member since 1969 and was listed on the WTO ISO Standards Information Gateway in 1995. This foundation has allowed us to pioneer the world’s first ISO-level halal standards, starting with MS 1500 in 2000. 

The Department of Standards Malaysia (DSM) regularly updates all MS (Malaysian Standards) halal standards to ensure they meet ISO requirements.

Furthermore, JAKIM’s halal management division holds accreditation under ISO/IEC 17065 for conformity assessment, strengthening Malaysia’s position as a global leader in credible, transparent halal certification and resolving trade disputes by complying with WTO TBT requirements. 

Trade issues in Indonesia and Pakistan highlight challenges. How does Malaysia’s experience contrast?
Indonesia’s WTO DS484 dispute, initiated by Brazil, highlighted import restrictions partly linked to halal certification. Pakistan's WTO TBT concerns stem from objections by the US and EU pertinent to labelling and certification. 

Malaysia, in contrast, has a positive record of using ISO-aligned standards and proactive WTO notifications, which have helped resolve or prevent disputes - affirming its approach as a global model.

How integral is the 'convergence of minds’ in halal standards and leadership?
It’s fundamental in bringing together Shariah scholars, scientists, technologies, and Islamic business experts to co-develop balanced and practical halal standards. This collaboration ensures ‘halal built-in’ is both robust and broadly accepted.

What leadership priorities will define the halal industry’s future?
Developing specialised certification capabilities, leveraging transparency in technology such as blockchain, investing in halal R&D, and cultivating ‘learn-unlearn-relearn-co-learn’ cultures, which are rooted in shared Amanah and mutual respect.

Let your work be ‘Ibadah’ (worship). From that foundation, adopt the ‘halal built-in’ mindset. Involve halal experts during the product conception stage, not merely at the certification phase. Then, engage proactively in the harmonisation process.

Learn about SMIIC standards. Recognise that the WTO framework now works in your favour. This knowledge cultivates patience with the process, which in turn, fosters respect for different stakeholders and ultimately facilitates informed decision-making that benefits the entire value chain.

   
Ms Osman is the recipient of the 2024 Halal Malaysia Industry Lifetime Achievement Award, and will continue her role as MIHREC's honorary strategic advisor until the end of the year

 As Japan’s halal food sector enters a decisive stage, its growth is being fueled by growing demand from Muslim-majority countries and an anticipated influx of Muslim tourists for upcoming international events.
 
One major influence on the market is Indonesia’s halal product assurance law, which will soon require mandatory halal certification for all imported goods. 
 
“There are currently more than 1,000 halal-certified companies in Japan, primarily focused on exports,” says Hind Remon, chairperson of the Japan Halal Association (JHA). “While food remains a key category, demand is now expanding to include raw materials used in cosmetics, ahead of Indonesia’s planned implementation of the law for non-food items in October 2026.”
 
These materials now account for about 60–70% of Japan’s halal-certified exports, according to Remon.
 
Consumer-ready halal goods represent a smaller portion of the market, although exports of halal-certified Wagyu beef—especially to Malaysia and Indonesia—are on the rise.
 
“While exact certification numbers are difficult to obtain, Japanese export-oriented companies are increasingly seeking halal certification, especially in the food ingredient and cosmetics sectors,” says Shinya Yokoyama, co-founder of Food Diversity Inc., Japan’s leading halal food information provider.
 
Domestic demand remains low
 
At home, Japan’s halal market primarily serves the country's growing Muslim population and inbound Muslim tourists. According to Kyodo News, Japan’s Muslim population grew from 110,000 in 2010 to 350,000 at the start of 2024
 
In terms of inbound tourism, Malaysia and Indonesia constitute a combined 2.8% of Japan’s total inbound arrivals in 2024, with 506,883 and 517,651 visitors, respectively. Meanwhile, travelers from the Middle East represented just 0.5%, or roughly 166,259 visitors.
 
According to Yokoyama, knowledge of halal remains limited among local consumers, with most choosing restaurants based on taste rather than halal authenticity. 
 
Proliferation of halal dining hubs and initiatives
 
Over the past decade, halal-friendly restaurants have sprung up across Japan, though they remain heavily concentrated in large cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
 
Tokyo, in particular, has become a hotspot for halal dining—especially the Ueno district, known for its popular halal yakiniku (Japanese-style BBQ) restaurants.
 
Beyond urban centers, Hitoyoshi City in Kumamoto Prefecture has emerged as a halal destination. There, the hot spring inn Ayunosato has gained popularity among Muslim tourists for serving what Yokoyama describes as "the freshest halal beef in Japan,” while Ryokan Ayu no Sato, a riverside inn, has been offering halal-certified meals since 2019.
 
Another success story is Malaysian food services provider Brahim, which partnered with Japanese retailer Muji in 2020 to sell halal-certified ready meals across more than 400 outlets. Brahim has since opened four food outlets in Japan, the most recent launching in April 2025.
 
The Aichi Prefecture opportunity
 
With Aichi Prefecture and its capital, Nagoya set to co-host the 2026 Asian Games from September 19 to October 4, preparations are underway to welcome a surge of Muslim visitors.
 
However, the region still has only about 30 halal restaurants—woefully short of what’s needed to accommodate an estimated 15,000 athletes and staff, plus 1.5 million visitors. In comparison, Tokyo has 298 halal restaurants, according to Halal Gourmet Japan.
 
Certification remains a stumbling block
 
Despite the sector’s potential, growth continues to be hampered by the complexity of Japan’s halal certification system and lingering doubts about its credibility.
 
Many restaurant operators are unfamiliar with key halal practices, such as preventing cross-contamination and sourcing certified ingredients.  
The total number of halal certifiers in Japan remains unclear, and many do not publicly disclose the number of certificates they issue.

Compounding the issue is the role that some local mosques have taken in offering halal certification—often through informal procedures. “For example, some mosques can provide a halal certificate in just one day at a very low cost, whereas certification through JHA involves a lengthy process and detailed documentation,” Remon notes.

 
There are exceptions, such as Malaysia’s JAKIM, which does publish such data, often covering food ingredient or cosmetic raw material manufacturers targeting export markets. “The rise in overseas Japanese restaurants [in Muslim-majority countries] may be contributing to this trend,” says Yokoyama.
 
A vision for the future
 
According to Remon, JHA has been working to raise awareness of the halal industry’s potential within the government, and there are signs that this effort is gaining traction. 

However, there remains a critical need for solid data to accurately assess the size, scope, and opportunity within the halal sector.
 
“While we observe these trends through our daily activities, having accurate statistics is essential for broader understanding and informed policymaking,” she says.
 
She believes that there’s scope for Japan’s halal sector to grow,  particularly by leveraging the country’s strengths in food technology and high-quality agricultural products. However, for the industry to truly thrive, it must be developed as part of a comprehensive ecosystem involving researchers, marketers, government agencies, and other key stakeholders.
 
JHA’s long-term ambition goes beyond market development, envisioning a self-sustaining platform where halal certification serves as a generator of waqf. These funds could help finance Islamic schools, scholarships for future Japanese Imams and scholars, halal slaughterhouses, supermarkets, and other essential services.
 
“The goal is to build a self-sustaining ecosystem where Muslims in Japan can live with peace of mind and dignity,” Remon says.  

*This article was later edited for clarity.

In an increasingly fractured global landscape, where conflict, climate change, and chronic illness are reshaping the way we live, one question has become impossible to ignore: What does it mean to eat well in the 21st century? For the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA), the answer is clear: halal is not simply about dietary restriction but about dignity, discipline, sustainability, and shared humanity.

These ethos and vision were front and centre at IFANCA's 22nd International Halal Food Conference, held from April 14–15, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago. Under the theme "Navigating change together: Connecting the global halal community," the gathering brought together scholars, regulators, scientists, and industry leaders from over ten countries. What unfolded was more than a technical exchange about certification standards; it was a call to reimagine the global food economy through an ethical lens grounded in faith, justice, and cooperation.

Summing up about the importance of the conference, Dr. Muhammad Munir Chaudry, President and CEO of IFANCA, noted, “This conference is not just a platform for dialogue but a collaborative engine to shape the future of the Halal industry. Our mission at IFANCA is to ensure Halal integrity while fostering global cooperation.”
 

 From shared plates to shared purpose
 One of the most stirring moments of the conference   came during Shaykh Hamza Yusuf's keynote address,     which wove together prophetic teachings, personal   reflection, and global challenges. He began with a   reminder from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon   him) that encapsulated the theme of sharing: "The most   beloved dish to God is the one with the most hands in it"   (Sunan ibn Majah 3272). The act of eating, said Shaykh   Hamza, has always been a communal ritual in Islamic   culture that fosters mindfulness, humility, and presence.

 In modern life, however, food has lost much of its   meaning. With business lunches replacing shared   meals and eating on the go, in isolation or haste,   becoming the accepted norm, he said, humans faced a   growing disconnect between our consumption habits   and our spiritual, physical, and ecological well-being.   But it wasn't anything that couldn't be reversed simply   by holding onto our traditional Muslim practices. 

 From communal eating, the talk shifted naturally to the   ethics of consumption. Shaykh Hamza pointed to the   Qur'anic injunction, "Eat and drink, but not to excess" (Qur’an 7:31), as a timeless guide in an age of rampant overconsumption and chronic disease.

Citing the rise in obesity, diabetes, and inflammation-related illnesses, he emphasized that the crisis isn't simply about what we eat but how much and how mindlessly we consume. He praised Islamic practices like voluntary fasting, which were long recognized for promoting self-discipline and are now gaining traction in secular health circles through concepts like intermittent fasting.

"We know how much food the average person needs," he said. "But we lack self-restraint. That's a spiritual crisis, not just a dietary one."

The global halal economy: Ethical and expanding
That ethical framing echoed throughout the two-day conference. With delegates from Indonesia's BPJPH, Malaysia's JAKIM, Saudi Arabia's SFDA, Turkey's SMIIC, the UAE's Emirates International Accreditation Center (EIAC), Singapore's Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS), Thailand’s CICOT, and others in attendance, the agenda covered everything from global standardization and laboratory testing to market development and food innovation. Speakers stressed the importance of science-based certification and global regulatory alignment to protect the integrity of halal systems in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Keynote speaker Rafi-uddin Shikoh, CEO of DinarStandard, drove home the economic case: the halal market, representing 2 billion consumers and nearly 20% of global spending, is no longer niche. "If you haven't considered producing for these markets," he said, "then a large opportunity is missed." But more than numbers, Shikoh spoke of a broader shift, one where the halal ethical economy contributes to a new, multipolar world order grounded in values like transparency, sustainability, animal welfare, and fair trade.

Laura LaCourse, representing one of the clients, highlighted the importance of the gathering: “We truly value the partnership with IFANCA. We need these programs. It is hard to bring everyone from industry, dignitaries from all around the world, and the real community together—bringing this group together is important.”

The conference's Banquet & Awards Night on April 13, 2025, served as both a celebration and a symbol of this growing momentum. Honorees included Kerry (Company of the Year), Abbott (Nutritional Ingredients), McCormick (Flavors), Darigold (Dairy), and McCain (Retail Products), all recognized for their leadership in halal-certified innovation. The event, held in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency, showcased not just the diversity of the halal food sector but the shared values that drive it.

Food, faith, and the fragile future
Shaykh Hamza's closing reflections circled back to food not just as fuel or commerce but as a symbol of what binds and breaks us as a species. He warned of the environmental costs of our current path: polluted soil, acidic oceans, and dying bees, creatures so vital to food systems that their collapse threatens global agriculture. "There's a chapter in the Qur'an called 'The Bees,'" he said. "That's not accidental. They are essential, and we are failing them."

He called for scientific focus to shift from warfare to food systems, for soil to be seen as sacred, and for the Earth to be treated not as a commodity, but as a trust from God. 

A movement rooted in meaning
As halal continues to mainstream global trade and public policy, IFANCA's role has never been more critical. With decades of experience and credibility across 70+ countries, the organization has become a linchpin for halal compliance in food and pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and institutional food systems. Whether it's guiding public school districts like Chicago's or advancing food justice through programs like the Faith by Plate Act in Illinois, where IFANCA supported the Muslim Civic Coalition in moving the legislation forward, IFANCA is setting the gold standard for faith-based inclusion. 

“We are deeply committed to advancing food security and equitable access for children, schools, and underserved communities,” says Asma Ahad, Director of Halal Market Development at IFANCA. “Proper nutrition is what enables our future generations to thrive.”

At a time when food insecurity, environmental degradation, and social fragmentation dominate the headlines, the halal framework offers a refreshing, holistic approach. It isn't just about what's on your plate; it's about who you share it with, how it got there, and how you treat the Earth that produced it.

In the end, it was Shaykh Hamza who put it best: "Whoever wakes up healthy, safe, and with enough food for the day, it is as if they own the whole world."
 

This article is produced and sponsored by IFANCA.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly emerging as a transformative force within the Islamic economy, driving innovation across sectors from finance and food to tourism and education. 

By enhancing Shariah compliance, improving accessibility, and enabling personalized services, the technology is reshaping how the Islamic economy operates, while preserving its ethical foundations.

More broadly, the technology’s potential economic impact is substantial - AI could contribute up to $320 billion to the Middle East's economy by 2030, according to PwC.  

“The synergy between AI and the Islamic economy is immense,” says Badr Saidi, quality manager and technical auditor at Halal Consulting S.L., a Spain-based halal certification body.  

“By leveraging AI in areas like Shariah compliance, ethical finance, halal supply chains, smart cities, tourism, and education, we can drive sustainable growth while staying true to Islamic ethical principles.”

To succeed, Saidi emphasizes the need for collaboration between AI developers, Islamic scholars, and industry leaders to ensure technological advances align with religious values.

Transforming Islamic finance

AI’s most visible impact is unfolding in Islamic finance, where it is streamlining compliance processes, improving fraud detection, and fostering financial inclusion.

“With AI, Islamic banks and financial companies can better understand their customers - how they invest, what they need, and even their risk tolerance,” says Sara Husain Hammad, innovation and technology project manager at Bahrain-based General Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions (CIBAFI). 

“This helps create personalized financial products that comply with Islamic guidelines while still being innovative,” she says.

AI-powered tools are already transforming traditional processes. According to Saidi, machine learning algorithms are now automating the verification of financial transactions to ensure they adhere to Shariah law, avoiding elements such as Riba (interest), Gharar (excessive uncertainty), and prohibited investments.

He adds that AI-driven robo-advisors are also curating tailored halal investment portfolios, while predictive analytics are optimizing Sukuk (Islamic bonds) issuance and improving fraud detection in Takaful (Islamic insurance).

Banks across the Muslim world are already deploying AI. Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) is using AI tools to assess the Shariah compliance of companies and financial instruments. Bahrain Islamic Bank has launched a digital platform offering access to more than 1,800 Shariah rulings to help simplify complex regulations and encourage industry collaboration. 

Outside of the GCC, Bank Muamalat Malaysia has partnered with Google Cloud to to deploy generative AI and advanced data analytics to help it evolve into a fully digital Islamic institution. Egypt’s Faisal Islamic Bank has embraced AI to modernize and expand its services.

AI is also helping extend financial services to underserved communities. By analyzing alternative data - such as mobile payment history and social behaviour - AI can help individuals with limited credit histories, including those in rural areas or small business owners, to qualify for financing. This supports Islamic finance’s mission of ethical and inclusive banking.

“Combined with Islamic finance’s focus on ethical and community-centered banking, AI can open doors for more people to access financial services in a way that respects their beliefs,” says CIBAFI ‘s Hammad.

Securing the halal supply chain

Beyond finance, AI is shoring up the halal economy by ensuring product traceability, authenticity, and safety. One of the biggest challenges in halal certification is verifying that ingredients and production processes comply with Islamic dietary laws. 

“AI can assist in several ways, including in ingredient label analysis. AI-powered Natural Language Processing (NLP) can scan product ingredient lists and detect potential non-halal components like gelatin, alcohol, or animal-based enzymes,” says Saidi.

AI-powered blockchain platforms now provide end-to-end tracking of halal products, from source to shelf, while computer vision systems monitor production lines for contamination, he adds. Image recognition tools are detecting fraudulent halal logos, and IoT sensors help safeguard halal-certified goods during transportation and storage.

AI is also playing a crucial role in laboratory testing. Advanced spectroscopy and chemical analysis, supported by AI, can identify traces of non-halal substances in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals with high accuracy. Meanwhile, AI-driven analytics are helping businesses forecast demand for halal products, ensuring better inventory management and reduced waste.

However, standardization remains a challenge. According to Saidi, differing certification criteria across countries make it difficult to create a universal AI model, and smaller enterprises may struggle with the costs of adopting these technologies.

Enhancing Muslim-friendly travel

The Muslim-friendly travel market is another area where AI is making strides. According to the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2023/24, AI is enabling personalized travel experiences and improving customer service with virtual assistants and predictive analytics.

“Platforms can now generate customized itineraries for Muslim travelers, factoring in prayer times, halal food, nearby mosques, and Muslim-friendly accommodations,” says Saidi.

The Saudi Tourism Authority is pioneering AI-powered services, having recently launched "Sara," a virtual tour guide offering real-time travel advice. The authority has also partnered with Visa to create a Tourism Data Lab to analyze visitor behaviour and spending trends.

Facilitating Islamic education

AI’s role in Islamic education is growing rapidly. NLP models can help scholars and students in deepening their understanding of Quranic and Hadith texts, while AI-based edtech solutions can offer personalized Islamic education and smart learning platforms for different age groups, according to Saidi.

Innovators are developing AI-powered Islamic chatbots, voice assistants, and digital Da’wah tools to facilitate knowledge sharing.

Startups are already making an impact. Pakistan’s Xeven Solutions recently launched Shahada GPT, offering Quranic translations, Hadith explanations, and halal guidance. Similarly, India-based QuranGPT answers religious queries. 

“The primary motivation behind developing QuranGPT was to bridge the gap between religion and modern individuals,” says Raihan Khan, an AI applications engineer and creator of QuranGPT. 

“Nowadays, people don’t want to spend hours flipping through books to find an answer or determine if something aligns with the teachings of the Holy Quran. QuranGPT simplifies this process by providing instant responses in natural language.”

However, combining AI with religious guidance carries significant risks. Without human oversight, AI can easily misinterpret Islamic teachings, spread misinformation, and inadvertently cause harm.

“While AI has the potential to enhance various aspects of the Islamic economy, its intersection with religion must be approached with extreme caution,” Khan warns.

“The biggest concerns lie in the inherent biases of AI models, the risk of misinformation, and the challenge of ensuring religious authenticity. Without strict monitoring, AI could do more harm than good in this space,” he adds.

Limited adoption

Despite AI's promise, adoption in the Islamic economy remains in its early stages. Most Islamic tech startups have yet to fully embrace AI, focusing instead on basic automation rather than sophisticated, AI-driven innovation.

“As of now, AI’s role in fostering innovation in the Islamic economy - particularly in tech startups or digital finance - is minimal,” says Khan. “While AI has the potential to enhance areas like Islamic banking, halal certification, and ethical investment screening, most Islamic tech startups have yet to fully explore or implement AI-driven solutions.”

There was a palpable silence at the end of a premier screening of the documentary ‘Before 1770’ held late last year, punctuated only by distant sobs and the ruffling of tissue packets emanating from the audience of largely Muslim Australians.  

The reason why the feature documentary - showcased in multiple screenings across the country - evoked such an impassioned response was because it represented the connection Australia and its First Nations people held with the Muslim world.  

This deep connection, starting sometime in the mid-1600s, lasted for centuries until 1907 when the last ‘Perahu’ (sailing boat) from Makassar visited Arnhem land in Northern Australia. 

The reason why it resonated strongly with Muslim Australians, was because it was an untold story omitted from Australian history books; a tale intricately linking them with Australia’s First Nations people and their legacy. 

Before White colonisation, Muslim Bugis and Makassar traders would sail with the monsoon winds via the Flores and Savu seas, arriving on the shores of Northern Australia in places like the Kimberley and Arnhem Land to meet First Nations trading partners like the Yolŋu people.  

They would trade in trepang, a type of sea cucumber which was a delicacy and an aphrodisiac they would sell to lucrative Chinese markets. While their motivations for visiting Australia might have been for trepang, this was all part of wider regional trade patterns which connected Arab, Indian and Chinese markets via the Malay Archipelago.

These same Bugis seafaring traders would find themselves immersed in mercantile activity in historic port cities dotted across the Indian ocean like Aden, Muscat, and even as far as Zanzibar.  

Australia for them, was just part of an ancient maritime silk road that swapped out camels for Perahu sailing boats that covered vast distances with monsoonal winds. 

Fast forward a hundred years or so with the rise of the modern global Islamic economy, the vibrant Australian Muslim community like the Bugis before them, are rekindling historic linkages with the Muslim world through trade, halal food and Islamic finance.  

Australia is a melting point of a vibrant and dynamic Muslim population base comprising more than 70 different ethnicities. Nearly a million Muslims - more than half under the age of 25 -reside in growth areas in all the major cities and help create robust networks for business and investment opportunities.  

Halal food is now an AU$2 billion industry that helps serve the local Muslim community as well as major export markets such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Over 70% of Australian abattoirs are now reported to be halal certified.  

Muslim students from around the world are fostering long-lasting linkages with Australia. More than 30,000 students from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan and over 15,000 from the GCC are enrolled across universities and higher education institutes in the country. The Brunei government sends hundreds of students on scholarships to Australian universities each year. 

Education services with Muslim-majority countries amount to nearly AU$4 billion annually, generating revenue as well as creating investment opportunities across several quarters, including student accommodation, migration and employment, and halal food services. 

Lastly, Islamic finance is perhaps an untapped gold mine for Australia, having remained under the radar of Islamic investors worldwide for decades. For enterprising investors, Australia emerges as an unexpected yet compelling destination for Islamic investment. 

For select Islamic investors, Australia is not a distant continent, rather a destination that is geo-strategically situated on the fringes of vibrant Southeast Asian economies and one that offers a unique combination of a well-regulated market alongside growth opportunities for Islamic-conscious capital. 

The recently signed Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement is the first Free Trade Agreement between Australia and a Middle Eastern country, facilitating investments in local projects. Shariah-compliant real estate investment has gained ground too, with institutions such as the National Australia Bank (NAB) offering Islamic products, enabling Muslims to finance their projects.

This unique offering has facilitated numerous partnerships between Islamic investors from the GCC and Southeast Asia and the vibrant and entrepreneurial Muslim business community in Australia. 

Shariah-compliant fixed-income solutions is another area of opportunity with Australia one of the rare AAA rated countries in the world according to Moody's, S&P and Fitch. There is a slew of ASX100 companies that are investment grade and above, offering a huge opportunity for Islamic fixed-income products or Sukuk bonds. 

With ongoing tariffs and geopolitical realities, perhaps Australia is not as far away as one might believe. With its growing young and dynamic Muslim community, Australia offers a combination of economic stability, diverse investment sectors, and financial governance. Throw delicious halal food in the mix and we have a sweet spot of opportunities. 

Perhaps now is the time for Islamic investors to set their sails Down Under. 
 
Dr Imran Lum is the head of Islamic finance at a major Australian bank. He is the host of the ‘Muslim Money’ Podcast and the author of 'A Comparative Study of Riba and Islamic finance in Australia and the UK (Routledge)'.

The opinions shared here are his own and do not reflect the views of his employer