Home / News

Featured News


All Other News
Halal Industry
Halal roundup: Malaysia’s halal certification goes digital

Here's a roundup of key developments across the halal industry ecosystem during the month of May

 

Editor's note: Digital is the new normal, with companies and entire industries thrive on the efficacy and ease of digitalization.

 

Malaysia is all keen to partake in the technological revolution, which has prompted the country to process all halal certification applications digitally.

 

Meanwhile, the UAE has launched a new strategy to double its Islamic bank assets in the next six years. 

 

Operational Developments


 

 

Malaysia

Malaysia’s halal certification becomes fully digital

All applications for Malaysian Halal Certification will be processed electronically starting May 5, as part of constant efforts to meet industry demand.

 

Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee, Director General of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim), announced that successful applicants will receive digital certificates through the MYeHALAL platform.

 

This move, part of a broader public sector digitalization drive, aims to streamline services and reduce delays. (The Edge)

 

Regulatory


 

Image Courtesy: South China Morning Post

 

Hong Kong

Hong Kong creates new certification to beckon Muslims 

Hong Kong is creating a halal-friendly environment with the introduction of a new certificationThe Hong Kong Federation of Hong Kong Industries and a leading Muslim group signed a memorandum of understanding to focus on halal-sanctioned products and services.

 

This agreement with the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong will lead to the establishment of a halal-related quality certification (Q mark).

 

Products and services with the Q mark will be certified by the fund. (SCMP)

 

 

Trade Developments


 

Image Courtesy: Government of Dubai - Media Office

 

Malaysia

Johor eyes halal goldmine with 2030 plan to attract global investors, create high-income jobs

Johor is set to launch its Halal Advancement Plan 2030 this year, aiming to become the first Malaysian state with a comprehensive halal economic development framework.

 

The plan focuses on enhancing the halal ecosystem by creating high-income jobs, producing globally competitive halal products, and supporting local entrepreneurs.

 

Key initiatives include registering 500 halal companies annually, accelerating certification, and providing incentives to expand market reach. (Malay Mail)

 

Malaysia

Penang becomes first state to establish council to strengthen halal industry

Penang has become the first Malaysian state to establish a development council, aimed at strengthening the halal industry.

 

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow emphasized that this move reflects the state's commitment to becoming a hub for the production, processing, and export of halal products to ASEAN and global markets.

 

Penang is also the only state conducting medical device audits under all nine Malaysian Halal Certification Schemes. (Sinar Daily)

 

UAE

UAE approves strategy for Islamic finance, halal industry

The UAE Cabinet has approved a national strategy for Islamic finance and the halal industry. 

 

The strategy focuses on developing the Islamic financial industry, leading global Islamic finance activities, and increasing the export of halal products worldwide. (Sinar Daily)

 

Indonesia / Vietnam

Indonesia eyes more partnership with Vietnam in halal-certified production, cosmetics

Indonesia is eager to collaborate with Vietnam in the halal industry, sharing its expertise in halal standards across sectors such as food processing, cosmetics, tourism, and halal financial services.

 

This was shared by Agustaviano Sofjan, Indonesia's consul general in Ho Chi Minh City, at a workshop on international cooperation in the halal industry.

 

He emphasized that the halal industry serves both the global Muslim community and international consumers seeking quality and safety, and that Indonesia is ready to support Vietnam in these areas. (Halal Focus)

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS :

Halal Industry
Penang sets up Malaysia’s first state-level halal industry council

Penang has become the first Malaysian state to establish a dedicated council to coordinate and drive the growth of its halal industry, according to Malaysia’s state news agency Bernama.

The Penang Halal Industry Development Council was launched on May 12 and aims to enhance the state’s role as a regional hub for halal production, processing, and exports to ASEAN and global markets. The council’s formation was approved by the State Executive Council on January 22, 2025.

Penang currently has 870 active companies certified under the Malaysian Halal Certification Scheme (SPHM), covering sectors such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, logistics, slaughterhouses, and medical devices. The state is also the only one in Malaysia conducting medical device audits aligned with all nine national halal certification schemes.

The new council will serve as a platform to coordinate inter-agency efforts, promote SME capacity building, and support international halal trade and investment initiatives. It is chaired by Deputy Chief Minister I, Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between PHI and the Penang Regional Development Authority (Perda) to explore collaboration on entrepreneur development through halal certification.

Bernama reports that the council is expected to play a central role in strengthening Penang’s competitiveness in the halal sector and supporting Bumiputera entrepreneurs in accessing global halal markets.
 

Halal Industry
Hong Kong to introduce halal Q mark for certified products and services

A new halal certification scheme is set to be introduced in Hong Kong following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Federation of Hong Kong Industries and the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong.

Announced on May 10, the agreement outlines plans to develop a halal-related quality mark, or Q mark, for products and services that meet Shariah-compliant standards. The Islamic Community Fund will issue the certification, which aims to boost the confidence of Muslim consumers both locally and internationally.

Federation chairman Steve Chuang Tzu-hsiung said the Q mark is expected to help local businesses tap into the global Muslim market, which represents more than 2 billion people, or approximately 25% of the world’s population. 

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to tap into the Muslim travel market, which is projected to reach $300 billion by 2026, according to the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index 2024.

In 2024, Hong Kong welcomed 44.5 million visitors, including a 42% increase in arrivals from Indonesia (366,973 tourists) and a 50% increase in visitors from Malaysia. These gains follow targeted outreach by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), including Muslim-friendly accreditation and marketing.

By March 2025, the number of halal-certified restaurants in Hong Kong had doubled to 200 from 100 in June 2024. Certified venues range from international chains such as KFC to local fine-dining restaurants like Chinesology and bakeries like Kee Wah. Hotels, including the Kowloon Shangri-La, Regal Airport Hotel, and Dorsett Tsuen Wan, now offer halal menus and prayer facilities, with some reporting double-digit revenue growth from Muslim clientele. The Grand Hyatt, for example, attributed part of its increase in Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern bookings to its CrescentRating score and halal service offerings.

The Halal Q Mark is backed by a detailed certification process. Requirements include the exclusion of pork and alcohol, the use of halal-certified meat sources, and verified supply chains. The standard has been adopted across a range of venues, from the Islamic Centre Canteen, known for halal dim sum, to high-end buffet providers like Café Kool. Major cultural events, such as the Halal Food Festival held in April 2025 in Tsim Sha Tsui, have drawn significant public participation and helped showcase halal offerings across the city.

While the Q Mark is gaining traction, challenges remain. Hong Kong’s traditionally pork-heavy cuisine and limited prayer facilities outside of major hotels can be obstacles for observant Muslim travelers. There have also been instances of non-compliance, including mislabelled Qibla directions and expired certifications.

Groups such as HKMuslim and the Islamic Community Fund continue to monitor adherence, while the HKTB is working to scale up staff training and expand its accreditation program.

Looking ahead, initiatives such as the proposed seasonal Ramadan Bazaar and the integration of Arabic language signage and halal infrastructure at transit hubs reflect continued government and industry engagement.

These measures aim to position Hong Kong alongside global halal tourism leaders like Dubai, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.

For businesses, obtaining the Halal Q Mark offers access to a growing consumer base. Certification includes training, supply chain audits, and promotional support from the HKTB. Restaurants such as La Vache! and FOG have reported growth in Muslim customers since certification. The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre also recently earned a gold Muslim-friendly rating, expanding halal offerings in the MICE segment.

With over 300,000 Muslims residing in Hong Kong and a 175-year Islamic heritage, the certification provides economic opportunities and pathways for deeper community integration.

Halal Industry
Halal industry roundup: Malaysia, Indonesia agree on mutual recognition of halal certifications

Here's a roundup of key developments across the halal industry ecosystem during April

 

Editor's note: Two Southeast Asian giants have agreed on the mutual acceptance of halal certifications, that is expected to bring wide-ranging benefits to the halal industry ecosystem. 

 

Meanwhile, Japanese firms are targeting lucrative Muslim markets for meat exports to bolster trade.  

 

Company News


Japan

Kumamoto firm delivers halal Japanese beef in Muslim countries

Sugimoto-Honten Co., a Wagyu beef producer, is rapidly expanding its exports to the Islamic world and is being recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as a "flagship producer and exporter" for other Japanese businesses.

 

The company, which began exporting Kurohana Wagyu beef in 2021, has seen exports top one billion yen in three years. (Asahi)

 

Malaysia

Tim Hortons Malaysia receives nation-wide halal certification

Tim Hortons Malaysia has received halal certification from JAKIM for all its outlets, including its flagship store at Sunway Pyramid and other locations.

 

To celebrate, the brand has launched a special selection of drinks made with 100% Arabica coffee. Tim Hortons plans to expand in Malaysia with an outlet each at AEON Shah Alam and Sunway Putra Mall. (QSR Media)

 

Trade Developments


Philippines / Malaysia

DTI urges Malaysia’s JAKIM to establish halal certification in Philippines

DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque is urging Malaysia's halal authority, JAKIM, to establish a world-class halal certifying body in the Philippines to boost the domestic halal industry and align it with international standards.

 

Roque met with Malaysian representatives to discuss this, highlighting the potential for new opportunities for Filipino products overseas and seeking assistance in marketing them globally. (PNA)

 

Türkiye

Turkish companies invited to explore opportunities at MIHAS 2025

MATRADE will host the 21st Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), the world’s largest halal trade show, from September 17-20, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur.

 

MATRADE Istanbul invites Turkish buyers to participate in the International Sourcing Programme (INSP) at MIHAS, which in 2024 facilitated significant connections and generated RM 2.52 billion in potential sourcing value. (Halal Focus)

 

Thailand / Malaysia

Thailand seeks to strengthen halal cooperation with Malaysia
Thailand is studying Malaysia's halal market as part of its strategy to boost future food exports, focusing on building a regional roadmap to ensure trade resilience within the ASEAN framework.

 

Thailand sees potential in integrating Malaysia's established halal certification ecosystem with its own raw material resources to produce more "future food" that is sustainable, health-focused, and designed for new generations. (Vietnam+)

 

Pakistan / Malaysia

Pakistan to secure $200m halal meat export deal 

Pakistan is in advanced talks with Malaysia to secure a $200 million halal meat export deal over the next five years.

 

 The deal would boost Pakistan's agricultural and trade sectors, and strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations. (Mettis Global)

 

Regulatory


Malaysia / Indonesia

Malaysia, Indonesia agree on mutual recognition of halal certifications

Malaysia and Indonesia have agreed to allow the use of Malaysia's JAKIM halal logo for products exported to Indonesia without requiring a separate procedure.

 

Malaysia will also recognize Indonesia's halal certification for products exported to Malaysia.

 

This agreement was endorsed by Indonesia's religious affairs minister and is seen as a significant development by industry players. (FMT)

 

UPCOMING EVENTS :

Islamic Lifestyle
Halal tourism faces a growing opportunity

The interconnected nature of the world today points to the fact that we have moved from an era of distinct national economies to interlinked ecosystems. 


The recent U.S. tariff wars and tightened immigration measures have brought this concept into sharp focus. The downturn in American inbound tourism, caused by the tariffs have prompted travelers, especially from the rapidly expanding Muslim travel segment, to look elsewhere for destinations that better align with their cultural, economic, and faith-related needs.

For decades, inbound tourism to the United States seemed relatively shielded from geopolitical strain. Yet the decline triggered by policy-driven tensions, such as trade disputes and perceived exclusionary rhetoric, has been particularly steep, underscoring how swiftly global perceptions can alter travel flows.

U.S. tourism in turbulence: The impact of tariffs and tensions
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the United States welcomed 72.3 million international visitors in 2024, making it the world’s third-most-visited country that year. It also led in tourism revenue, earning approximately $194 billion. Canada and Mexico combined made up over half of all foreign arrivals (20.24 million from Canada and 16.98 million from Mexico), with the United Kingdom placing third at 4.03 million visitors (5.6% of total arrivals). Brazil, India, and China all posted healthy upticks last year, including a notable 24.3% increase from India and a 21.4% boost from China.

Those numbers, however, have begun to slip. A recent Skift report cites U.S. International Trade Administration data revealing a 10.3% decline in arrivals from 20 major source countries in March 2025 compared to last year. Western Europe saw a 17.2% slump overall, with Germany down 28.2% and the U.K. by 14.3%. Asia was off by 3.4%, while Eastern Europe increased by 1.5%.

Faltering numbers: What the numbers reveal
Mabrian, a global travel intelligence firm, analyzed millions of flight searches between January and March 2025 from ten primary outbound markets—the U.K., Germany, France, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, India, Japan, South Korea, and China. Their data reflected a 0.4% year-over-year drop in overall European interest in the U.S., with Germany and Italy slipping nearly one percentage point versus 2024.

Similarly, a Switzerland-based consortium, Serandipians, surveyed 250 member agencies outside the U.S. and found that 35% reported declining travel requests, while only 10% noted an uptick. Tourism Economics, a key forecasting firm, estimates a 9.4% drop in U.S. overseas arrivals for 2025—almost double its February projection of a 5% decline. The group also warns of a possible 20% fall in arrivals from Canada, a drop the U.S. Travel Association says could mean 2 million fewer visits, $2.1 billion in lost spending, and 14,000 job losses.

Halal tourism on the rise
While U.S. inbound tourism softens, destinations that cater to Muslim travelers have emerged as notable beneficiaries. An Al Jazeera report forecasts that halal tourism will reach $410.9 billion by 2032, up from $256.5 billion in 2023. Meanwhile, the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2024 projects the Muslim population to climb from 2.12 billion in 2024 to 2.47 billion in 2034.

As younger, digitally savvy Muslim travelers seek destinations accommodating religious and cultural needs, these figures hint at a thriving market in need of responsive hosts.

Already, OIC nations such as Malaysia, Turkey, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates, have intensified efforts to position themselves as top picks for faith-aware tourists, offering everything from halal menus to family-friendly beaches. In Qatar, recent initiatives include medical tourism and large-scale sporting events tailored to Muslim guests. Meanwhile, lesser-known tourist destinations, like Oman and Saudi Arabia, are attracting interest with scenic landscapes and futuristic multi-billion-dollar tourism infrastructures, respectively. 


Beyond the OIC: Non-muslim destinations embrace inclusivity

Equally telling is the push by non-OIC countries, which see the financial upsides of appealing to Muslim travelers. For example, Thailand implemented a halal industry action plan in July last year to leverage the growing halal sector and revive its tourism-dependent economy post-pandemic. That same November, the Hong Kong Tourism Board announced an initiative to enhance Muslim-friendly tourism, encouraging restaurants, hotels, and attractions to review their offerings and pursue halal certification.

Taiwan has ranked highly with the Crescent Rating since 2019, while the Philippines, labeled an emerging Muslim-friendly destination, retained that distinction for a second straight year in 2024. Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco acknowledged the importance of halal tourism for the country's global competitiveness, emphasizing the need to accommodate Muslim travelers.

Elsewhere, Zanzibar hosted a Halal Tourism Exhibition last year, hoping to attract investors and support existing local enterprises that already adhere to halal practices. 

Japan also saw momentum grow ahead of the rescheduled 2020 Olympics, prompting Tokyo and Osaka to expand Muslim-friendly facilities. Over in South Africa, halal-friendly safari excursions, optimized for dining and prayer breaks, are being marketed to tap into the Muslim traveler market. Lastly, in Europe, Germany and the U.K. are leveraging sizable Muslim communities, ensuring reliable access to halal dining, prayer areas, and cultural events.


As the United States grapples with the aftereffects of its tariff conflicts and more restrictive immigration protocols, other destinations are pulling travelers in with a reputation for cultural sensitivity and hospitality. “Muslim leisure travelers share the same motivations as other tourists—they want to immerse themselves in local culture,” explained Crescent Rating CEO, Fazal Bahardeen in comments to Al Jazeera. “The difference lies in their desire to do so while meeting their fundamental faith-based requirements. This isn’t merely religious tourism.”

With these visitors’ numbers on the rise—and with non-OIC nations increasingly fine-tuning their halal certification standards—those able to adopt inclusive strategies will likely see short- and long-term gains. In the process, the global map of desirable travel hubs is evolving: once-loyal visitors to the U.S. are reassessing where they can spend their money in an environment they deem more inviting. As the Muslim travel segment broadens in size and spending power, it may become the linchpin in determining which destinations rise and fall in this newly competitive tourism landscape.
 

Islamic Lifestyle
Ramadan adds up to £1.3 billion to UK's economy

Ramadan-related activities contribute between 800 million to 1.3 billion pounds to the UK economy, a new study has revealed. 

Activities include retail spending, charitable donations, supermarket sales, Eid shopping, volunteering, and more, enhancing economic growth and social cohesion, a report by UK-based think tank Equi suggested.

Approximately 2.6 million British Muslim adults observe fasts across the country, prompting a change in consumer spending, retail trends and charitable giving. 

Supermarkets and independent food retailers invest an estimated 159 million to 274 million pounds in the Ramadan value chain, while supermarkets alone generally approximately 228 million to 342 million pounds in Ramadan sales, increasing two-to-three-fold from a decade ago. 

“Ramadan plays a catalyst role in encouraging supermarkets to stock a wider variety of halal-certified products, from fresh meat and poultry to ready-made meals and snacks throughout the year. All of these changes require supply chains to adapt accordingly, necessitating significant investment by supermarkets in sourcing, logistics, and infrastructure,” the report read. 

British Muslims spend an estimated 200 million to 300 million pounds on clothes, gifts and travel during Ramadan and Eid, while mosques across Britain serve free iftar meals worth an estimated 15 million pounds during the holy month.  

On balance, British Muslims generate £70 billion a year for the UK economy, 30% of which are business contributions.

However, the study suggests that the Ramadan economy remains an underexplored area in policy discussion. 

“The rise of the Ramadan economy in the UK is an underappreciated phenomenon. With these increases in spending and changes in focus already prevalent, they present an unfulfilled opportunity to channel these shifts into strengthened local supply chains, boost small businesses, and encourage more sustainable consumer habits," the report added.  
 

Halal Industry
Illinois mandates halal, kosher meals in public institutions

Illinois has mandated public schools to provide halal and kosher meal options upon request. 

In a state first, Illinois governor JB Pritzker signed the Senate Bill 457, also known as the “Faith by Plate Act,” into law.

Illinois becomes the first US state to require public schools, hospitals, and other state-operated facilities to provide halal and kosher meal options upon request, according to information shared by the Muslim Civic Coalition and state senator Villivalam's office.

The law gives these institutions 12 months to establish the necessary infrastructure, with implementation costs - subject to appropriation - estimated at $10-$20 million in the first year.

Food service workers will be trained to address cross-contamination concerns and ensure compliance with Islamic and Jewish dietary guidelines.

The new mandate builds on a pilot program in Chicago Public Schools, where 14 schools already offer kosher meals, and nine provide halal options.

Officials say the legislation will help expand these services to rural districts and other parts of the state that have similar needs.

The growing clout of Muslim consumers across the country has prompted authorities to issue several directives to maintain the integrity and promote the availability of halal food. The state of Washington put into effect a bill to safeguard the integrity of halal food last June.

The Wilson bill protects Muslim consumers from purchasing food falsely advertised as halal, with violations punishable under the new Halal Food Consumer Protection Act. 

Halal Industry
New campaign beckons Malaysian travellers to Hong Kong

Malaysia Airlines has teamed up with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) to encourage Malaysians to visit Hong Kong's cultural landmarks and modern attractions. 

The initiative is part of the national carrier's campaign launched earlier this year to connect travellers to over 60 destinations. 

Malaysia Airlines will operate 14 direct weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. Economy Class tickets start at 999 Malaysian ringgitts for return flights, with booking available from March 17 until April 30, 2025 and travel valid until November 30, 2025.

Hong Kong features a range of attractions, including Victoria Peak, Ocean Park Hong Kong, Ngong Ping 360, and Tsim Sha Tsui.

The city also offers a growing number of facilities catering to Muslim travellers, with 153 halal-certified or Muslim-owned eateries, 55 hotels, five attractions, and multiple MICE venues holding accreditation for Muslim-friendly services, the airline said in a statement. 

Liew Chian Jia, regional director of Southeast Asia of the Hong Kong Tourism Board said that they aim to create more opportunities for Malaysian visitors to discover all that Hong Kong has to offer. 

The Malaysia Aviation Group also renewed its partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board last month to strengthen Singapore’s appeal as a top destination for Malaysian travellers. 


Events & Courses

Special Coverage

The State of the Global Islamic Economy (SGIE) 2024/25 Report (COMING SOON)

View all

30 Notable Islamic Fintechs

View all

Global Islamic Fintech Report 2024/25

View all

Top 30 Digital Islamic Economy Startups 2024

View all

Top 30 OIC Halal Products Companies 2023

View all

Gaza Crisis

View all

Global Islamic Fintech Report 2023/24

View all

The State of the Global Islamic Economy 2023/24 Report

View all

Global Islamic Fintech Report 2022

View all

State of the Global Islamic Economy 2022

View all

Food Security

View all

Women in the Islamic Economy

View all

COVID-19 and the Global Islamic Economy

View all

E-book: Impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak on Islamic finance in OIC countries

View all

State of the Global Islamic Economy 2020/21

View all

Global Islamic Fintech Report 2021

View all