Halal industry roundup: Malaysia to accept Jakim-recognised US halal certificates
Here's a roundup of key developments across the halal industry ecosystem in August
Editor's Note: In an attempt to tighten screening of meat and poultry imports, Malaysia said it will only accept halal certificates issued by US bodies recognised by the country's regulatory entity, JAKIM.
Meanwhile, Macau is seeking to introduce a halal certification scheme to court Muslim travellers.
Investment
Malaysia
HASAN.VC launches cohort to empower halal startups in Southeast Asia
HASAN.VC, part of the Ethis Group, has launched Cohort 003 of its high-impact Accelerator Program to support halal and ethical startups across Southeast Asia.
Building on the success of the previous cohort 002, applications are now open for the next generation of purpose-driven founders aiming to scale their impactful ventures.
The HASAN.VC Accelerator is a five-week online program for early-stage startups, offering up to $60,000 in pre-seed equity funding, mentorship from leading Muslim entrepreneurs and global experts, and access to a network of over 500 angel investors. (SME Asia)
Indonesia
Indonesia secures $563,000 potential halal deals in Bangkok
The Indonesia Pavilion at Mega Halal Bangkok 2025 secured potential halal deals worth $563,000.
The pavilion attracted international interest, particularly in fashion, cosmetics, food and beverages, and home decor.
Ambassador Rachmat Budiman noted that Indonesia's halal sector has strong potential, especially in the lifestyle and food sectors, and its participation aimed to promote these products. (Halal Focus)
Regulatory
Macau
Halal certification programme to lure Muslim visitors
Tourism authorities are in discussions with Hong Kong's Islamic groups to introduce a halal certification scheme in Macau, aimed at attracting Muslim travelers.
The scheme will cover three categories: halal restaurants, halal-kitchen restaurants, and halal-friendly restaurants. (Macau Business)
Malaysia
Malaysia to accept Jakim-recognised US halal protein certificates
Malaysia will only accept meat and poultry imports from the United States if the halal certification is issued by bodies recognized by Jakim, Malaysia's Department of Islamic Development.
Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz emphasized that this measure aims to facilitate trade without compromising halal standards, ensuring compliance with Shariah principles to protect Muslim consumers. (Malay Mail)
Trade Developments
Vietnam
Vietnam to promote development of halal products and services
Vietnam plans to negotiate and sign international agreements to support businesses in promoting halal products and services, according to a draft decree by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
The decree defines halal products as those compliant with Islamic law, while halal services include activities like transportation, storage, and packaging of halal goods.
The decree also outlines support for Vietnamese halal certification organizations to improve their capacity, gain international recognition, and ensure their certifications are accepted in key export markets. (Vietnam+)
UPCOMING EVENTS :
2025:
- Aug 19-21, Nigeria Halal Expo
- Sept 16-18, GHAS Conference
- Sept 17-20, MIHAS Malaysia 2025
- Sept 24-25, MUIS Halal conference, Singapore
- Nov 6-7, London Halal Forum
- Nov 11-13, BPJPH Halal forum
- Nov 26-29, Halal Expo Turkey
- Dec 2-3, Saudi Halal Expo, Madinah
- Dec 18-19, Thailand Halal Assembly
2026:
- Jan 7-10, Isfahan Halal Expo
- Jan 2026, Makkah Halal Forum
