9th World Halal Summit Discusses the Halal Economy’s Technological Future

The 9th World Halal Summit, a pivotal event in Istanbul, wrapped up its third day, underscoring the burgeoning potential of the global halal economy. Themed “Gateway to the Global Halal Economy: Recognize and Unleash the Potential,” the summit featured enlightening panels on halal foods analysis, halal market digitalization, and the integration of artificial intelligence in halal living.

A diverse lineup of fifteen experts from Pakistan, Malaysia, the UK, Argentina, and Russia led three informative sessions. They delved into the nuances of halal market products and testing methodologies, sharing their varied experiences and insights.

A key concern raised during the discussions was the potential monopolization of artificial intelligence (AI), a development that could impede the growth of the halal sector. The panels also pointed out the urgent need for the halal industry to embrace digitalization, citing educational deficits as a major hurdle.

The summit opened with a panel titled “Halal Product Tests and Analyses,” chaired by Dr. Burhanettin Yalçınkaya from Türkiye’s TÜBITAK UME. A highlight was Professor Syed Ghulam Müşerref of Karachi University, who outlined advanced testing methods for halal products, including 3D mapping and next-generation sequencing for pork DNA detection.

Indonesian halal inspection agency LPPOM MUI’s Raafqi Ranasasmita raised concerns about DNA alterations in halal foods due to external factors, underscoring the critical need for precise and consistent testing methods.

Dr. Can Türk from Lokman Hekim University advocated for chemical synthesis as a superior approach in halal analysis.

The “Global Halal Digitalization and Innovation Artificial Intelligence” panel, led by Professor Ibrahim Güran Yumuşak, featured Dr. Firdaus Fanny Putera Perdana from Malaysia’s International Islamic University. He shared research indicating a widespread belief in technology’s ability to resolve halal sector challenges and stressed the necessity of digitalization.

Dr. Nazım Zaman of the UK’s Al-Akram Trust warned against the monopolization of AI and social media, calling for Muslim engagement in AI development to foster technological independence.

The summit concluded with the “Halal Quality of Life” panel, steered by Ihsan Övüt of SMIIC. A notable contribution came from Melody Amal Khalil Kabalan of Argentina Halal Catering, who highlighted the crucial distinction between halal and haram for the global Muslim community. She emphasized the importance of halal education to combat the proliferation of falsely certified halal products.