Malaysia’s Vision for Halal Leadership Shines at GHaS 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, September 18, 2025 – In a stirring keynote address at the Global Halal Talk 2025, held last night at the opulent Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, YB Senator Dato’ Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Na’im bin Haji Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), unveiled a bold vision to transform the halal economy into a global legacy. Delivered with passion at 08:00 PM on September 17, the speech captivated an audience of distinguished guests, igniting hope and inspiring action.

The Minister painted a vivid picture of trust as the heartbeat of halal—assuring a mother her child’s food is pure, a traveler’s faith is respected abroad, and an investor’s returns align with principle. “Halal is more than a label; it’s a way of life embodying integrity, fairness, and dignity for all,” he declared, striking a chord with a world where the Muslim population will soon surpass 2.2 billion, fueling a halal market projected to soar from USD 3 trillion to USD 5 trillion by 2030.

Malaysia stands at the forefront, with halal already powering 7.5% of its GDP—set to rise to 11% with a staggering USD 113 billion domestic value—and exports reaching USD 8 billion annually, aiming for USD 17 billion. This legacy, built over half a century with JAKIM’s stewardship and recognition by 93 global bodies, positions Malaysia as a beacon of innovation. Yet, the Minister acknowledged the rising tide of competition from the UAE, Türkiye, and Indonesia, urging a united front to keep halal credible and competitive.

The address soared with promise as he highlighted the halal economy’s explosive growth: food to USD 1.94 trillion by 2028, pharmaceuticals to USD 149 billion, cosmetics to USD 118 billion, travel to USD 384 billion, and logistics to USD 522 billion by 2030. Malaysia’s 15% export surge to USD 13.1 billion in 2024 underscores its leadership, now poised to make halal a cornerstone of global GDP.

Beyond economics, the Minister championed halal diplomacy, proposing an ASEAN Halal Council to unite 700 million consumers and a World Halal Development Council (WHDC) to drive trade and innovation worldwide. The visionary Halal+ 2030 movement calls for integrating halal with ESG trends, harnessing AI and blockchain for traceability, and nurturing future leaders—inviting global expertise to elevate halal from certification to a respected global standard.

“This is our moment to choose purpose over profit, legacy over lip service,” he concluded, his words resonating as a call to action. As the summit unfolds, Malaysia’s dream of a halal world that inspires generations hangs in the balance—ready to be shaped by bold resolutions and lasting partnerships.