MIHREC 2025 Strategic Halal Resolution Elevates Malaysia Globally

PUTRAJAYA, 22 September – The Malaysia International Halal Research & Education Conference 2025 (MIHREC 2025), organised by the Halal Products Research Institute (IPPH), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), concluded with the handover of the Strategic Halal Resolution to the Government of Malaysia and the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC).

This handover marks a significant milestone in strengthening Malaysia’s role as a global halal reference centre and a key driver of the global halal agenda.

With the theme “Driving Global Halal Innovation Towards Responsible Technology, Societal Wellbeing, and Regulatory Compliance”, MIHREC 2025 gathered more than 200 participants consisting of researchers, academics, industry players and policymakers from within and outside the country. The two-day conference was held at The Everly Putrajaya Hotel in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of IPPH as the earliest halal research institute in Malaysia, and was part of the Global Halal Summit (GHaS) 2025, officiated by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The resolution presented was the first synthesis of its kind, combining a Systematic Literature Review, Strategic Survey, and focus group discussions with key stakeholders. The analysis identified six critical domains, including governance challenges, constraints in accessing global markets, gaps in technology and innovation, as well as the urgent need for talent development in the halal professional sector.

Transformative recommendations in the resolution include full support for the establishment of the Malaysian Halal Commission as the single coordinating body, the introduction of legislation to regulate the halal industry, digital transformation of the halal ecosystem covering certification processes and supply chain traceability, and the empowerment of the Halal Professional Body to recognise and enhance professional standards within the industry.

According to IPPH Director and Chair of the MIHREC 2025 Organising Committee, Prof. Dr. Awis Qurni Sazili, “This resolution is not merely a collection of opinions, but also data-driven initiatives for an action plan aligned with the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), the Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 (HIMP2030) and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP2030). If implemented, Malaysia has the potential to become a respected global halal reference centre.”

The resolution supports the role of SMIIC as a key coordinator and driver in strengthening the halal industry across OIC member states. In addition, it also introduces the concept of a ‘servant leader’, which emphasises global collaboration based on ‘shared amanah’. This leadership concept requires all stakeholders to collectively and sincerely bear responsibility, with integrity and commitment, in managing the halal ecosystem with trust and transparency.

Meanwhile, UPM Vice-Chancellor, Dato’ Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah said MIHREC 2025 was not just about celebrating halal research achievements, but about strengthening the collective resolve to drive the halal industry towards a future founded on innovation, responsibility, and global wellbeing.

“The handover of the MIHREC 2025 Resolution demonstrates how ideas and shared commitment can be translated into an actionable guide for stakeholders at both national and international levels,” he said.

He added that Malaysia, together with international strategic partners, is now ready to expand collaborations across various fields to empower the global halal ecosystem.

“UPM, through the Halal Products Research Institute, will continue to drive research and innovation that will impact not only the national economy but also food security and the wellbeing of the global community,” he explained.

MIHREC 2025 also provided opportunities for selected papers to be published in indexed journals, in addition to serving as a platform for networking between academia and industry. With the halal export target projected to reach RM100 billion by 2035 as outlined in RMK13, the resolution is expected to become a key catalyst in positioning Malaysia as a global halal hub built on integrity, technological innovation, and societal wellbeing.