Six Key Lessons from MIHREC 2025 to Skyrocket Your Halal Business

Picture this: You’re sipping teh tarik at The Everly Hotel in Putrajaya, surrounded by the brightest minds in the halal world—researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs all buzzing with ideas. That was the scene at the Malaysia International Halal Research & Education Conference (MIHREC) 2025, which wrapped up on September 22. Hosted by Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Halal Products Research Institute and the National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia, this wasn’t just another conference. It was a launchpad for the $3 trillion halal economy, driven by the theme: Driving Global Halal Innovation Towards Responsible Technology, Societal Wellbeing, and Regulatory Compliance.

As someone who’s spent years writing about global trade and ethical markets, I walked away from MIHREC inspired—and a little challenged. The halal industry isn’t just growing; it’s redefining what it means to do business with purpose. Whether you’re running a small halal bakery, exporting certified meat, or advising on Islamic finance, MIHREC 2025 offered a treasure trove of insights to help you thrive. Here are the six biggest lessons I took home, packed with practical steps to turn inspiration into action.

1. Go Digital to Build Unshakable Trust

Trust is the currency of the halal market, and MIHREC showed us how technology can make it bulletproof. DScholars from JAKIM lit up the room talking about blockchain and AI—tools that let consumers trace a product’s halal journey with a quick scan of a QR code. One demo had me floored: an AI system that spots non-halal ingredients in seconds, cutting certification time from weeks to days.

This isn’t just tech for tech’s sake. It’s about giving your customers peace of mind in a world where skepticism runs high. Imagine a mom in London scanning your halal chicken pack and seeing every step—farm, slaughter, packaging—verified in real time. That’s the kind of trust that turns one-time buyers into loyal fans.

• Test Blockchain: Start small with a single product line. Platforms like HalalChain offer affordable pilots for SMEs.

• Join a Workshop: Sign up for JAKIM’s post-MIHREC training on digital certification tools, starting October 20.

• Talk It Up: Add a “Trace Our Halal Journey” QR code to your packaging and watch customer engagement soar.

2. Think Bigger Than Food—Halal Is a Lifestyle

MIHREC 2025 blew open the doors on what “halal” means. Sure, food’s the heart of it, but the future lies in vaccines, tourism, and finance. Prof. Dr. Mian Nadeem Riaz from Texas A&M shared how biotech firms are designing halal vaccines—think life-saving shots that respect Islamic ethics. Meanwhile, tourism panels had me dreaming of halal-friendly resorts with prayer apps and alcohol-free minibars, catering to a Muslim travel market that’s exploding post-COVID.

Then there’s Islamic finance, tying ethical investments to halal innovation. This isn’t niche—it’s a $2.5 trillion opportunity waiting for you to grab it.

• Explore New Sectors: If you’re in food, partner with a biotech startup to co-create halal supplements. Use MIHREC’s networking portal to connect.

• Cater to Travelers: Hotels and restaurants, add halal-certified amenities like prayer mats or Qibla finders. Promote them on platforms like CrescentRating.

• Tap Funding: Pitch your halal startup to Islamic banks for Shariah-compliant loans, using MIHREC case studies to strengthen your case.

3. Make Sustainability Your Secret Weapon

Dr. Awal Fuseini from the UK got a standing ovation for linking halal meat production to planetary health. Islamic principles already demand care for the environment, and MIHREC showed how to make that a business advantage. Think regenerative farming that cuts emissions while ensuring humane slaughter. With 60% of Muslim consumers being eco-conscious millennials, sustainable halal products aren’t just ethical—they’re profitable.

One speaker shared how a Malaysian farm slashed waste by 30% using biotech feed additives, all while staying halal-compliant. That’s the kind of win-win your brand could own.

• Green Your Process: Audit your carbon footprint with free tools like the SME Climate Hub. Aim for a 10% reduction in six months.

• Certify Green: Add ESG metrics to your halal audits. It’s a fast track to certifications that open doors in Europe and North America.

• Tell the Story: Launch a social media campaign showcasing your sustainable practices—#HalalAndGreen could be your hashtag.

4. Push for Global Standards to Unlock Trade

Nothing stings more than losing a deal because of mismatched regulations. Mr. İhsan Övüt from SMIIC laid it bare: fragmented standards block $500 billion in halal exports. MIHREC’s final day was a rallying cry for unified rules, with ideas like digital product passports and mutual recognition agreements stealing the show.

Datin Paduka Hajah Hakimah Mohd Yusoff from Malaysia’s Prime Minister’s Department shared how policy can level the playing field, especially for smaller markets. This isn’t just about trade—it’s about making halal a global gold standard.

• Get Involved: Join SMIIC’s next meeting in October 2025 to shape standards. Membership is open to businesses of all sizes.

• Double Up Certifications: Get both JAKIM and IFANCA approvals to break into the US and Europe, where halal demand is up 15% year-on-year.

• Advocate Locally: Meet your trade ministry with MIHREC’s policy briefs to push for export-friendly deals.

5. Lift Up SMEs—Everyone Wins When You Do

MIHREC didn’t forget the little guys. Smaller businesses often get priced out of fancy tech, but the conference showcased solutions: affordable AI kits and subsidized training programs inspired by Malaysia’s halal ecosystem. One story stuck with me—a tiny spice exporter who used a $200 AI tool to certify their supply chain, landing a deal with a Dubai retailer.

This is about building a stronger, fairer industry where everyone has a shot at the global stage.

• Find Grants: Check out IPPH’s SME support programs or your local trade board for tech subsidies.

• Mentor or Be Mentored: Big players, start an incubator; startups, join MIHREC’s SME network for free mentorship.

• Start Small: Use open-source AI tools from the conference to test one process, like ingredient verification.

6. Bet on Research and Collaboration to Stay Ahead

With over 150 papers presented, MIHREC was a goldmine of ideas—from AI-driven auditing to halal biotech breakthroughs. The real magic? The partnerships forged across borders, positioning Malaysia as the beating heart of halal innovation. I saw Japanese researchers swapping notes with American startups, all united by a shared mission.

This isn’t just academic—it’s your chance to lead the next big thing.

• Submit Your Ideas: Write a paper for MIHREC 2026. It’s free exposure and a chance to attract investors.

• Build Bridges: Follow up with conference contacts on LinkedIn or join the Halal Trade Network group.

• Stay Curious: Subscribe to journals like Halal Research Review and mark your calendar for MIHAS 2025 to keep learning.

MIHREC 2025 wasn’t just a conference—it was a wake-up call. The halal industry is at a tipping point, ready to leap from compliance to global leadership. As Dato’ Dr. Sirajuddin Suhaimee said, “Halal isn’t just a standard; it’s a promise to live better, together.” Whether you’re tweaking your supply chain or dreaming up a halal travel app, these lessons are your springboard.

So, what’s your next move? Maybe it’s a blockchain trial or a pitch to a green investor. Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re turning inspiration into action. For more, check out MIHREC’s official site or join their newsletter for updates on workshops and grants.

Here’s to building a halal future that’s innovative, inclusive, and unstoppable.