The 6th International Halal Conference (IHC), held under the patronage of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), successfully convened global industry leaders, scholars, and policymakers under the theme “From Knowledge to Impact: Human Capital as the Key to Halal Industry Growth.” This week-long virtual event, held from 21st to 27th March 2025, explored key areas such as Halal certification, talent development, ethical leadership, and the integration of wellness into the Halal workforce.
A Week of Insightful Dialogues and Industry Advancements
Over the span of seven days, the conference addressed crucial aspects of the Halal economy:
- Day 1: Global perspectives on Halal human capital, featuring SMIIC’s contributions and Malaysia’s pioneering efforts.
- Day 2: Certification bodies and ethical leadership, with insights from the UK and Australia.
- Day 3: Talent development and career growth opportunities for Halal professionals.
- Day 4: Knowledge transfer from Islamic scholarship to industry leadership.
- Day 5: Empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia, Malaysia, and beyond.
- Day 6: Ethics and risk management inspired by Islamic history.
- Day 7: Spiritual and physical health as fundamental pillars of human capital, culminating in the launch of the Healing World Forum.
Key Milestones of the Conference
1. Launch of the Global Halal Consortium
A landmark moment of the conference was the official unveiling of the Global Halal Consortium (GHC). This pioneering initiative aims to unite Halal industry stakeholders across diverse sectors, including Halal Food, Finance, Tourism, Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, Fashion, and Education, fostering collaboration and sustainability within the global Halal economy.
2. Introduction of the Healing World Forum
The Healing World Forum (HWF) was launched as a global initiative dedicated to integrating Unani, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Naturopathy with modern healthcare solutions. This forum will serve as a collaborative platform for bringing together traditional and contemporary medicine for the well-being of humanity as a whole.
3. Strengthening Human Capital through Internships
As part of the conference’s commitment to talent development, an internship program was introduced to provide students and young professionals with hands-on experience in the Halal industry. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and industry needs, ensuring a skilled and knowledgeable workforce for the future.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the Global Halal Consortium and Healing World Forum marks a transformative step toward strengthening the Halal economy and promoting cross-sector collaboration on a global scale. As the Halal industry continues to expand, these initiatives will play a crucial role in shaping its future and ensuring its sustainability.