Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Malaysian Halal Industry Development Council, officially launched the ASEAN Halal Pavilion by Tahira Group on 17th September 2024 at the Malaysian International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) in Kuala Lumpur. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the regional halal industry, bringing together producers, traders, and service providers under the unified ASEAN Halal Pavilion umbrella. The launch was attended by notable industry figures, including Mr. Khairul Azwan Harun, Chairman of the Malaysian Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC), and YB Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, Chairman of Tahira Logistics.
ASEAN: A Growing Hub for the Global Halal Economy
With 240 million Muslims within its 600 million population, ASEAN is a vital region for the halal economy. The ASEAN-7 nations collectively contribute to 15% of the global halal economy, positioning countries like Malaysia and Indonesia as leaders in the market. While Malaysia and Indonesia continue to dominate, countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia are also making strides in their halal industries, strengthening the region’s role as a key player in the global market.
Launch of the ASEAN Halal Pavilion in Kuala Lumpur
Recognizing the potential of the ASEAN halal industry, Tahira Group initiated the ASEAN Halal Pavilion to foster collaboration among halal manufacturers and service providers within the region. The Pavilion serves as a cohesive platform for businesses to collectively address the growing demands of the global halal market. The initiative focuses on three main areas:
Halalholidays.asia: A user-friendly portal offering Muslim-friendly holiday packages in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and China.
NilaiMart.com: An e-commerce platform that aggregates halal products from across the region, making it convenient for customers to shop for a wide variety of halal goods.
Halal Logistics: An aggregator service ensuring halal-compliant delivery of products by logistics providers adhering to strict halal principles.
Signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoU)
Prior to the official launch in Kuala Lumpur, Tahira Group held a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony with key regional partners. These included the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisation (MAPIM), Vietnam International Investment Trade Development, Thai Muslim Traders Association (TMTA), Komunitas Pengusaha Muslim Indonesia (KPMI), and Halal International China (Hong Kong, Macau). The MoUs signify a growing commitment to collaboration among ASEAN member states to strengthen the region’s position in the global halal economy.
Commitment to Collaboration and Strategic Growth
Mr. Vincent Tan, Group CEO of Tahira Group, emphasized the importance of the ASEAN Halal Pavilion in fostering collaboration. “The growing number of organisations that have chosen to participate in the ASEAN Halal Pavilion underscores the need for industry players to be strategic and cooperative to drive the development of the halal industry in ASEAN,” said Tan.
YB Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, Chairman of Tahira Logistics, noted the significance of these collaborations for both Malaysia and the broader global community. He highlighted the halal industry’s growing recognition as the global gold standard for cleanliness and purity in goods and services, setting benchmarks for quality and ethical standards.
ASEAN Halal Pavilion’s Journey: From Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur
The ASEAN Halal Pavilion journey began earlier this year in Bangkok, where it was launched in the presence of H.E. Mr. Yousef Khalawi, Secretary General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD). Coordinated by the Thai Muslim Traders Association (TMTA) in collaboration with Tahira Group, the Bangkok launch emphasized the importance of collective efforts in meeting the needs of the global halal market.
During the Bangkok launch, Mr. Khalawi noted that the halal industry continues to exceed expectations and stressed the need for ASEAN member states to collaborate in establishing robust standards across various sectors of the halal economy. His message echoed the Pavilion’s aim of addressing not just food and beverage needs but also the broader requirements of a growing global Muslim community.
Expansion to Jakarta: Strengthening Regional Ties
Following the Bangkok event, the ASEAN Halal Pavilion was launched in Jakarta on 30th August 2024, during the Jakarta Halal Expo & Conference. Tahira Group signed an MoA with Komunitas Pengusaha Muslim Indonesia (KPMI) and Halal International China (Hong Kong, Macau), further solidifying its presence in key ASEAN markets.
Malaysia: Leading the Charge in Halal Ecosystem Development
The Malaysian launch of the ASEAN Halal Pavilion by Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is a testament to Malaysia’s leadership in halal industry development. As a recognized global leader in the halal ecosystem, Malaysia plays a pivotal role in advancing the industry and setting standards that resonate across ASEAN and beyond.
Collaboration with MAPIM: A Step Towards Global Impact
A noteworthy aspect of the Kuala Lumpur launch is the collaboration with MAPIM, which could significantly impact Muslim communities facing crises around the world. By leveraging the ASEAN Halal Pavilion’s network of Muslim producers and logistics providers, MAPIM aims to address global challenges such as hunger and poverty exacerbated by conflict and climate change in regions like Gaza, South Sudan, and Kenya.
Paving the Way for Sustainable Halal Business Practices
The ASEAN Halal Pavilion aligns its initiatives with the principles of Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG), reflecting the shared values of sustainability, ethical business practices, and social equality. As the halal industry grows, the Pavilion’s collaborative network could serve as a model for leveraging the strengths of regional economies to create a positive impact on both local and global communities.
With its focus on sustainable development and strategic partnerships, the ASEAN Halal Pavilion is poised to become a cornerstone of the regional halal industry, promoting growth, innovation, and cooperation across ASEAN.
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