Follow-Up Activities of the MoU between THIDA-NCHU

International Conference on Halal Ecosystem and Industrialisation (ICoHEI 2025)

“Addressing 21st Century Challenges in Asia”

Taichung, 9 May 2025 — The International Conference on Halal Ecosystem and Industrialization (ICoHEI 2025), a significant milestone in the global Halal calendar, has concluded with resounding success. Hosted by the Taiwan Halal Integrity Development Association (THIDA) in collaboration with the Halal Science Center of National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) and co-hosted by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in collaboration with the Malaysian Academy of SME & Entrepreneurship Development (MASMED), this landmark event was held at the Environmental Science Building, NCHU, Taichung City, Taiwan.

Centered on the theme “Addressing 21st Century Challenges in Asia,” the conference brought together academics, industry leaders, policymakers, and Halal stakeholders from seven countries—including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Nigeria, Taiwan, and more—to explore pressing issues and opportunities in the rapidly evolving Halal sector.

Keynote Speakers and Distinguished Guests

The conference featured prominent keynote speakers:

• Salahuding Ma, Vice President of THIDA, Taiwan
• Mustafa Kamil Ayub, Chairman of the National Institute of Entrepreneurship (INSKEN), Malaysia
• Shang-Ho Yang, Head of the Graduate Institute of Bio-Industry Management and Director of the Halal Science Centre at NCHU, Taiwan

The event also presented expert invited speakers from other countries such as Japan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Brunei Darussalam, and the Philippines. Their presentations highlighted the intersection of Halal innovation, governance, entrepreneurship, and scientific advancement. Each emphasized the importance of a resilient, ethical, and globally integrated Halal ecosystem.

The conference was not only a hub for intellectual exchange but also a platform for scholarly advancement. Selected papers presented at ICoHEI 2025 will be published in Scopus-, WoS-, and ISI-indexed journals, offering international visibility and academic impact for contributors.

Strengthening Taiwan–Malaysia Collaboration

The success of ICoHEI 2025 reflects the deepening collaboration between Taiwan and Malaysia in the Halal industry. THIDA has played a pivotal role in supporting Taiwan’s growing Halal manufacturing capacity. The organization now lists over 744 Halal-certified products across sectors such as food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and abattoirs.

A Halal Industry on the Rise

The global Halal market continues to experience robust growth, with projections reaching USD 7.5 trillion by 2032. According to presentations during the conference, Asia Pacific remains the fastest-growing region, led by countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, which serve as both importers and exporters of Halal-certified products and services. Indonesia’s halal trade value, for instance, reached USD 53.73 billion between January and October 2024.

ICoHEI 2025 speakers emphasized that Halal is no longer limited to dietary rules—it has become a global ethical standard and lifestyle, encompassing sectors like Islamic finance, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, logistics, digital platforms, and tourism.

Future Outlook

The conference reaffirmed a shared vision: to build a globally integrated, sustainable, and innovation-driven Halal ecosystem. Future collaboration opportunities were discussed, including more academic exchanges, joint research projects, and strategic business matchmaking.

As echoed by many at the conference, “Halal is not just a product—it is a process, a value system, and a global opportunity.”

Closing Reflections

While ICoHEI 2025 has officially concluded, its impact is just beginning. The networks formed, ideas exchanged, and partnerships initiated will help shape the next chapter of Halal development in Asia and beyond. As organizers, THIDA and UiTM expressed hope that this conference will continue to inspire regional leadership and global unity in the face of evolving 21st-century challenges.

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