MELAKA: The World Halal Excellence Award 2023 is recognised by the industry players and participants as a pivotal milestone for the global halal sector, serving as a morale booster for those advancing the industry.
Halal Coordinator for the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) Datin Hakimah Mohd Yusoff, said it serves as a catalyst for growing the halal market, both domestically and internationally.
Receiving the Halal Leadership Excellence Award, Hakimah reflected on the industry's early days in the 1970s when halal practices were relatively new.
"Continuous efforts from all parties involved have aided development and boosted Malaysia's image as a prominent player in the global halal industry," she said.
"I have observed awards being presented not only at the national level but also to international industry players. This recognition positively impacts the country, establishing Malaysia as a leader in the halal sector. These awards will further elevate our national profile and strengthen Malaysia's competitiveness on the world stage," she told the New Straits Times she said after the ceremony.
Held on Oct 29, the event was organised in Melaka by the Halal Development Corporation (HDC), the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI), and the Melaka State Government. This marked the first time the awards were hosted outside the Klang Valley.
The ceremony honoured 30 organisations and individuals for their exceptional contributions to the halal industry.
Since its inception in 2009, HDC has recognised a total of 250 individuals, organisations, and companies for their efforts in promoting halal practices.
This year's awards received 200 submissions, with nominees undergoing rigorous audits by Deloitte Business Advisory Sdn Bhd to ensure adherence to global standards.
HDC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hairol Ariffein Sahari commended the event's success as a motivating force for industry players amid challenging economic conditions.
"For the first time outside of Kuala Lumpur, this recognition is for all winners who represent the strength of our halal industry.
In this tough economic climate, the recognition boosts the hard work and commitment of our players," he said.
The Melaka State Government was awarded the Halal State Performance Excellence Award for its robust framework in developing the halal industry ecosystem, which Hairol believes should serve as a model for other states.
He showcased Melaka's Halal Hub in Serkam, which features multinational companies like Kewpie and other SMEs, alongside larger corporations like Mamee Double Decker Sdn Bhd.
The commitment of these companies to advancing the halal industry is evident not only through their exports and investments but also in their efforts to train Malaysian citizens as halal compliance managers, halal executives, or halal internal auditors through various skill development programs.
Both Kewpie and Mamee received accolades, with Kewpie winning the Halal Prominent Brand Excellence Award in the international category and Mamee Double Decker Sdn Bhd taking home the Halal International Business Excellence Award for large companies.
Among the notable winners was Ain Medicare Sdn Bhd, which received the Halal Pharmaceutical Excellence Award for its halal-certified medical products.
Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman shared Ain Medicare's ten-year journey, highlighting challenges related to halal certification and sourcing in delivering halal-certified medications.
"The road to certification was not easy, especially with the complexities of sourcing halal materials and ensuring they meet Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. This recognition reflects our commitment," he said.
Yusof noted the significant challenge of ensuring halal processes throughout the supply chain, particularly when dealing with raw materials of animal origin.
"This is one of our significant challenges in obtaining halal materials and ensuring halal processes throughout the supply chain," he said, referencing the company's recent halal certification for medical devices.
He also acknowledged that the award would bolster consumer confidence in Ain Medicare and motivate the company to continue developing more halal-certified medical products.
Other notable winners included Alliance Bank Malaysia and Standard Chartered Saadiq, recognised through the Islamic Financial Services Excellence Award, while Empire Sushi and Oriental Kopi received the Halal Gourmet Food and Beverages Excellence Award.
Additionally, the Muslim-Friendly Tourism Excellence Awards were presented to Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur Chinatown and G Hotel, acknowledging their efforts to provide halal-compliant amenities for Muslim travellers.