Shah alam: Agrobank and Management and Science University (MSU) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen talent and competency development in the halal industry, targeting 5,000 knowledgeable and skilled halal industry players.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the collaboration is a continuation of the Halal@Agrobank initiative launched recently at the Penang International Halal Expo (PIHEX) 2026, and is part of efforts to strengthen support for agri-food entrepreneurs and the development of the country's halal ecosystem.
Agrobank Group president and chief executive officer Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin stated that the collaboration with MSU was an important step in strengthening the Halal@Agrobank initiative through the development of talent and professionals capable of supporting the growth of the country's halal ecosystem. He emphasized the need for the industry to not only have more entrepreneurs but also professionals with the competencies to help them grow and meet industry requirements. Talent development, according to him, needs to go hand in hand with entrepreneurship development.
The collaboration with MSU aims to provide a more structured talent development pathway, from education and training to competency mastery and application in the industry. Through this approach, agri-food entrepreneurs can enhance their understanding, strengthen compliance, improve product quality, and gain access to wider halal markets. This was highlighted during the Agrobank-MSU strategic collaboration signing ceremony at MSU in Section 13 today.
Under the collaboration, MSU will provide expertise in education and training, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), research, innovation, and competency development, while Agrobank will link this expertise with entrepreneur development, financing access, halal advisory services, and market opportunities.
Meanwhile, MSU president and founder Professor Tan Sri Datuk Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid noted that the signing of the MoU serves as an important platform for smart collaboration between MSU and Agrobank, particularly through the International Centre for Halal Studies (ICHLAS). As one of MSU's centres of excellence (COE), ICHLAS will share its expertise in research, education, and development inclusively and holistically.
At MSU, industry is viewed not only as a strategic partner in providing employment opportunities but also as a development partner contributing to strengthening the curriculum, experiential learning, research, innovation, and talent development. This approach strengthens the industry-embedded university ecosystem, enabling MSU to produce competent and competitive graduates.
In addition to targeting 5,000 halal industry players, Agrobank also aims to produce 300 certified halal industry practitioners with specialized competencies in the halal sector. This target supports the Agrobank Halal Roadmap 2026-2030, which also aims to develop 10,000 entrepreneurs, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to better prepare them to expand their business capacity, meet halal compliance requirements, and compete in wider markets.