Kuala lumpur: Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC), an agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), has announced the appointment of Prof Dr Mohd Afandi Salleh as its chairman, with immediate effect.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Afandi is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing Malaysia's standing as a global leader in the halal economy. His focus will be on fostering international collaboration, providing policy leadership, and promoting thought leadership across the global halal ecosystem.

HDC highlighted that Mohd Afandi brings with him vast experience in international relations, governance, and academia, having dedicated over two decades to higher education and global policy engagement. He holds a PhD in International Relations from Durham University in the United Kingdom, a Master of Laws in International Law from Lancaster University, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Human Sciences in Political Science with a minor in Islamic Revealed Knowledge from the International Islamic University Malaysia.

The agency noted his previous leadership roles, including serving as deputy vice chancellor for student affairs and alumni. He is currently a professor in international relations at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA). Additionally, Mohd Afandi has contributed to international platforms such as the United Nations Universal Periodic Review process and engaged globally with institutions like the Geneva International Centre for Justice, the ASEAN University Network, and the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights.

HDC expressed confidence that under Mohd Afandi's leadership, his global outlook and multidisciplinary expertise will accelerate the development of Malaysia's halal industry. This is expected to strengthen the nation's reputation as a premier hub for halal trade, investment, innovation, and establish it as a center of excellence.