Kuala lumpur: Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) continues to empower women as key leaders in developing the country's halal ecosystem through the implementation of the Women in Halal Industry (WHI) 2025 Grand Kick-Off Programme: Transformation of Women in the Halal Industry. Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad highlighted the collaboration between the government and private sector to promote women as leaders, innovators, and key contributors in the global halal industry, valued at over USD3 trillion.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the WHI programme is comprehensive, encompassing halal literacy, entrepreneurship, financing, and certification. This reflects Malaysia's commitment to fostering an inclusive, competitive, and values-based halal ecosystem. Dr Noraini, also a WHI Leader, emphasized that the halal industry is expanding beyond food and beverage to include pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, Islamic finance, logistics, tourism, and fashion, creating broader opportunities for women's participation.
The two-day programme, which began yesterday, provides holistic support to women entrepreneurs, including halal certification training, business mentorship, access to financing and markets, leadership development, and networking opportunities. Since its launch in June, WHI has attracted over 400 women entrepreneurs, selecting 153 participants, exceeding the initial target of 50.
Dr Noraini noted the enthusiastic response as evidence that Malaysian women are eager to explore new opportunities in the halal industry and possess the drive and capability to compete globally. The programme, themed 'Transformation of Women in the Halal Industry,' also received support from Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (KUSKOP), and the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA), offering additional assistance through halal skills training, digital guidance, and access to financing via HDC's Halal Integrated Platform (HIP).
HDC acting chairman Datuk Azhari Shaari stated that the programme aligns with Malaysia's goal to become an inclusive, sustainable, and competitive Global Halal Hub by 2030, with women serving as agents of social change embodying halal values, integrity, and innovation across sectors. He illustrated the potential of women's involvement in business with the story of a young entrepreneur who started by selling sambal from her kitchen and now exports ready-to-eat products internationally.
Participant Sharon Chen, owner of UniNoto Sdn Bhd, found the programme beneficial in enhancing her understanding of the halal concept and certification process. She emphasized that halal encompasses cleanliness, integrity, and adherence to proper business procedures, beyond being merely pork-free or alcohol-free.
Another participant, Dawisy Rizqi Maummy Empire owner Nirhayati Amran, said the programme aids entrepreneurs in understanding the halal certification process, enhancing business credibility, and accessing international markets. She highlighted the importance of learning to apply for halal certification and preparing the necessary documentation to expand her business globally.