Johor bahru: Malaysia's leadership in the global halal ecosystem continues to be strengthened through the World Halal Excellence Awards 2024 (WHEA 2024), further boosting the country's competitiveness in the rapidly expanding global halal market projected to reach US$5 trillion (US$1 = RM4.10) by 2030. Organised by Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC), the 16th edition of the awards recognised 29 organisations and three individuals for their contributions towards advancing halal standards, innovation and industry development.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the awards, held at the Desaru Convention Centre last night, were presented by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, witnessed by HDC acting chairman Datuk Azhari Shaari. Onn Hafiz said hosting this prestigious event in Johor demonstrates the state's growing role in advancing Malaysia's halal ecosystem. He highlighted Johor's strategic location as a key gateway for global halal trade, supported by the Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Pasir Gudang Port, and Senai International Airport, connecting halal markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Onn Hafiz stated, 'WHEA reinforces this strength by showcasing Johor's commitment to strengthening Halal excellence, driving industry innovation, and enhancing global market connectivity.' Meanwhile, Azhari expressed hope that the recognition from the awards will help companies expand their business beyond the local market into international markets, while also inspiring other halal industry players to strive for the same recognition. He emphasized the importance of transparency and fairness in the WHEA standards and assessment processes, aligning them with the rapid developments in today's halal industry.
Azhari noted that the awards not only strengthen the halal ecosystem but also enhance competitiveness, certification integrity, and drive sustainable halal economic growth for the benefit of the industry and the people. He highlighted this year's inclusion of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) elements in the award judging criteria, underscoring their importance as essential pillars of the global halal industry.
He further added that Malaysia will continue to make progress in the halal industry, supported by HDC's commitment to advancing this agenda, in line with the targets set under the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) and Halal Industry Master Plan (HIMP) 2030. Hong Leong Islamic Bank Bhd's CEO Dafinah Ahmed Hilmi expressed the bank's honor in receiving the Islamic Financial Services Excellence Award, validating their strategic vision and dedication to the halal sector.
Jasmine Food Corporation's head of brand and product development, Farhan Hafetz, remarked that receiving the Digital Platform Excellence Award will further strengthen the company's commitment to the country's halal sector. Youth Entrepreneur Excellence Award winner and Muiz Hot Chicken founder Muhamad Muizzudin Remle shared his aspiration to inspire the younger generation, urging entrepreneurs to seize opportunities provided by the state government.
WHEA 2024 also saw former Johor Mufti Datuk Dr Nooh Gadot receive the Halal Leadership Excellence Award, while the Johor state government was honored with the Halal State Performance Excellence Award.