Brunei has the potential to become a role model in terms of driving the halal agenda forward for both Muslim and non-Muslim nations.

This was stated by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, Hjh Suriyah bte Hj Umar, in her remarks made during the closing ceremony of the International Halal Market Conference (IHMC) yesterday.

“We’ve got informative in-depth information on many issues in the global halal market, and have engaged in a review of the past and information of the current issues, (which has) given us all an insight on how the halal market is likely to develop in the coming years,” she said.

“Session Five has been very interesting with all the speakers and an open panel session, and a few things I take away are the importance of halal market development, and that Brunei may be able to take the lead,” said Hjh Suriyah.

“Another important thing is how Brunei Halal Brand can take the lead with how the situation in Brunei is, and how other countries feel about Brunei, with everything from alcohol to haram food, so I think we can take advantage of that, and I do think that Brunei Halal Brand is going in the right direction.”

The permanent secretary in her remarks also underlined the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR). “I’m glad to point out that Brunei Halal Brand does associate itself on this CSR issue with ‘Cooking From the Heart’, where we take students to be part of the Brunei Halal Brand, and we’re helping them to find their way in the industry,” she said.

Hjh Suriyah lauded the smooth and successful running of the event.

“Overall I think we’ve had a good two-day session, and I’m glad we’ve had very good participation from the floor as well, and of course the distinguished guests have given us good ideas and information, and a few points to take away. The most important thing is the huge potential in the halal market, not only in finance and the food industry, but increasingly in the tourism industry as well.”

The permanent secretary further said there is huge potential in the halal market, and recognised the ongoing importance and initiatives for internationally acceptable standards.

“This has been discussed in the previous five conferences that we’ve had,” she added.

“We also recognise the increasing importance of Islamic finance in the halal industry and Brunei’s commitment to Islamic finance, halal and halal-friendly tourism. And maybe something that we should look into is probably creation of education and training programmes and coursework that combine all these three elements.

The closing ceremony of the IHMC that was held at the International Convention Centre in Berakas marked the end of a successful Halal expo that spanned over a period of four days.

The event was attended by the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar.

Yesterday’s concluding session witnessed several other key discussions from halal-related experts, analysing in depth the current status and development across Europe through quality maintenance and it’s involvement and distinction on a national footing as well as within the Asean region.

Guest speakers from the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand talked about the existing strategies and visions in respective countries.

Following a series of sessions on the opening day, the third session explored the National Halal Development Programmes in the Asean Region.

The fourth session held yesterday evening brought about the issue of Halal Development Programmes in Muslim-Minority Regions in areas across Europe and in Australia.

The key guest speakers were Mr Jon Hayes, a Board Member of the Australia Government Halal Consultative Committee; Mr Amir Sakic, Director of the Agency of Halal Quality Supervision, Bosnia Herzegovina; and Mr Muhammad Nazir, Chairman of the European Halal Development Agency EHDA based in the United Kingdom.

Wrapping up the events to a close, guest speakers and panellists engaged in an open panel forum to review and summarise the IHMC theme of “Reviewing the Past, Analysing the Present, Glimpsing the Future”, discussing the challenges and possible opportunities that are developing in various halal markets around the world.

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