SAYED RIDHWAAN
The Global Halal Summit 2023, hosted by JAKIM, is currently taking place in Malaysia with the participation of esteemed South African Halal bodies. Among the attendees from South Africa are the Muslim Judicial Council Halaal Trust (MJCHT), National Independent Halaal Trust (NIHT) , and South African National Halaal Authority (SANHA). This summit serves as a platform for halaal certifying bodies from around the world to come together, exchange knowledge, and address the challenges and opportunities in the halaal industry.
The CEO of the National Independent Halaal Trust, Moulana Abdul Wahab Wookay, emphasized the importance of technology in enhancing the halaal experience for consumers. With representatives from 84 Halal Certifying Bodies spanning 47 countries, there is a strong focus on leveraging technology to improve the halaal industry as a whole.
The Cape Town Ulama Board, a council of Islamic scholars, expressed their pride in seeing South African halaal bodies gain international recognition. They believe that these organizations play a crucial role in ensuring the halaal needs of the Muslim community in South Africa are met, while they also applaud JAKIM for the innovative technology transformation in the Halaal Sector.
Moulana Navlakhi, the Theological Director of the South African National Halaal Authority, highlighted the JAKIM-hosted summit as an ideal platform for Halal Certifying Bodies to contribute and gain insights into the latest trends, developments, and innovations in the halaal ecosystem. This conference also facilitates networking and collaboration in halaal certification services worldwide.
During the keynote address, Datuk Hakimah Mohd Yusoff, Director-General of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim), emphasized the importance of digital transformation. She showcased Jakim’s efforts in incorporating digital advancements into their halaal certification processes and mentioned the organization’s ongoing development of a digital halaal system.
The MJC Halaal Trust, recognized as an accredited certifying body, is actively participating in the Global Halal Summit 2023. Shaykh Zakkariya Philander, a representative of the trust attending the summit, expressed that this event allows them to stay updated on the latest industry trends and developments, ensuring the provision of high-quality halaal certification services.
The presence of South African halaal bodies at the Malaysia Global Halal Summit not only highlights their expertise and dedication but also reinforces South Africa’s crucial role in the global halaal industry. By actively engaging in global discussions and exchanges, these organizations contribute to the continuous growth and development of the halaal ecosystem. The summit is set to conclude on September 12, 2023.
