It was a frenetic week last week for Malaysia’s Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) when it announced various plans to strengthen Halal delivery using institutions of higher learning.
On Monday, HDC announced their collaboration with two international universities, namely Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand and University of Maryland, USA to provide halal executive training programme, which would start as early as August this year.
HDC’s halal executive training programmes are prepared for industry players, general public and students. It covers basic principles and best practices applied at every level of the industry.
“Institution of higher learnings are interested to be part of this training programme, aware of the new growth area in halal industry,” HDC chief executive officer Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin said.
On Sunday, a total of 65 students from six local polytechnics graduated from HDC pilot training programme.
The students, from food and science faculty and hospitality faculty, underwent a six-month training programme comprising three months of theory classes and another three months of industry internship, in collaboration with Institut Keusahawanan Negara and the Polytechnic Division of Ministry of Higher Education.
Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapha Mohamed handed out their certificates.
An MoU with Institute of Halal Research & Management (IHRAM), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) was also signed to develop Halal pharmaceuticals training modules.
This MoU is aimed at strengthening the knowledge and appreciation of Halal pharmaceuticals within the industry and other key stakeholders.
On Wednesday, HDC also announced a strategic partnership with TPM Biotech Sdn Bhd (TPMB) to formulate a Halal Laboratory Standard and also a key halal development programme.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was inked to create a halal entrepreneurship programme which encompasses the development of halal products, a contract development programme and to implement a training programme.
A wholly-owned subsidiary of Technology Park Malaysia Corporation Sdn Bhd, TPMB offers analysis and analytical laboratory services in overcoming key issues related to quality, safety and purity of food and products as well as other consumer products.
For 2011, the HDC aims to fulfill its goals for Halal integrity, Halal industry development and Halal brand promotion with the view to moving on to the next stage.
The HDC’s masterplan details several programmes and activities that will be carried out during this year, in supporting the Ministry of International Trade & Industry’s Key Result Area together with related agencies like MATRADE, MIDA, SMECorp, MPC, SME Bank, MIDF and INSKEN, as well as with industry players.
News adapted from various sources.
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