Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi Unveils Tahira Group’s ASEAN Halal Pavilion at MIHAS 2024

The unveiling of the ASEAN Halal Pavilion by Tahira Group at the Malaysian International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2024 marks a significant step in fostering collaboration within the ASEAN halal industry. Launched in Kuala Lumpur by Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who also chairs the Malaysian Halal Industry Development Council, the pavilion showcases the growing network of halal producers, traders, and service providers across ASEAN.

Launch Event Highlights

On September 17, 2024, Dr. Ahmad Zahid officiated the launch of the ASEAN Halal Pavilion, alongside key figures such as Mr. Khairul Azwan Harun, Chairman of the Malaysian Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC), and YB Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, Chairman of Tahira Logistics. This launch not only highlights the strong role Malaysia plays in the halal industry but also reflects the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders within the ASEAN region.

ASEAN Halal Market: A Thriving Industry

With approximately 240 million of ASEAN’s 600 million population identifying as Muslims, the halal industry is a cornerstone in the region’s economy. ASEAN countries account for 15% of the global halal economy, with Malaysia and Indonesia leading the way as the most advanced halal markets. Additionally, Thailand’s Muslim producers are experiencing significant growth, and countries like Vietnam and Cambodia are also making strides to strengthen their halal exports.

Tahira Group’s Vision for the ASEAN Halal Pavilion

Recognizing the untapped potential of the ASEAN halal industry on a global scale, Tahira Group has pioneered the ASEAN Halal Pavilion. The pavilion aims to create a cohesive platform for halal manufacturers and service providers across ASEAN, focusing on three core business areas:

1. Halal holidays.Asia – A user-friendly online portal offering Muslim-friendly holiday packages across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and China.
2. NilaiMart.com – An e-commerce platform that provides convenient access to regionally produced halal products.
3. Halal Logistics – A logistics aggregator ensuring that items are delivered by providers who adhere to halal principles.

Before the pavilion launch, Tahira Group signed an MoU with several prominent organizations, including the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organization (MAPIM), Vietnam International Investment Trade Development, Thai Muslim Traders Association (TMTA), Komunitas Pengusaha Muslim Indonesia (KPMI), and Halal International China (Hong Kong, Macau). This collaboration underscores a unified effort among industry players to strengthen the development of the ASEAN halal industry.

Mr. Vincent Tan, Group CEO of Tahira Group, emphasized that participation in the ASEAN Halal Pavilion reflects a strategic and collaborative approach to advance the region’s halal industry. YB Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman highlighted that the MoUs signed are crucial not only for the Muslim community in Malaysia but also for global citizens who recognize the halal industry as a benchmark for quality and purity.

Global Launches in Bangkok and Jakarta

Before the launch in Kuala Lumpur, the ASEAN Halal Pavilion was introduced in Bangkok in a ceremony coordinated by TMTA in collaboration with Tahira Group. The event was witnessed by H.E. Mr. Yousef Khalawi, Secretary General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD). Mr. Khalawi highlighted the vast opportunities in the global halal industry and urged ASEAN countries to work together to meet the growing needs of the global Muslim community.

Following the Bangkok event, Tahira Group launched the pavilion in Jakarta on August 30, 2024, during the Jakarta Halal Expo & Conference, further solidifying partnerships with KPMI and Halal International China (Hong Kong, Macau) through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).

Malaysia’s Leading Role in the Halal Ecosystem

The launch of the ASEAN Halal Pavilion by Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasizes Malaysia’s pivotal role in the development and leadership of the halal industry in the ASEAN region. The collaboration with MAPIM during the Kuala Lumpur launch is particularly noteworthy, as it signifies a commitment to fostering a network of Muslim producers and logistics providers that can support both local and global needs.

The initiative aims to address pressing challenges faced by the global Muslim community, especially in regions impacted by conflict, violence, and climate change, such as Gaza, South Sudan, and Kenya. The growth of the ASEAN halal industry can play a key role in addressing these issues by leveraging sustainable business development and ethical governance—values at the core of both halal principles and Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG).

The emphasis on ethical governance and environmental stewardship is a common foundation shared by both halal principles and ESG standards. As the halal industry grows in the ASEAN region, it not only contributes to the local economy but also has the potential to support social equality and sustainable development. By fostering collaboration among halal producers across the region, the ASEAN Halal Pavilion aims to not only build a strong economic network but also address humanitarian needs by partnering with organizations like MAPIM.

The launch of the ASEAN Halal Pavilion at MIHAS 2024 is a testament to the growing recognition of the halal industry’s role in global trade, social responsibility, and ethical business practices. With ASEAN member countries working together, this initiative has the potential to redefine the halal economy, setting standards for quality, sustainability, and inclusivity in the global market.

As the network of halal producers, service providers, and traders expands, the ASEAN Halal Pavilion stands as a symbol of unity, innovation, and commitment to ethical principles that benefit both the Muslim community and global consumers seeking high-quality, ethically produced goods and services.