MONDAY, 3 MARCH 2025, MANILA: As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening the Halal industry in Malaysia and the Philippines, the Embassy of Malaysia in Manila through its Trade Office, MATRADE Manila organized a Roundtable Discussion on the Halal Industry on 26 February 2025, bringing together key stakeholders from government agencies, private sector representatives, Halal certification bodies, and trade associations. The roundtable served as a platform to explore opportunities for collaboration, discuss industry challenges, and identify strategies to enhance Malaysia-Philippines cooperation in the Halal sector.

With Malaysia assuming the ASEAN Chairmanship this year, the event was timely as it presented a significant opportunity to drive regional economic cooperation, particularly in high growth sectors such as the Halal industry. With a steadfast commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable development, Malaysia aims to strengthen ASEAN’s economic integration and enhance collaboration in the global Halal economy.

Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines, H.E. Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino in his welcoming remarks said that the Roundtable Session is a vital step toward strengthening Malaysia-Philippines collaboration in the halal industry. He added that, “As we explore key opportunities in halal certification, trade, investment, and capacity building, it is equally important to address challenges and policy frameworks that can drive industry growth. Digitalization, innovation, and sustainability for example are transforming the halal economy, creating new avenues for businesses and enhancing global competitiveness. By fostering deeper cooperation, Malaysia and the Philippines can position themselves as key players in the expanding halal market, ensuring inclusive and sustainable development for both nations and the broader ASEAN region.”

During the event, Ms Intan Zalani, the Trade Attache for MATRADE Manila also highlighted on the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), the annual premier trade platform held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for halal industry players to convene and source for high quality halal products and services from across sectors. This year’s MIHAS will be held from 17 – 20 September in Kuala Lumpur and MATRADE Manila welcomes participation from Philippines companies who are interested to expand their halal market, not only in Malaysia but also globally. Last year, with the support of DTI, saw the participation of 20 Philippine halal exporters under the Philippine Pavilion which has generated USD 7.9 million in sales.

The event was also attended by Chairman of Halal Development Corporation Malaysia, Mr Khairul Azwan Harun and Mr Engelbert Josef Chua, Chief of Staff and Assistant Secretary under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as well as Mr Aleem Guiapal who headed the Halal Taskforce under DTI. During the event, two Panel Discussions were held focusing on “Unlocking the USD7.7 trillion Halal Market” and “Strengthening Collaboration for Halal Industry Development.

Panelist from the panel discussions include Mr Dhaliff Anuar from Halal Development Corporation; Mr Enrico L Cordoba from Maybank Philippines, Ms Saleha P. Sacar from National Commission on Muslim Filipinos; Mr Al-Mahdi I. Jul-Ahmad from Export Marketing Bureau DTI; Ms Emelita P. Bagsit from Department of Science and Technology Calabarzon; Ms Floramel Joy Songsong from TESDA; Dr Rogelio T. Galera from CHED Regional Office IV and Associate Professor Ts Dr Norshakirah Aziz from University Technology Petronas Malaysia.

The Roundtable on Halal Industry was attended by more than 80 participants from Malaysia and the Philippines. This event was the second Roundtable Discussion on Halal Industry organized by the Embassy, following the first roundtable held back in May 2023.

In 2023, Malaysia exported USD 12.5 billion worth of Halal products, covering food and beverages, halal ingredients, cosmetics, personal healthcare, and palm oil. The Philippines accounted for USD 0.51 billion of these exports, primarily in food and beverages, halal ingredients, and personal care items. These figures underscore the rising confidence and demand for Halal-certified products and highlight the vast potential for deeper bilateral trade and investment between Malaysia and the Philippines in the Halal sector.