Over the past decade, the concept of halal has gained a considerable interest within the business community. The concept of halal has been increasingly embraced by non-Muslims driven by heightened health and ethical consciousness, social responsibility and an alignment to the values underlying Halal. While the 2022 State of the Global Islamic Economy Report projected that the spending by Muslim population in 2022 will grow by 91 percent and is expected to reach US$2.8 trillion by 2025, the sizeable market for halal products is also expected to grow with the increase of non-Muslim halal practitioners. The Halal Industry Development Corporation projected that the global market of halal industry is expected to reach RM10 trillion by 2024.
In 2021, Malaysia’s export of Halal products was valued
at USD8.62 billion with the largest export was in Food & Beverages,
followed by Halal Ingredients, Cosmetic & Personal Care, Palm Oil
Derivatives, Industrial Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals. Malaysia’s export of
pharmaceutical products was valued around USD413.69 million which registered
double digit growth of 24 percent, the highest export value and growth for the
past 10 years since 2011. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s import of pharmaceutical
products was valued at USD2.7 billion which increased substantially by 57
percen
In line with the 12th Malaysia’s Plan, which features halal as a strategic and high impact economic sector, this seminar intended to promote and cultivate innovation and sustainability initiatives which can drive a steady growth for the halal economy especially in the healthcare and medical sector. In support of Malaysia’s on-going efforts to globalize the halal industry, this seminar was held in conjunction with the 18th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS)1 scheduled from 7-10 September 2022 in Kuala Lumpur.
This seminar gathered speakers and participants from diverse backgrounds and industries to promote information exchanges and awareness about halal concept especially in the healthcare and medical sector. Sharing of experiences and expertise between Taiwan and Malaysia was timely to highlight the competitiveness and prospects of life sciences sector and commercial opportunities in the halal medical industry. The outcome and exchanges of this seminar is expected to generate more opportunities for collaboration between Malaysia and Taiwan in the halal medical industry.
The seminar commenced with special remarks by officials from Malaysia and Taiwan namely Ms. Sharon Ho Swee Peng, President of MFTC; Ms. Li-Ling Liu, Director-General of the International Cooperation, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan and Dr. De-Yang Chou, Superintendent of the China Medical University Hospital.
Four distinguished speakers were invited to highlight
their professional insights on the existing and potential areas of commercial
opportunities in the halal medical industry. They were namely Ms. Aninawati
Saleh, Director of Trade Division, MFTC (MATRADE Taipei), Dr Ooi Hean, Vice
Director of International Center of China Medical University Hospital, Mr. M.
Rajarathinam, Business Development Manager/Pharmacist of Ain Medicare Sdn Bhd,
and Dato’ Dr. Lee Fang Hsin, Chairman of Y.S.P. Southeast Asia Holdings Bhd