The Road to Halal Professional: Competency & Internal Audit Training officially concluded yesterday, marking the end of a dynamic seven-day programme aimed at strengthening halal industry expertise through regional collaboration. Held from 24 July to 1 August 2025, the training brought together 15 participants from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Philippines, for an intensive course on halal certification, standards, and industry practices.
The programme was co-organised by Sarawak Skills, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak branch, and TESDA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD), the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED), and the Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (Sara-Bif).
During the closing ceremony, Professor Dr. Firdaus Abdullah, Rector of UiTM Sarawak Branch, emphasized that the training was designed to deliver technical knowledge, practical exposure, and capacity building in Halal Competency and Internal Halal Audit, aligned with Malaysia’s JAKIM standards.
“It combined lectures, site visits, and audit simulations, including tours of certified halal facilities such as Sara-Bif Restaurant, Halal Abattoir, and the Corned Beef Factory. For UiTM Sarawak Branch, this is more than just a training programme, it reflects our strategic commitment to strengthening the halal ecosystem, both within Sarawak and beyond,” he said.
He further noted, “We are especially proud that UiTM Sarawak Branch is currently the only JAKIM-recognized Halal Training Provider in Sarawak, and we remain committed to advancing our role in the global halal movement.”
Mr. Hallman bin Sabri, Executive Director of Sarawak Skills Development Centre and Chairman of the Federation of Malaysian Skills Development Centres (FMSDC), also spoke at the ceremony, highlighting the significance of cross-border collaboration in positioning Sarawak as a key contributor to the global halal economy.
“Sarawak is proud to support partnerships that foster knowledge-sharing, professional development, and economic growth. This training is a prime example of how international cooperation can elevate the standards and scope of the halal industry,” he said.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in comprehensive training modules delivered by expert trainers from UiTM Sarawak, with facilitation support from Sarawak Skills and close coordination with TESDA. Their combined expertise ensured a high-impact, practical learning experience tailored to the evolving demands of the halal sector.
“This programme would not have achieved its success without the dedication of the trainers from UiTM Sarawak, the facilitation team from Sarawak Skills, and the active coordination from TESDA. It also forms part of the BIMP-EAGA outcomes under the Social and Education Cluster. We are truly grateful for their invaluable contributions,” Mr. Hallman added.
The Road to Halal Professional: Competency & Internal Audit Training stands as a testament to Malaysia’s leadership in halal education and its commitment to human capital development across ASEAN. Plans are already underway for similar international engagements to further expand the reach and impact of Malaysia’s halal ecosystem.
Also present at the event were Professor Dato Dr. Jamil bin Haji Hamali, Halal Industry Islamic Council Member; Regional Director Tarhata S. Mapandi from TESDA Zamboanga, Philippines; Dr. Anecia A. Alvarez, representing the Zamboanga City Private Technical Vocational Education and Training Institutions Association (ZIAP-TVET), Philippines; Mr. Mohamad Isham bin Fauzi, Chief Strategy Officer of Sarawak Skills, and Madam Sharifah Mastura binti Wan Razali, Division Head of Industry Development, representative from Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak.
