OSAKA, Oct 8 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), through the Center of Research for Fiqh Science & Technology (CFiRST UTM) and the Academy of Islamic Civilization (ATI), Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), successfully participated in the International Halal Ecosystem Conference (IHC 2025) held recently.

UTM joined the event as a Strategic Partner alongside leading academic institutions and industry players committed to advancing the global halal agenda. The conference served as a key platform for exchanging ideas and best practices on strengthening the halal ecosystem as a driver of food security, sustainability, and social wellbeing.

UTM’s delegation was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Fauzi Abu-Hussin, who addressed the distinguished session on “Thought Leadership II: Beyond Boundaries – Halal as a Framework for Global Wellbeing.” His presentation underscored the transformative role of halal assurance and halal supply chains in promoting inclusive economic growth and safeguarding food security worldwide.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Fauzi Abu-Hussin delivering his speech during the IHC 2025

Also representing UTM was Senior Lecturer Dr. Fahrul Irfan Ishak, who presented his research on the intersection of Islamic finance and the halal industry, highlighting innovative approaches that integrate Shariah-compliant finance with sustainable halal business practices.

Dr. Fahrul Irfan Ishak (right) from UTM receiving the Best Paper Award (Sliver Medal) at the IHC 2025

Adding to UTM’s presence at IHC 2025 were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aminudin Hehsan, Director of CFIRST; Dr. Naqib Hamdan, and Dr. Nor Izzati Nurzilan, members of CFiRST UTM, who actively contributed to discussions and networking sessions throughout the conference. In addition, two postgraduate students from Academic of Islamic Civilazation (ATI), Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH) presented their research papers, offering valuable scholarly insights into halal science, governance, and global standards.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Fauzi expressed his appreciation for the opportunity:

“IHC 2025 demonstrates the power of collaboration between academia, industry, and regulators to position halal as a universal framework for global wellbeing. We are proud to represent UTM and Malaysia’s commitment to advancing a robust, ethical, and science-driven halal ecosystem.”

UTM’s active participation underscores its thought leadership in halal research and innovation, in line with Malaysia’s aspiration to remain at the forefront of the global halal economy.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Fauzi Abu-Hussin (center) with ATI alumna Ustazah Wan Hanisah Wan Din (left), currently serving with the Japan Halal Authorities, alongside Dr. Fahrul Irfan Ishak (right) during the International Halal Ecosystem Conference (IHC 2025) networking session in Osaka

Looking ahead, UTM through CFiRST and ATI is committed to building on the momentum gained from IHC 2025 by strengthening international research collaborations, nurturing the next generation of scholars in halal science and policy, and delivering impactful, innovative solutions that serve both local and global communities.

CFiRST also looks forward to participating in IHC 2026, which is expected to be held in Egypt, further expanding its role in advancing the global halal ecosystem. Such participation reflects UTM’s broader mission of shaping a sustainable and forward-looking future while forging stronger international partnerships in advancing halal research and fiqh science technology.