By Khairul Anuar Muhamad Noh
KUALA LUMPUR, April 4 - Halal Products Research Institute (HPRI) Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) won the Halal Research and Science award under the Halal Excellence Award 2018 category in conjunction with the World Halal Week 2018 (WHW) in Kuala Lumpur.
Recognition was given to four companies including UPM, research bodies, broadcasting agencies and individuals for their respective accomplishments in the world's halal industry.
The award, organised by the Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC), designated UPM for the innovative ideas, effort put as well as the commitment shown in pioneering halal research and development through science and technology.
UPM’s trophy was presented by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan to UPM Vice-Chancellor, Prof Datin Paduka Dato' Dr. Aini Ideris. HPRI Director Prof. Dr. Shuhaimi Mustafa was also present as a representative from UPM.
Other organisations that received awards were Brahim's Holdings Bhd, McDonalds Malaysia, The Human Resource Development Fund, Nestle Malaysia, Mamee Double-Decker Malaysia and NHK Japan broadcasting station.
Halal Excellence Award 2018 through a Special Award, also honoured the recipient of the 2009 UPM Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy (Economics), Thai political scientist, Tan Sri Dr Surin Abdul Halim Ismail Pitsuwan, who was also the former Thai Foreign Minister and Secretary-General of ASEAN for his positive impact on the development of the halal industry.
World Halal Week 2018 with the theme 'Build for the Future', was organised by the HDC, a central agency under the Prime Minister's Department in collaboration with Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) and the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia.
WHW 2018 encompasses three major events, a 2-day HDC World Halal Conference (WHC) 2018 organised by HDC which began today, Malaysian International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) (4-7 April) by Matrade, and Malaysia International Halal Assembly (MyHA) (26 March-3 April) hosted by Jakim.
