The Halal Journal Awards 2009: Presenting the new and experienced captains of the industry

The Halal Journal Awards – the global Halal industry’s most prestigious and sought-after awards – was created to honour outstanding achievements and fill a void in the global Halal industry. The Halal Journal award is a mark of quality, excellence and innovation.

Following the fine tradition of promoting distinguished role models for the global Halal industry, The Halal Journal was proud to present the winners of this year’s Halal Journal Awards, held during the Gala Dinner at the fourth World Halal Forum on 4 May 2009.

Our panel of judges selected eight nominees from around the world for their outstanding initiatives and contributions in eight distinct categories. All winners demonstrated their commitment, pioneering innovations and success in the Halal industry. This year’s awards were presented by the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Abdullah Hj. Ahmad Badawi.

This year’s honour list:

Best Halal Product 2009: AYS Sdn Bhd, Malaysia

The company was awarded for its contribution to the food sector in developing and manufacturing the world’s first microwaveable Halal frozen ready-to-eat Malaysian meals called the Sri Kulai Ready-to-Eat Meals. The inspiration was created to promote the Malaysian culture by offering authentic, mouth-watering Malaysian cuisine locally and internationally.

Most Creative Marketing Campaign 2009: Saaf International, the United Kingdom

Saaf International was awarded for their vibrant and interactive website, which features its range of Organic, Eco-ethical and Halal certified skincare products – the first of its kind in the West. Saaf also runs a virtually paperless office where all their marketing, training and point-of-sale system are available through their website, to handle services such as new enquiries and distributor management.

Best Islamic Financial Service or Product 2009: Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Malaysia

Khazanah Nasional Berhad was awarded for the issuance of USD550 million Islamic exchangeable trust certificates (Sukuk) by Paka Capital Ltd. This was the first Sukuk to offer Islamic investors exposure to the Chinese market; the first exchangeable Sukuk to offer zero periodic payment; and is listed in three other stock exchanges. The issuance was over-subscribed 10 times its offered size, with the offer closing three hours after opening.

Best Corporate Social Responsibility 2009: Chemical Company of Malaysia (CCM) Bhd

CCM created a unique educational initiative for children that was conducted nationwide called Champs Educational School Programme. Champs – its brand for children’s vitamins first obtained Malaysia’s Halal certification for health supplements in 1999 – was launched in 2008, to raise awareness and educate children on the importance of health and health supplements, targeting primary school children. Champs has supported the Knowledge Discovery National Spelling Competition and the production of a Health Booklet with Malaysia’s Ministry of Education.

Travel and Hospitality 2009: Al Jawhara Group of Hotels and Apartments, Dubai, UAE

Founded in 1979, Al Jawhara Group of Hotels and Apartments was set up as the First Islamic Hotel Group with its very own unique Islamic Hospitality concept; offering wholesome family atmosphere, with all the modern facilities required in a hotel. Al Jawhara prides itself in following the Shariah principles as the highest order in business ethics code, offering their guests the best Halal hospitality in the region.

Best Halal-Related Service Provider 2009: Astro Oasis, Malaysia

As the first Malaysian channel dedicated to lifestyle based on Islamic values, Astro Oasis is a platform for communities in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and other Islamic countries to gain knowledge. The channel’s input - through numerous ways in bringing goodness and peace, with programmes ranging from education, entertainment, information, and documentaries – presents the lifestyle of moderate Muslims.

Outstanding Personal Achievement in the Halal Industry 2009: Dr Hani Mansour Mosa Al-Mazeedi, Associate Research Scientist, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

Dr Hani was one of the pioneers to promote Halal in a holistic manner integrating HACCP and Halal, and taking the concept across the whole supply chain. His experience and active participation in Halal-related matters has enabled him to travel worldwide – such as to Australia, New Zealand, France, the US and Brazil – to champion a unified Halal system not only on food but also other sectors including cosmetics, consumables, medicine, pharmaceuticals and fertilisers. Dr. Hani is well sought-after for his expertise in finding forgeries in Halal certifications including determining what is acceptable and unacceptable in Halal certification systems today. Dr Hani’s achievements include an invitation to visit McDonald’s, USA, in 1996, to investigate their Halal system where he introduced the McHalal System for McDonald’s International.