Filter: asia
MALAYSIA: Biotech incubator taking shape in Batu Kawan
A RM30 million biotechnology incubator is taking shape in Batu Kawan on the Penang mainland, as part of the federal government’s efforts to boost the biotechnology sector in the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER). Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq said the incubator, which is sprawled over more than two hectares at the Penang Science Park, will be completed by year-end. The centre neighbours are companies like Singapore Aerospace Manufacturing’s facility for aerospace structural parts and marine-based food manufacturer Jeenhuat Food Industries Sdn Bhd (JEFI).
Filed Under: Science
PAKISTAN: Pak food brands set to make UAE foray
Pakistan’s food industry is poised to lead in the UAE 
market as major brands are expected to make forays into the country this year, Khaleej Times has learnt. Pakistani food companies made inroads to the UAE market at the Gulfood exhibition in February. The major groups held fruitful meetings at the exhibition and they will start launching their products from June onward, according to industry insiders. K&N’s Foods (private) Limited, a leading name in poultry and meat products in Pakistan, is expected to market its products in the UAE by June. Brands in 
edible oil like Sufi Cooking Oil and Habib Oil, leading herbal trademark Qarshi and confectionery products leader Hilal, among others are also planning to enter the UAE food market this year.
MALAYSIA: Malaysia Well-positioned To Become Global Halal Hub
Malaysia is well- positioned to become a global Halal hub by 2020 given the global acceptance of Malaysia's Halal certification, increasing recognition of its Halal food and consumable products and its global leadership in Islamic banking finance industry.
MALAYSIA: Skincare Producer El Hajj Eyes International Market
El Hajj Products Sdn Bhd, the first company to come out with JAKIM-certified skincare products, has its eyes set on the international market. To be there, it chooses the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) as the platform. The company got a lot of enquiries from international visitors especially this global Halal market place, said Managing Director Muhammad Hamudi Abdul Khalid. By year-end, El Hajj would expand its business to South Africa and Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia, he told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre where the four-day MIHAS 2012 is being held.
World Halal Forum 2012 - Cultivating a Universal Halal Lifestyle
The 7th World Halal Forum (WHF) started on 2 April with Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Tan Sri Muhyiddin Hj Mohd Yassin officially launching the annual forum at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The two-day forum attracted the participation of 720 delegates and over 35 speakers. With participants and speakers from over 36 countries, WHF 2012 provides a stirring platform for a stimulating discussion on the USD800 billion worth Halal industry. Tan Sri Muhyiddin Hj Mohd Yassin, in his keynote address, praised the World Halal Forum for its efforts in emphasizing on a universal appeal on Halal principles and for leveraging on creative channels like the arts, media and entertainment in spreading good values. Tan Sri Muhyiddin also stated that the new generation of Muslim youths are asking for more value out of Halal and not just mere compliance to its standards. Established in 2006, WHF has since become part of the Malaysian government's 15-year plan to become the world's Halal hub. With this year's theme "INSPIRE, INNOVATE, INVEST", WHF 2012 goes beyond its usual exploration of business perspectives and reached out towards the grassroots with its primary focus on consumer issues, as well as helping the industry's understanding on its beneficial values, to Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
Filed Under: World Halal Forum 2012
MALAYSIA: MACS Becomes the First GLC to Receive Sirims QMS from Islamic Perspective
Malaysia Airport Consultancy Service (MACS), a Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad subsidiary, has become the first government-linked company (GLC) to receive the MS1900:2005 certified by QAS International based on Quality Management System from the Islamic Perspective. Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad chief operating officer, Datuk Abd Hamid Mohd Ali said the certification endorsed MACS for having complied with the Halal requirements in accordance with the Islamic Shariah.
MALAYSIA: Halal food enhances Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre's appeal to Middle East visitors
The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre is confident of attracting more business and meeting planners from the Middle East following receipt of Halal certification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) for its five kitchens; Chinese, Western, Cold, Pastry and Malay. This is further supported by a survey conducted by crescentrating.com, a travel portal for Halal-conscious Muslim travellers that ranked Malaysia as the top Halal-friendly holiday destination for 2012 among 10 OIC (Organisation of Islamic Corporation) member states.
MALAYSIA: 400 Foreign Firms Expected For MIHAS 2012 Incoming Buying Mission
The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) expects over 400 foreign companies from more than 50 countries to participate in its Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2012's (MIHAS 2012) business matching sessions, the Incoming Buying Mission (IBM). Matrade Trade Promotion and Services Division director Mohd Aminuddin Sham Tajuddin said the top five foreign buyers will be from China, Indonesia, Jordan, the United Kingdom and Taiwan.
MALAYSIA: MIHAS 2012 Starts April 4
The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) will be organising the ninth Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS 2012) on April 4-7 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The event will showcase more than 500 exhibitors from 29 countries, Matrade Trade Promotion and Services Division director Mohd Aminuddin Sham Tajuddin said. He said MIHAS 2012 continues to be an important platform to search for Halal products and is an important Halal trade fair for the region as well as internationally.
Filed Under: MIHAS 2012
MALAYSIA: State keeps good eye on canned food from China
The State Islamic Affairs Department (JAIS) will continue to monitor canned food from China to ensure that they are Halal. Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman said yesterday that JAIS had been entrusted with this monitoring task. He also advised retailers to cooperate by displaying Halal and non-Halal food in different sections of their shops.