Also happening in July was the year’s third Halal Lead Auditor’s Training (HLAT) hosted once again by International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) in Kuala Lumpur. The programme continues to generate more interest from industry as more players are now looking to tap seriously into the Halal market.

 

A total of 17 participants attended the rigorous three and a half day programme at Kuliyyah of Engineering, IIUM from 25 until 28 July 2011. Johnson & Johnson Malaysia, Malaysia Airport Berhad and TPM Biotech were the big names that participated this time. Malaysia’s E-Halal portal company DagangHalal.com also joined the group as well as CEO of Halal Logistics company LBB International, Marco Tieman. International participations came from Singapore and also attending was a representative from Philippine’s Muslim Mindanao Halal Certification Board.

 

“The overwhelming response that we have received from the industry is a clear indication that there is a high demand in the Halal industry for competent auditors,” commented Darhim Hashim on the first day of HLAT. He further explained that the programme approaches Halal auditing in the most comprehensive manner covering not only Shariah but other industrial aspects including food safety, quality management, corporate social responsibilities and environmental requirements as critical parts and parcels of the Halal certification.

 

“We now have a network of trained auditors all over the world. Our future expansion plan for this programme is to mobilise these experts for them to continue to provide the training overseas under the HLAT umbrella,” said Azudin Khalild, HLAT lead trainer and main coordinator of the programme since day one. Launched in 2009 in Bangkok, HLAT has produced lead auditors in countries like China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates (UAE).

 

IHI Alliance and IIUM are now preparing for the last HLAT programme of the year, scheduled to be held from 14 until 17 November 2011 in Kuala Lumpur.