Thailand Will Be at the Forefront of the Halal Industry

In Thailand, the Halal industry is in an exploratory period, with a market value of about US$1.29 billion, having both grown and shrunk. But it is now growing again and is expected to add US$6 billion next year. Over the past 20 years, the number of Halal-certified brands has increased from just a few hundred to 160,000, creating US$6 billion in value through the export market alone, exporting to countries worldwide, including both Muslim and non-Muslim countries.

Dr. Winai Dahlan, of the American Medical Journal Association, said, 'Thailand needs to understand that Halal is not only about the interests of Muslims, but also concerns everyone in the world.'

Dr. Winai Dahlan, of the American Medical Journal Association and founder and director of the Halal Science Center at Chulalongkorn University, said: '95% of those involved in the Halal industry, from producers, entrepreneurs and employees to consumers, are non-Muslims, so the benefit of Halal is not only to produce exciting food quality for Muslims, but also for everyone involved. Our products are exported to 57 Muslim countries, as well as many countries in Europe and North America.'

As the first country in the world to have its own Halal science center, the current goal is to push Thailand's Halal industry to become number one in the industry. There are three organizations working tirelessly to change perspectives and raise domestic Halal standards. Chulalongkorn University's Halal Science Center is dedicated to research and development of Thai Halal products, while the Pattani office focuses on production and entrepreneurship, such as promoting the development of SMEs and startups, industrial factories and agriculture.

The Chiang Mai office is responsible for big data, developing IT networks and smart technology, consistent with the Thailand 4.0 roadmap. 'Along the road from Jeddah to Mecca, there is a huge billboard showing our logo and slogan 'The mark you can trust,' which is a reliable brand,' Dr. Winai added, 'The Thai cabinet is developing a master plan using our concept.'

Chulalongkorn University's Halal Science Center and the Central Islamic Council of Thailand are working to realize this vision. The Thailand Halal Assembly will be held from November 30 to December 3, bringing together all Halal industry networks from around the world. The event includes academic seminars, talks with experts in related fields, business networking and a Halal standards convention. Under the theme 'Halal Wisdom: Integrating Science, Technology and Islamic Art,' the Halal International Expo will feature more than 260 booths showcasing thousands of Halal products. The Thailand Halal Assembly will be held at BITEC Bangna in Bangkok from November 30 to December 3, 2017; you are welcome to attend.