HDC preparing local SMEs for global halal market

KUALA
LUMPUR: Halal Industry Development Corp (HDC) wants to strengthen the
participation of local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the
global halal industry.

Chief executive officer Datuk Seri Jamil
Bidin said growing the industry was not merely about certifying the
most number of products possible but also ensuring strong
infrastructure for it.

“The halal training programmes by HDC are
a key part of our efforts in turning Malaysia into a preferred global
support and reference centre,” he said.

Jamil said this after a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing between HDC and Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd yesterday.

Under
the MOU, HDC will train at least 300 trainees from Mydin’s SME
suppliers, who will receive certificates upon completion of the course.

HDC will provide the trainers, training materials and aids for the trainees.

Mydin
managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin said: “As a local company owned
and managed by Muslims, it is part of our responsibility to help local
SMEs equip themselves with the right knowlegde as well as confidence in
managing and producing their halal products.”

Jamil said HDC’s training programme would boost Mydin’s position as a leading provider of halal products.

HDC
Halal Integrity vice-president Mariam Abdul Latif said the training
programme currently focused on Mydin’s SME vendors and lasted for 12
months.

The MOU signed yesterday will expire in a month and another detailed agreement will be signed within this period.

HDC currently offers three modules in the halal training programme – Halal Awareness, Halal Industry and Halal Professional.