Melaka, 29 October 2024 – The Halal Development Corporation Berhad’s (HDC) World Halal Excellence Awards 2023 (WHEA 2023), now in its 15th year, strongly complements Malaysia’s established Halal industry ecosystem, while placing Malaysia in a strong position to reap the opportunities of the global halal market, estimated to reach USD5 trillion 1 in value by 2030.
The WHEA 2023 recognized thirty (30) organizations (see below) and a distinguished individual for their exceptional contributions to the halal industry. Held as part of HDC’s World Halal Business Conference (WHBC), this annual awards ceremony aims to celebrate and honour significant achievements by halal industry players, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a global leader in the USD3 trillion halal market. Since its inception in 2009, HDC has awarded over 250 recognitions to individuals, organizations, and companies.
The awards were presented by the Chief Minister of Melaka, YAB Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf Yusoh, accompanied by the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), Y.B. Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.
“This year, we are celebrating the ‘Visit Melaka Year 2024’ an initiative aimed at showcasing our state’s rich heritage, vibrant culture, and dynamic business environment. The World Halal Excellence Awards 2023 aligns perfectly with this initiative, highlighting Melaka’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the halal sector,” stated Ab Rauf.
In his remarks, Tengku Zafrul highlighted the critical importance of a robust Halal ecosystem, which was also recognised by the progressive measures under Budget 2025. In noting that halal exports surged to an impressive RM54 billion in 2023, he also said,
“MITI and its agencies have actively expanded the Halal market for our exporters, for example, by securing potential trade deals worth RM2.65 billion from Pakistan, and exploring potential collaboration with Canada, with its C$1-billion Halal market, and 1.15 million Muslims.
“Our efforts on strategic cooperation, as well as industrial reform agenda have positioned Malaysia on a strong footing to meet the demand for halal products and services globally. We will continue to build on our strengths, while tracking closely the KPIs set out in the NIMP2030 and HIMP20301, by 2030 to build a sustainable, resilient Halal industry for Malaysia, especially for our SMEs and our people.”
The top two categories include the Halal State Performance Excellence Award and the Halal Leadership Excellence Award.
Leading the list was YBhg. Datin Paduka Hajah Hakimah Binti Mohd Yusoff, whose
leadership and commitment have significantly influenced the global halal ecosystem, including the development of Islamic affairs in Malaysia and governance of halal matters. Her efforts have elevated Malaysia’s status as a globally recognized reference center for halal. YBhg. Datin Paduka Hajah Hakimah has spearheaded key initiatives to enhance Malaysia’s halal certification, addressing critical challenges through strategic reengineering and improved management processes.
As Malaysia continues to establish itself as a global halal hub, states are also advancing their industries alongside the national halal economy. This year’s Halal State Performance Excellence Award was presented to the Melaka State Government in recognition of its outstanding initiatives that have promoted halal practices while spurring investment in the halal industry. (more winners are listed below)
With over 200 entries received this year—the nominees underwent thorough management audits conducted by Deloitte Business Advisory Sdn Bhd ensuring selection standards met global levels.
Full list of winners:
- KEWPIE received the Halal Prominent Brand Excellence Award (International) for its
effective marketing strategy. - Home-grown food manufacturer BABA’S was awarded in the Local Category.
- Alliance Bank Malaysia and Standard Chartered Saadiq were honoured with the Islamic Financial Services Excellence Award for Local and International Financial Institutions.
- Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the Halal Entrepreneur SME Excellence Award was presented to Gemini Beauty Resources Sdn Bhd.
- The Halal Logistics Excellence Award was awarded to Foodpanda for its initiative, Bekal by Foodpanda.
- The Halal Technology & Innovation Excellence Award went to Duopharma Biotech
Berhad (LLC/MNC) and World Prominence Bhd (Sudee) in the SME category. - The Muslim-Friendly Healthcare Excellence Award was awarded to Klinik Al-Farabi
Kuantan Sdn Bhd for its dedication to promoting halal-certified products while ensuring all business activities meet the highest halal standards for both local and international markets. - Mamee Double Decker Sdn Bhd (Large Company category) and Givaudan Flavours & Fragrances Malaysia Sdn Bhd (SME category) for demonstrating innovative business processes, advanced product R&D capabilities, high ESG awareness in their operations, and overall business achievements.
- The Halal Pharmaceutical Excellence Award (LLC/MNC) was presented to Ain Medicare for significantly expanding its export network across diverse countries.
- Kopitiam Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd won the Halal Franchise Excellence Award (Franchisor), successfully expanding its footprint to Hong Kong, Singapore, the USA, Taiwan, China, and beyond.
- The Halal Gourmet Food & Beverages Excellence Award (LLC/MNC) went to Empire Sushi.
- Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur Chinatown received the Muslim-Friendly Tourism Excellence Award (International), while G Hotel won in the SME category.
- The newly introduced Islamic Content Creation Awards were presented to Tribune International (Australia) in the international category; it is known as the ‘Voice of Multicultural Australia’.
- TV Al-Hijrah won the local category as Malaysia’s first Islamic TV station promoting Islam as a lifestyle while sharing Islamic knowledge and culture.
- The Halal Cosmetics Excellence Awards were presented to Wardah for international category and Safi for local category.
- Muslim Pro received the Halal Digital Platform Excellence Award (International) for its comprehensive mobile application supporting daily religious practices of Muslims worldwide. The same award for Local Category went to ZUS Coffee.
- The Halal International Relations Award was presented to Halal Food Authority (HFA) for playing a significant role in fostering international relations through its commitment to halal certification that aligns with global trade and market access for halal products especially between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia making HFA a prominent certification body ensuring food products meet halal standards.
- Vinnie Ang received the Women Entrepreneur Excellence Award; she is CEO of Kanika, a leading Malaysian company renowned for premium halal-certified frozen food products.
- Tan Kai Young, the CEO of Woodpecker Group—won the Youth Entrepreneur Excellence Award.
- The Halal Industrial Park Excellence Award was conferred upon TH Properties, the operator of Techpark @ Enstek.
