UNIDA Gontor – The University of Darussalam (UNIDA) Gontor successfully hosted a week-long International Visiting Professor Workshop and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Halal Research, carrying the theme “Enhancing Competitiveness of Halal SMEs in Food and Beverage through Halalan Thoyiban Practices: A Comparative Study Between Malaysia and Indonesia.” The program was held on Monday, 17 November 2025, at Senate Meeting Hall 2nd Floor, Integrated Building Universitas Darussalam Gontor. The program was jointly organized by the Halal Centre UNIDA Gontor, the Faculty of Economics and Management, and the Faculty of Shariah, attracting academics, practitioners, and postgraduate students committed to strengthening the global halal ecosystem.
Distinguished Speaker from INHART-IIUM
The highlight of the event was the participation of Prof. Dr. Dzuljastri Abdul Razak from the International Halal Research and Training Institute (INHART), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).
In his keynote presentation, Prof. Dzuljastri emphasized the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into the halal industry, noting that ESG-aligned practices are essential to ensuring long-term sustainability, ethical responsibility, and global market readiness for halal small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He explained that harmonizing ESG with halalan thoyiban principles offers a robust framework for improving product quality, strengthening consumer trust, and elevating the international competitiveness of halal food and beverage producers in both Malaysia and Indonesia.
Cross-Faculty Participation
The workshop and FGD drew significant engagement from lecturers of the Faculty of Economics, the Faculty of Shariah, as well as students from both faculties.
Postgraduate participants from the Master of Islamic Economics and Master of Islamic Law programs also attended, contributing diverse perspectives during discussions on halal certification, supply-chain assurance, and contemporary research challenges.
Strengthening Malaysia–Indonesia Collaboration
Throughout the sessions, participants explored collaborative opportunities in halal research, highlighting shared cultural, economic, and religious contexts between Malaysia and Indonesia. The discussions reaffirmed the importance of cross-border academic partnerships in developing a more resilient and competitive halal industry across the region.
A Step Forward for Global Halal Excellence
Held at the Senate Meeting Hall of UNIDA Gontor, the program underscored the university’s commitment to advancing halal studies and fostering international cooperation.
By integrating ESG principles and halalan thoyiban values, the event provided fresh insights and actionable strategies for empowering halal SMEs amid evolving global standards.
Redaction: Al Ustadz Eko Nur Cahyo, Ph.D.
Editor: Rifki Aulia
