KUCHING: A total of 15 participants from the Philippines’ Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) completed a seven-day training programme in Sarawak aimed at strengthening their expertise in ‘halal’ certification, standards and industry practices.
The ‘Road to Halal Professional: Competency and Internal Audit Training’, held from July 24 to August 1, was jointly organised by Sarawak Skills, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak Branch, and TESDA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD), the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED), and the Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (Sara-Bif).
Rector of UiTM Sarawak Branch, Prof. Dr Firdaus Abdullah, said the training delivered technical knowledge and practical exposure in line with Malaysia’s JAKIM ‘halal’ standards.
“It combined lectures, site visits, and audit simulations, including certified ‘halal’ facilities such as the Sara-Bif Restaurant, Halal Abattoir, and the Corned Beef Factory.
“For UiTM Sarawak, this is more than a training programme; it reflects our strategic commitment to strengthening the ‘halal’ ecosystem in Sarawak and beyond,” he said during the closing ceremony.
He added that UiTM Sarawak Branch remains the only JAKIM-recognised Halal Training Provider in Sarawak and is committed to advancing its role in the global ‘halal’ movement.
Hallman Sabri, executive director of Sarawak Skills and chairman of the Federation of Malaysian Skills Development Centres (FMSDC), highlighted the importance of international collaboration in promoting Sarawak’s contributions to the global ‘halal’ economy.
“Sarawak is proud to support partnerships that foster knowledge-sharing, professional development, and economic growth.
“This training is a prime example of how international cooperation can elevate the standards and scope of the ‘halal’ industry,” he said.
Throughout the week, expert trainers from UiTM Sarawak delivered training modules with support from Sarawak Skills and close coordination with TESDA, as part of the BIMP-EAGA Social and Education Cluster outcomes.
“This programme would not have achieved its success without the dedication of the trainers from UiTM Sarawak, the facilitation team from Sarawak Skills, and the active coordination from TESDA.
“We are truly grateful for their invaluable contributions,” Hallman added.
Plans are already in motion for similar international engagements to further expand Malaysia’s leadership in ‘halal’ education and ecosystem development across ASEAN.
