Agrobank, MSU Strengthen Halal Ecosystem, Target 5,000 Industry Players

SHAH ALAM, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- Agrobank and Management and Science University (MSU) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen talent and competency development in the halal industry, targeting 5,000 knowledgeable and skilled halal industry players.

The collaboration is a continuation of the Halal@Agrobank initiative launched recently at the Penang International Halal Expo (PIHEX) 2026, and is part of efforts to strengthen support for agri-food entrepreneurs and the development of the country’s halal ecosystem.

Agrobank Group president and chief executive officer Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin said the collaboration with MSU was an important step in strengthening the Halal@Agrobank initiative through the development of talent and professionals capable of supporting the growth of the country’s halal ecosystem.

“The halal industry needs not only more entrepreneurs, but also professionals with the competencies to help them grow and meet industry requirements. Therefore, talent development needs to go hand in hand with entrepreneurship development.

“This collaboration with MSU provides a more structured talent development pathway, from education and training to competency mastery and application in the industry.

“Through this approach, agri-food entrepreneurs can be assisted in enhancing their understanding, strengthening compliance, improving product quality and gaining access to wider halal markets,” he said at the Agrobank-MSU strategic collaboration signing ceremony at MSU in Section 13 today.

Under the collaboration, MSU will provide expertise in education and training, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), research, innovation and competency development, while Agrobank will link the expertise with entrepreneur development, financing access, halal advisory services and market opportunities.

Meanwhile, MSU president and founder Professor Tan Sri Datuk Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid said the signing of the MoU would serve as an important platform for smart collaboration between MSU and Agrobank, particularly through the International Centre for Halal Studies (ICHLAS).

He said that, as one of MSU’s centres of excellence (COE), ICHLAS would share its expertise in research, education and development inclusively and holistically.

“At MSU, we see industry not only as a strategic partner in providing employment opportunities, but also as a development partner that contributes to strengthening the curriculum, experiential learning, research, innovation and talent development.

“This approach strengthens the industry-embedded university ecosystem, enabling MSU to produce competent and competitive graduates,” he said.

In addition to targeting 5,000 halal industry players, Agrobank also aims to produce 300 certified halal industry practitioners with specialised competencies in the halal sector.

The target supports the Agrobank Halal Roadmap 2026-2030, which also aims to develop 10,000 entrepreneurs, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to better prepare them to expand their business capacity, meet halal compliance requirements and compete in wider markets.

-- BERNAMA